Christopher Ward C65 Dune Automatic Bronze

The Christopher Ward C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is not your average wristwatch. It represents a bold step for the brand, showcasing their commitment to crafting high-quality timepieces with a distinct character. This watch doesn't just tell the time; it makes a statement. Inspired by classic field watches and drawing a direct influence from the might Dune du Pilat in Aquitaine, the C65 Dune series is designed for those who appreciate a blend of practicality, style, and a touch of rugged individualism. What sets this particular model apart is its bronze case, a material choice that imbues the watch with a unique aesthetic that will evolve and transform over time.



Christopher Ward, established in 2004, quickly made a name for itself in the watch world. Founders Mike France, Peter Ellis, and Chris Ward aimed to create premium-quality watches without the exorbitant price tags often associated with luxury brands. By operating on a direct-to-consumer model and focusing on transparency, they were able to offer exceptional value. Over the years, Christopher Ward has earned a reputation for its innovative designs, such as the in-house Calibre SH21 movement, and for its commitment to quality craftsmanship. The C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is a testament to this ethos, combining robust functionality with an eye-catching design.



At the heart of the C65 Dune Automatic Bronze lies the Sellita SW200-1 COSC automatic movement. This Swiss-made movement is a workhorse known for its reliability and durability. The COSC certification (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) is a prestigious designation, indicating that the movement has passed rigorous testing for accuracy and precision. In fact, only a small percentage of Swiss-made movements receive this certification, making it a mark of distinction. This means the C65 Dune Bronze will keep time within a tolerance of -4/+6 seconds per day. The movement boasts a 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It also features a hacking seconds function, allowing you to stop the seconds hand for precise time setting. Christopher Ward has even added their own 'Colimaçoné' finish to the rotor, adding a touch of personalization to the movement, visible through the display caseback.



The case of the C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is where the watch truly comes alive. Crafted from a special bronze alloy, it measures 38mm in diameter, a size that strikes a balance between wearability and presence on the wrist. This size is large enough to be easily read, yet small enough to neatly sidestep unwanted encounters with rocks and trees, it looks great on any wrist. The lug-to-lug measurement is 43.60mm, and the case height is a slim 11.70mm. This ensures a comfortable fit, even on smaller wrists. Bronze is a fascinating material for a watch case. It's known for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and its ability to develop a unique patina over time. As the bronze interacts with the elements and the wearer's skin, it will gradually darken and develop a distinctive character. No two bronze watches will age in the same way, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. The bronze case of the C65 Dune has a brushed and polished finish, adding to its visual appeal. It features a screw-down crown, adorned with the Christopher Ward twin-flag motif, and a screw-down display caseback, allowing you to admire the movement. The case is water-resistant to 150 meters (15 ATM), making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.



The dial of the C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is a marvel of design, taking inspiration from the natural patterns found in sand dunes. It features a three-dimensional wave pattern, created by stamping a series of peaks and troughs. This unique texture adds depth and visual interest to the dial. A unique feature of the Bronze model is the gradient effect on the dial. The center of the dial is a lighter shade, gradually darkening towards the edges. This adds to the three-dimensional effect and gives the watch a vintage, almost sun-faded appearance. The dial also features applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova Light Old Radium BL Grade X1, a luminous material that glows in the dark, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions. The hands are also filled with this same luminous material. Notably, Christopher Ward has opted to omit the date window on this model, a design choice that contributes to the clean and uncluttered look of the dial. The seconds hand has also been simplified, lacking the Trident counterbalance found on some other Christopher Ward models.



Christopher Ward offers the C65 Dune Automatic Bronze on a Tobacco Orlando Leather strap. This high-quality leather strap complements the bronze case and the overall aesthetic of the watch. The strap measures 20mm in width and features a quick-release mechanism, allowing for easy strap changes without the need for tools. This adds to the versatility of the watch, as you can easily swap out the strap to suit different occasions or personal preferences. The strap is secured with a bronze buckle, matching the case material. The leather strap provides a comfortable and stylish option, but for those seeking something more durable, Christopher Ward also offers other strap options for the C65 Dune series, including webbing straps and metal bracelets. Each strap is designed to complement the watch's rugged yet sophisticated character.



The C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is a watch that defies easy categorization. It's not a dress watch in the traditional sense, but its bronze case and elegant dial give it a refined quality. It's not a pure tool watch, but its robust construction and water resistance make it more than capable of handling everyday adventures. This versatility is part of its charm. It's a watch that can be worn with a casual outfit just as easily as with something more formal. It's a watch for those who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and a touch of individuality. Its compact size makes it a great option for both men and women. The bronze case, with its ever-changing patina, ensures that the watch will continue to evolve and develop its own unique character over time.



The lack of a date window is a deliberate design choice that contributes to the watch's clean and balanced aesthetic. The simplified seconds hand, without the Trident counterbalance, further enhances this minimalist approach. These small details demonstrate Christopher Ward's commitment to creating a harmonious and uncluttered design. This watch is a true testament to the brand's ability to blend form and function in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The bronze case adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness to the watch, while also providing exceptional durability. The patina that develops over time will give the watch an antique feel, further enhancing its vintage appeal.



The C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is a compelling addition to Christopher Ward's lineup. It's a watch that combines robust functionality with a unique aesthetic, thanks to its bronze case and captivating dial. The COSC-certified movement ensures accuracy and reliability, while the 150-meter water resistance makes it suitable for a variety of activities. The quick-release strap system adds to the watch's versatility, allowing for easy customization. The absence of a date window and the simplified seconds hand contribute to the clean and balanced design. This watch is a testament to Christopher Ward's commitment to creating high-quality timepieces that are both stylish and practical.



The C65 Dune Automatic Bronze is priced at $1,165.00. This places it in the mid-range of Christopher Ward's offerings, representing excellent value for a COSC-certified, Swiss-made watch with a bronze case. It is available for purchase directly from Christopher Ward's website.



Case: 38mm diameter, 11.70mm height, 43.60mm lug-to-lug. Brushed and polished Light-catcher bronze case. Screw-down crown stamped with twin-flag motif. Screw-down display caseback. 15 ATM (150m) water resistance. Weight 57g. Weight inc. Strap 82g.

Movement: Sellita SW200-1 COSC. 26 jewels. 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). 38-hour power reserve. -4/+6 seconds per day timing tolerance. Christopher Ward ‘Colimaçoné’ finish on rotor. Central Hacking Seconds. Anti-shock system.

Dial: Brown. Matte lacquer, waves stamped pattern. Super-LumiNova Light Old Radium BL Grade X1 filled hands and indexes. Applied twin-flags motif at 12 o'clock. New shape of seconds hand. Gradient effect, lighter in the center and darker at the edges.

Strap: 20mm. Tobacco Orlando Leather. Brown color. Bronze Buckle. Quick-release mechanism.

Price: $1,165.00

Reference Number: C65-38C3H4-B00K0-VT

Notes: COSC-certified chronometer. Bronze case will develop a unique patina over time.