The Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor | WatchGecko Review

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Dec 5, 2020
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WatchGecko Review - The Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor

In the history of dive watches the super compressor is something of an oddity. Invented by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA), it used a spring-loaded mechanism on the inside of the case back to improve a watch’s water resistance. Basically, the water pressure increases the further you go underwater. Therefore the deeper you dived, the tighter the caseback was pushed against the case.

Whilst the technology has been made redundant by modern manufacturing, Christopher Ward has resurrected it. Presumably for no better reason than the bragging rights such an accomplishment merits.

Not that I’m criticising them, because the end result is this - the C65 Super Compressor. It’s the first genuine super compressor in nearly 50 years, and it’s quite the statement piece.

WRITTEN ARTICLE: https://www.watchgecko.com/the-chri...ressor-review-resurrecting-a-dive-watch-icon/

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*Model Wrist Sizes*
6.25 inches

Products featured:

LINKS:
The Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor:
https://www.christopherward.com/int/retro-dive/C65-Super-Compressor/C65-41ASC1-S0WK0-RK.html

ZULUDIVER 300 (MKII) Italian Rubber Watch Strap:
https://www.watchgecko.com/zuludiver-300-italian-rubber-watch-strap

ZULUDIVER Quick Release Sailcloth Waterproof Divers Watch Strap:
https://www.watchgecko.com/sailcloth-watch-strap

Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap:
https://www.watchgecko.com/vintage-highley-genuine-leather-watch-strap

The watch is a bold departure from Christopher Ward’s usually reserved designs. But don’t let that fool you, because this watch is still a very capable diver. It’s got a water-resistance of 150m, which isn’t remarkable, but it will get the job done. The bottom crown is also screw-down, but the top one which turns the bezel, is not. It might seem like an odd choice not to make both crowns screw-down, but as the bezel crown doesn’t pull out, only rotate, it’s not really a problem. The C65 Super Compressor also has a domed sapphire crystal, which offers the best protection from scratches.

Inside the watch you’ll find a Sellita SW200, which as we all know is a clone of the iconic ETA 2824. It’s got 26 jewels, a 38 hour power reserve, and beats at a rate of 4Hz. Overall it’s your standard Swiss automatic movement, and Christopher Ward states it should be accurate to within 20 seconds a day.

The movement can be viewed through a display caseback, a first for a super compressor. This means that you can actually see the compression spring that helps give the watch it’s name. The 300 micron thick spring is housed within an orange ring, that is engraved with a vintage diving bell icon. As simple as this feature is, it’s nonetheless pretty cool to be able to see how this watch differs from other divers.

As I’ve come to expect from Christopher Ward cases, it feels nice and slim on the wrist. And, at 13mm thick, the C65 Super Compressor easily slips under a cuff. It also doesn’t wear too big, with a width of 41mm. The finishing is a joy to look at, and the polished chamfers not only look good, but they also help make the watch look thinner than it really is.

The top crown operates the bezel, and has a classic crosshatch design that’s associated with the original super compressors. I also appreciate that bold orange outer ring on the crown head. The crown is really easy to operate and the bezel clicks crisply as it turns. There’s a reasonable amount of play with the action, but I’m not sure if this is just because of the design of an internal bezel, rather than poor quality.

As I mentioned earlier, the dial is a big departure from Christopher Ward’s previous vintage-inspired offerings, and it’s very reminiscent of watches from the late Sixties and early Seventies. This particular colourway is called “Black Sand”, thanks to the brown fumé dial.

The finishing of the dial is exceptional for the price point, and I really like those wedge-shaped applied markers. Their height gives the dial some real depth, as well as playing nicely on the light.

In the past, I’ve been highly critical of the finishing on Christopher Ward’s handsets, but the ones on the C65 Super Compressor are really well done, and there are no obvious flaws. Personally, I’m not keen on the orange minute hand, but there’s no denying the orange elements are very legible against the dark dial.


CW-C65-Super-Compressor-Case-Chamfered.jpg


Inside the watch you’ll find a Sellita SW200, which as we all know is a clone of the iconic ETA 2824. It’s got 26 jewels, a 38 hour power reserve, and beats at a rate of 4Hz. Overall it’s your standard Swiss automatic movement, and Christopher Ward states it should be accurate to within 20 seconds a day.

Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor

:hmm: Some of the prices in the links to the straps seem high to me.
 
A very sharp, automatic, three hand, from Christopher Ward. :wink: Thanks for posting this up, Mike.:hat:
 
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