nside the Christopher Ward C60 Concept’s brushed and polished 42mm Grade 2 Titanium case is the latest development of the company’s in-house-designed and assembled SH21 calibre. Launched in 2014 after four years in design and development, it has now powered 20 models, of which the C60 Concept is, appropriately, the 21st.

Four automatic and six manual movements form the SH21’s list of 10 variants, among them versions with central or small seconds, with or without power reserve indicators, and with or without date. All are COSC-certified chronometers.

For the C60 Concept, which foreshadows developments in the brand’s forthcoming diving models, the version chosen is the 31-jewel automatic, with central seconds, affording a full view of the movement from both sides. Even the rotor has been skeletonised to ensure that nothing is obscured.

That’s because, in this C60 Concept iteration, the SH21 calibre has been put through the horological equivalent of finishing school, elevating the already-refined model to a level where it is comparable to the workmanship sufficient to satisfy luxury watch maisons Czapek and MB&F. This distinction can be claimed because Armin Strom was consulted for the skeletonising, while the SH21 is finished at Chronode, including the detailing of the bridges and base plate, requiring at least six hours per watch.

It’s impossible to separate the essential, physical details from the hand-applied finishing, for both combine to create the visual impact. As with all the most fascinating and complex movements, the view is so deep that it seems like enhanced 3D. The effect is heightened by the mix of finishes on the various surfaces, with contrasting rhodium and grey ruthenium accented by white details and polished edges.

For the functional elements which contribute to the C60 Concept’s suitability as a genuine diving watch, these attributes include an embossed screw-in crown and screw-down exhibition caseback, a 120-step unidirectional zirconia ceramic bezel, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, brushed and polished steel hands, sandblasted, brushed and polished blue ring with Super-LumiNova^® White filling and orange Globolight^® Triangle, and Super-LumiNova^® White hands, dial and bezel.

Completing the experience is a Cordura^® and rubber hybrid waterproof strap with Christopher Ward buckle and quick-release pins for easy changing. Also available is a Titanium Grade 2 bracelet with the same quick-release system for easy changing. An added frisson is the exclusivity: only 210 pieces will be produced.

Another number? £3495. Let that sink in. A fully skeletonised in-house movement, with twin barrels for a 5-day power reserve, in a titanium case. Water resistance to 300m. Hand-finishing to standards found only in wristwatches above £10,000, the results on display at all times thanks to the absence of a dial and a showcase back, to remind the owner that there are no compromises. Think of it as “High End – Low Price”, or H.E.L.P., if you prefer. As in helping watch enthusiasts acquire thoroughbred timepieces for minimal outlay.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Swiss made
• Limited edition of 210 pieces
• In-house 31 jewel Calibre SH21 automatic movement
• 120-hour power reserve
• Chronometer (COSC) certified
• Brushed and polished Titanium Grade 2 case
• Hand-finished movement
• Anti-shock system
• Screw-down exhibition caseback
• Unidirectional zirconia ceramic bezel
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Brushed and polished hands
• Hand-finished movement
• Anti-shock system
• Screw-down exhibition caseback
• Unidirectional zirconia ceramic bezel
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Brushed and polished hands
• Sandblasted, brushed and polished blue dial ring with Super-LumiNova^® White (BL) filling and orange Globolight^® Triangle (BL)
• Super-LumiNova^® White (BL) hands and bezel