Christopher Ward And Studio Underd0g Unveil The Alliance 02 Pocket Watch

It seems the last few weeks of 2025 will be full of new surprises in the watch world. We guessed that after Dubai Watch Week, things would slowly wind down, but it looks like we were wrong. A late, surprising release this year comes courtesy of two British brands demonstrating that there is true momentum in watchmaking in the UK. Today, Christopher Ward and Studio Underd0g unveil the striking 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, actually, this is their first collaboration. However, it also highlights the camaraderie in British watchmaking. We have seen several releases from various UK brands that have joined forces. Besides being cool, many of them also demonstrate that it is perfectly possible to complement each other while retaining each brand’s characteristics. That’s exactly what you see in the new 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 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. This organization supports British watch/clockmaking and promotes 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 caliber CW-001, which is part of the brand’s Atelier series. This handsomely finished manual-winding movement is visible through the case back’s sapphire display. It ticks at 28,800 vph and boasts a 120-hour power reserve. The 198-part caliber is a COSC-certified chronometer, meaning 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 Alliance 02

The modern pocket watch case has beautiful, flowing lines and lovely finishing. It features a crown at 12 o’clock, and a mix of brushed and polished parts gives it the right visual sparkles to make it 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 houses a multilayered sandwich dial inspired by those of Studio Underd0g’s 02Series and featuring the two characteristic screws. The brass base dial features seven layers of custom-made Super-LumiNova, making 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 at 6 o’clock, just inside the railroad minute track, is the power reserve indicator. Underneath it, just outside the minute track, you will find the Studio Underd0g logo. The Christopher Ward logo sits on the upper half of the dial. Lastly, a set of three elegantly shaped hands hover over the dial, adding a traditional touch to the overall design along with the Roman numerals. 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 green-glowing backdrop.

Truly combining the design and spirit of the two brands

If you turn the watch around, you will see the modern in-house CW-001 movement at work. Additionally, the case back features the names of the collaborating brands, a proud mention of its British heritage, and a unique LE number. As you can see, the caliber also features a contemporary finish in line with the watch’s overall character.

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 special pocket watch remains securely in place. However, you could also pair it with a different strap if you prefer a different style.

Final thoughts on the Christopher Ward × Studio Underd0g 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 organization’s website to qualify for purchase. After that, the Alliance 02 will be exclusively available to them from 15:00 GMT on December 11th 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 only a select audience can buy it. Having said that, I am sure many folks who aren’t members love this pocket watch. That’s why we can only hope that this stunning Alliance 02 collaboration, one of the late highlights of 2025, will be followed up with another creative effort that’s just as special.