Christopher Ward’s GPHG-nominated aventurine moonphase is now available in a 37mm size
Zach Blass- A new 37mm size joins the 40.5mm Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase lineup.
- It is 3.5mm smaller in diameter, equally thick at 13.3mm, and 3.83mm shorter lug-to-lug at 44.07mm.
- The case remains stainless steel, it continues to use a Sellita movement with an in-house moonphase module, and it is equally priced to the 40.5mm size (starting at US$2,325).
Just a little over a year ago, Christopher Ward caught the eyes of the watch industry and watch collectors with its C1 Moonphase. This year, it became the seventh watch from the brand to become a nominee in the industry-coveted GPHG awards – known as the Oscars of watchmaking. The common thread of Christopher Ward is pushing the limits of value-driven watchmaking, with fans around the world either praising its level of attention to detail for its price (i.e. on-the-fly micro-adjustment bracelet clasps) or its democratisation of complication with pieces like the C1 Bel Canto that offers a chime watch at an unheard of price. One thing I personally enjoy about Christopher Ward is that it often expands the sizes its models are available in, with the fan-favourite Twelve, for example, available in both 36mm and 40mm. So, perhaps it’s not a total shock that a 37mm size joins the existing 2024 GPHG-nominated 40.5mm model of the C1 Moonphase.
The watch is effectively every bit the same as the 40.5mm C1 Moonphase, the exception being its size. The 30-metre water-resistant steel case measures 37mm in diameter, 13.3mm thick, and 44.07mm lug-to-lug, which equates to a 3.5mm decrease in diameter, zero change in thickness, and a decrease of 3.83mm lug-to-lug. This creates not only a more wrist-inclusive version of the C1 Moonphase, but also a more vintage-adjacent size befitting of the elegance of a moonphase complication.
In its smaller size, the dial delivers everything watch fans loved in the original 40.5mm size. The dial is completely devoid of indices or dial branding. This allows the aventurine backdrop to really encapsulate the void and grandeur of outer space. Aventurine is known for its starry sky aesthetic created by the copper oxide flakes infused into the glass. No two are exactly the same, giving each dial a subtly different peering-into-the-telescope effect. Further detail has also been paid to the moonphase disc, which also has an aventurine backdrop. The drawcard here is the much larger than average moonphase indication, and it is distinctly crafted using Globolight – a blend of ceramic and SuperLuminova. Enlarging the moonphase indication means the moons can be more closely scrutinised. Aware of this fact, CW went to further lengths to create the texture and darkening you would find on the Moon when looking into the night sky.
The Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase is available on an Italian leather strap or the brand’s Consort bracelet. The Jubilee-style number is comprised of over 200 mixed-finished components, pairing nicely with the predominant brushing of the case that includes polished accents at its edges. It even affords owners micro-adjustment in the clasp. I think this watch looks its best on a leather strap, but considering it’s just US$160 more to purchase it on the bracelet, I’d suggest you make the jump, as you can explore limitless strap options at a 20mm width for this watch. That being said, both Christopher Ward’s bracelet and dark blue leather strap have quick-release tabs that, if you had both, would allow you to easily swap between the pair.
While a Sellita movement does not particularly offer an abundance of glamour, the real value delivered through the C1 Moonphase’s movement is the in-house JJ04 module that makes the complication possible. The in-house module cleverly links itself to the Sellita’s date mechanism through a series of gears, replacing your basic date complication with a higher-end moonphase indication that accurately tracks the cycle of the moon for 128 years. The calibre can be seen through an exhibition caseback, spruced up via its blackened and decorated rotor branded with the Christopher Ward name.
With its price starting at US$2,325, the fact you’re getting an aventurine dial and an in-house moonphase module that offers a large and eye-catching moon disc at such a price is largely unheard of – certainly non-existent from your big-box brands. It’s this aesthetic, in-house module, and price that ultimately garnered the original 40.5mm C1 Moonphase Midnight Blue a deserving GPHG nomination. This 37mm model delivers something more classic in feel, and would be my personal preference between the two size options. It opens the door to a much wider spectrum of clients to thoroughly enjoy such a striking moonphase watch at a decently affordable price.
All that said, I have one point of feedback that is not entirely fair. I know I’m being a complete stickler considering the price and that the aventurine has no markings at all, but my one point of contention for this watch is the movement’s regulation of +/-20 seconds per day. I am not asking for COSC certification here, although I wonder if such an option could be introduced as an add-on expense for an extra few hundred dollars. If at standard, the regulation could be closer to 10 or 15 seconds per day, it would offer armour to perhaps the model’s one Achilles heel. I also hate when watches lose time, so I would love to see watch manufacturers work towards creating zero to plus whatever number of seconds regulation parameters.
Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase 37mm pricing and availability
The Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase 37mm is available now for purchase. Price: US$2,325 (leather strap), US$2,485 (Consort bracelet)
| Brand | Christopher Ward |
| Model | C1 Moonphase 37mm |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 13.10mm (T) x 44.07mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal, front and back |
| Dial | Aventurine |
| Strap | Consort bracelet or Italian leather strap |
| Movement | Sellita SW220-1 base, JJ04 module, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, moonphase |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$2,325 (Italian leather strap) US$2,485 (Consort™ bracelet) |