Introducing: The Christopher Ward × Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline
Earlier this week, we covered the introduction of the new Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT. It’s a watch I can’t wait to find out more about soon in a hands-on review. In the meantime, the brand has released another noteworthy new C65 Dune model. Christopher Ward and Oracle Time present the new C65 Dune Shoreline. It’s a stylish version of the C65 Dune Automatic that will be produced in a limited run of 100 pieces. The watch celebrates the 10th anniversary of Oracle Time, which, for those who don’t know, is a British watch-and-luxury-lifestyle publication. That’s more than enough reason for a collaborative watch with British watch brand Christopher Ward. It’s a celebration in style!
It’s refreshing to know that print publications still exist in a predominantly digital world. I grew up in a world full of the smell of ink and the feel of paper. To this day, nothing beats a print magazine when it comes to the written word. It’s like a vinyl record, a fountain pen, or a mechanical watch. There is simply something special about it that looking at a digital screen can never replace. That’s why publications like Oracle Time deserve praise. The magazine has been spreading the print gospel for a decade now. To celebrate the occasion, the British company teamed up with the fellow Brits at Christopher Ward to create the new Christopher Ward × Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline.
The story of the Christopher Ward × Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline
The inspiration for the design of this celebratory piece comes from the dune landscape of Cerro Blanco in Peru. One of Oracle Time‘s founders visited the famous spot, and when he returned to the UK, he found similarities with the rugged, dramatic UK shoreline.
It inspired a very special dial with a ripple-pattern texture in matte gray. The textured lines on the dial remind us of the ever-changing ridges of sand in the dunes or the ripples on a beach caused by the changing of tides. Consequently, it perfectly fits the overall story of Christopher Ward’s Dune collection. In a great move, the date window of the regular C65 Dune Automatic has been removed, so the ripples are not interrupted, creating a nicely balanced dial.
The so-called “ripple” dials are made of brass and get their texture through a new stamping technique involving a hydraulic press. After the dials have been pressed, they receive their gray color and black text. In the last step, a clear lacquer is applied, explains Will Brackfield, a designer at Christopher Ward. The dial matches the stainless steel case nicely and creates a monochromatic presence. The gray dial color harnesses inspiration from the often-overcast British skies and the frequent storms that batter the coastline all year long. As a result, the design is a unique and fitting representation of the UK coastline even if the idea originated in South America.
Changing the appearance with the different strap options
But that is not where the story ends. There is a nice bit of contrast that comes in the form of the hands and applied markers filled with blue Super-LumiNova BL Grade X1. These represent the glimpses of blue in the sky in between the gray clouds. The dial and case can be matched with three different strap options. The first is the gray Vacona leather strap that features contrasting blue stitching, matching the dial design perfectly.
The second option is Christopher Ward’s brilliant stainless steel Bader bracelet. This three-link Oyster-style bracelet features a large folding clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system, and it is one of the best bracelets at an affordable price. The last option is the blue fabric #tide strap made from ocean materials.
The stainless steel bracelet and the leather strap work best for me. Stylistically, the leather strap is hard to beat. However, I know from experience that the bracelet is a great option for daily comfort. But if you want both, you can buy the watch with the leather strap and the bracelet.
The C65 Dune Automatic is an adaptable canvas
Overall, the look of this new limited-edition timepiece is quite stunning, and it fits the retro styling of the C65 Dune Automatic well. Just as a quick reminder, the C65 Dune Automatic is an Explorer-style watch with a 38mm case that is 11.9mm thick and 43.7mm long with a 20mm lug spacing. The case is water resistant to 150 meters and features a display case back with a sapphire crystal. It gives you a glimpse of the Sellita SW200-1 that powers the watch.
Oracle Time and Christopher Ward opted for the COSC-certified version of this automatic movement. It operates at 28,800vph and offers a 38-hour power reserve. As it is a COSC-certified chronometer, the accuracy will be within +6/-4 seconds per day. This Elaboré-grade version of the movement also comes with the Christopher Ward twin-flag-pattern rotor. Indeed, the SW200-1 is a logical option as it also powers the regular C65 Dune Automatic. But by choosing the COSC-certified version, the collaborators provide a nice upgrade in accuracy that fans will appreciate.
Final thoughts on the Christopher Ward × Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline
I love the creative concept and the execution of this Christopher Ward × Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline limited edition. Overall, the colorway, the dial, and the upgrade in movement make this a beautiful offering. Additionally, the story behind the concept connects the two British brands perfectly. As a result, this is a great first collaborative effort that is a match made in the gray heavens above the English landscape.
As mentioned, Christopher Ward will produce 100 pieces of this watch, with paying Oracle Time subscribers and members getting priority access. Ordering starts on the 2nd of April with priority access at 12:00 CET and general sale at 15:00 CET. The prices for the Dune Shoreline will be £1,260 with the Bader bracelet and the Vacona leather strap, £1,175 with just the Bader bracelet, and £1,020 with just the gray Vacona leather strap.
Lastly, the watch will be £995 with the blue #tide strap. As mentioned, I would jump on the opportunity to get it with the leather strap and the bracelet as that will give you the greatest fun to enjoy the conceptual side and the daily comfort of this standout C65 Dune Shoreline. Whatever your pick, you must act fast because all 100 pieces will probably go quickly.
For more information, visit the Oracle Time website. Let us know what you think of this new C65 Dune Shoreline in the comments section.
