Well, at least that”s the association that came to my mind when I first heard about the new C8 Regulator from Christopher Ward (for those not following my train of thought, check the end of the article). However, “90s rap tune associations aside, this is a very nice looking watch coming from CW.
While we have all manner of methods to check the accuracy of watches today, there was a need for a type of clock called a regulator. This then led to the regulator watches used in WWII, where precision timing was required. How did this work? By having the three main components of the time (hours, minutes, and seconds) all with their own register (and really, the main dial is a register), you can determine the exact time fairly simply, as you”re likely only concerned with one segment at a time.
As you can see in the dial of the C8, the minute hand occupies the main dial, while the hours and small seconds occupy the subdials at 12 and 6 o”clock, respectively. In keeping with the WWII aviation theme, they”ve gone with the very familiar beige-on-black color scheme that we see on many pilot style watches. Here, the beige is courtesy of a style of SuperLuminova called Old Radium.
The 44mm case is available in black or steel finishes (complete with display caseback), and houses a hand-wind Unitas 6498 movement. I think the hand-winder is a good choice here. For one, it keeps case thickness down a bit, but it”s also in keeping with the main inspiration for this watch line.
The C8 regulator is now , with delivery anticipated to be in September; pricing starts at $1375. christoperward-usa.com
For those curious, here”s the video I referenced at the start of the article:
