In the past couple of months, I’ve written several times on how easily we can equate watches and automobiles – in fact, there is significant overlap between appreciators (and collectors) of both. To my knowledge, this latest limited-edition from Christopher Ward is the one of the first (if not the first) to make a direct link.
How’s that done, exactly? Somehow, the folks over at Christopher Ward were in touch with a firm that had an aluminum plate from the Aston Martin DBR1/2 that won the 1959 Le Mans (and just recently sold for £20milion). Suffice to say, this isn’t something you’re going to find in your everyday metal pile. So, how do you incorporate something like this?
For starters, how about a watch that was created in homage to Aston Martin’s only victory at Le Mans? For that. Chr. Ward had their C70 DBR1 Chronometer (which has since sold out). Then, you have your master watch maker (in this case, Johannes Jahnke) oversee the creation of a special backplate which makes the watch into the C70 DBR1 COSC Special Edition.
Into a metal roundel, a replica of the number 5 that appeared on the winning Aston Martin is cut out, and sandwiched between a base (of IPK) and a sapphire crystal – at once showcasing the material, as well as protecting it. Makes for an interesting talking point on the watch, that’s for sure.
Around front, we have plenty of British Racing Green in a reasonably easy to read (I say reasonably, because at first it does seem like an explosion of circles) dial. This is paired with a deep brown perforated leather strap that goes together well (as well as calling to mind a racing glove). Inside the (diameter) case, you have a COSC-grade (caliber) movement, which certainly should get the job done.
Given the combination of elements here (the vintage metal, COSC movement, and 100 piece limited edition), it’s not a surprise to see that the price for the watch is £1950 (around $3000). Yes, that’s quite a leap up from what we’re used to from Christopher Ward, but its well within the scope of the higher-end LE collections they’ve been creating as of late. And, of course, it’s the perfect watch for the Aston Martin aficionado in your life.
To pre-order yours (with delivery anticipated in November), you’ll need to contact them directly (here).
