Christopher Ward and Studio Underd0g Unveil the Alliance 02 Pocket Watch
These last few weeks of the horological year are full of new surprises. We guessed that after Dubai Watch Week, things would slowly wind down, but we guessed wrong. A late, surprising release to the year comes courtesy of two British brands who demonstrate that there is true momentum in watchmaking in the UK. Christopher Ward and Studio Underd0g today unveil the striking The Alliance 02 pocket watch. Yes, you read that correctly, it’s a pocket watch. But don’t be fooled because this is anything but a traditional pocket watch. Let’s find out more about The Alliance 02.
In my mind, Christopher Ward and Studio Underd0g had already worked together on a release before. It’s funny how the mind plays tricks on you sometimes, because this is actually their first collaboration. However, it also highlights the camaraderie in British watchmaking. We have seen several releases from various UK brands joining forces. Besides being cool, many of them also demonstrate that it is perfectly possible to complement each other while retaining the brands’ characteristics. That’s exactly what you also get when you look at the new The Alliance 02. This 100-piece limited edition combines elements of both brands to create a unique collaborative effort.
The story of Christopher Ward × Studio Underd0g The Alliance 02
The story of The Alliance 02 is all about creative exploration within the British watchmaking industry. And that’s not just the story of the watch itself. All profits from this project will go directly to the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers. They support British watch and clockmaking and promote it around the world. As I mentioned, I appreciate the collaborative spirit because it not only fosters mutual support in successful business endeavors but also leads to innovative, creative efforts.
The Alliance 02 is built on the concept of bringing together two distinct efforts from both Christopher Ward and Studio Underd0g. The heart of The Alliance 02 is Christopher Ward’s in-house calibre CW-001, which is part of the brand’s Atelier series. This handsomely finished manual-winding caliber is visible through the sapphire case back and ticks at 28,800 Vph and boasts a 120-hour power reserve. The 198-part caliber is chronometer certified, which means it has an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. The CW-001 is housed in a 44mm case inspired by Christopher Ward’s signature Light-catcher case.
The details of the Christopher Ward × Studio Underd0g The Alliance 02
The modern pocket watch case flows really nicely and is beautifully finished. It features a crown at 12 o’clock, and a mix of brushed and polished parts gives it the right visual sparkles to stand out immediately. I especially love the shape and detail of the bow, which also serves as a crown guard. One detail I adore is the way the affixing screw sits flush in the arching base of the bow. It adds a technical detail that perfectly complements the overall style, making for a great modern pocket watch case.
The case is paired with a multi-layered, sandwich dial inspired by the dials of Studio Underd0g’s 02Series, featuring its two characteristic screws. The brass base dial features seven layers of custom-made Super-LumiNova, which makes it light up brightly in the dark. Placed 1.4mm above the dial is a sapphire disc featuring the printed minute track and Roman numerals for the hours.
Located just inside the railroad minute track at 6 o’clock is the power reserve. Underneath it, just outside the minute track, you will find the Studio Underd0g logo. The Christopher Ward logo is located on the upper half of the dial. Lastly, the elegantly shaped hands hover over the dial nicely, adding a traditional touch to the overall design in combination with the numerals.
It truly combines the design and spirit of the two brands
By using this dial architecture, the numerals and markings seem to float in daylight. In the dark, the black markings stand out nicely against the bright yellow lume color. If you turn the watch around, you will see the modern in-house calibre CW-001 at work. Additionally, the case back features the names of the collaborating brands, a proud mention of its British heritage, and a unique limited edition number. As you can see, the caliber also features a contemporary finish in line with the overall character of the watch.
The Alliance 02 comes with a brown braided leather strap that allows you to attach it to a piece of clothing or a bag, ensuring this unique pocket watch remains securely in place. However, you could definitely pair it with a different strap if you prefer a different style.
Final thoughts on the Christopher Ward × Studio Underd0g The Alliance 02
However, that privilege is only available to the 100 people who can obtain this extraordinary pocket watch. And those won’t be random 100 buyers. The watch is solely available to members of the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers. Members must pre-register on the organisation’s website to qualify for purchase at britishwatchmakers.com. After that, The Alliance 02 will be exclusively available to purchase from 15:00 GMT on 11th December for pre-registered members for a price of £2,995 / US $4,150 / €3,895.
I understand the special reason that sparked the collaborative effort, and with the profits going to the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers, it makes sense that there is a selected audience that can buy it. Having said that, I am sure many people are not members but love this pocket watch. That’s why we can only hope that this unique collaboration will be followed up with another creative effort as extraordinary as this standout, The Alliance 02, which is one of the late highlights of 2025.
