It’s no secret that I’ve an enormous gentle spot for Christopher Ward’s C65 Dune sequence. I personal the first-generation C65 Dune GMT, and the C65 Dune Computerized fashions are simply among the many finest inexpensive every day wearers. It got here as a little bit of a shock that the model determined to replace the Dune lineup with new dials solely two years after its debut. However after seeing the brand new C65 Dune Aeolian variations, I used to be glad to seek out out extra in regards to the up to date fashions with their new textured dials. The brand new C65 Dune GMT doesn’t characteristic that very same dial texture, nevertheless it does carry a brand new dial shade to the GMT variations. That’s greater than sufficient cause to seek out out extra!
As I defined within the introduction article for these watches, the brand new Aeolian dials are a big replace for the Dune sequence however nothing revolutionary. If something, they introduced the watches nearer to the unique idea. The brand new dials used for the stainless-steel and bronze C65 Dune Computerized fashions characteristic textured and wavy sand patterns and lose the date window at 6 o’clock. They have been impressed by the Aeolian sand patterns of the Dune du Pilat in southern France. Christopher Ward additionally used this dial sample for the C65 Dune Shoreline restricted version produced in collaboration with Oracle Time journal final 12 months. As that watch was very talked-about amongst followers, it solely is smart that Christopher Ward now brings this dial type to its common Dune lineup.
The brand new Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian Computerized fashions
As I defined within the intro article, Christopher Ward additionally up to date the dial colours for the stainless-steel Dune Aeolian Computerized variations. The official names of the 4 dial colours are Silica (grey), Eve (blue), Marram (inexperienced), and White Sand. The final is analogous in shade to the earlier mannequin. For the inexperienced and blue fashions, the designers up to date the shades of the respective colours. The grey Silica dial replaces the black sunray one. For the brand new dials, all 4 fashions have complementary colours of lume.
For the C65 Dune Aeolian Bronze COSC, the model provides a Nightfall (brown) gradient dial or a Marram gradient dial. The gradient dials are matched with Outdated Radium-colored lume. This offers them a selected really feel that, mixed with the patina-forming bronze case, makes these variations stand out from the stainless-steel fashions. For this evaluation, Christopher Ward was sort sufficient to ship us a stainless-steel model with the brand new Marram dial on a bracelet.
Getting a really feel for the up to date dial
My first impression is that the watch feels very acquainted. This is smart as a result of the model didn’t alter the 38mm stainless-steel case, which has an 11.9mm thickness and a 43.7mm lug-to-lug. The watch continues to be water-proof to 150 meters however now comes with the selection of up to date 20mm straps.
We favor the watch on a stainless-steel bracelet, although, because it enhances its every day practicality and makes it even higher. The bracelet additionally provides to its visible influence, making it wearable on my wrist, whereas on a strap, it virtually turns into too small.
At first look, I believe these dials are an enormous enchancment. They add to the story, and I like them quite a bit higher than the earlier ones. The feel brings depth, and the dial design turns into much more intricately detailed general. Plus, with virtually each different dial today having a sunray end, I admire the hassle to step away from that pattern.
One huge change is the sunshine inexperienced lume shade that fits the dial properly. It offers the watch an general a lot crisper really feel than the earlier sequence. I like that selection in stability. If you would like a extra vintage-feeling C65 Dune, you possibly can go for the sand-colored dial or one of many two bronze variations. In case you favor a extra up to date tackle the theme, the remaining colours are for you. And dropping the date window is a win for me. I simply wasn’t a fan of it on the 6 o’clock place. That stated, I’m positive some individuals will lament the change.
Nonetheless one of the best for the cash
Contained in the case, Christopher Ward makes use of the trusted Sellita SW200-1 caliber to energy these Dune watches. The automated motion operates at 28,800vph and provides 38 hours of energy reserve. Accuracy-wise, the SW200-1 provides a tolerance of ±20 seconds per day. For the bronze variations, nevertheless, Christopher Ward ups the sport with the COSC-certified model of the identical caliber. The motion is seen because of the sapphire window within the case again. It additionally comes with a custom-branded rotor that provides a little bit of visible pizzazz.
As talked about, we tried the watch on the stainless-steel bracelet. I’ve stated it earlier than, however the Oyster-style Bader bracelet is one of the best bracelet at this watch’s value level. The construct high quality is even on par with the bracelets of well-known and way more costly watches. Sizing it’s straightforward because of the screws within the hyperlinks together with the massive toolless micro-adjustable clasp.
Carrying the C65 Dune Aeolian Computerized
After sizing the bracelet, placing it on the wrist felt like coming residence. However past the acquainted really feel, it’s way more essential that the watch is snug and precisely the appropriate dimension. What do I imply by that? Nicely, the 38mm case is ideal for a wide range of wrist sizes. Individuals with smaller wrists can benefit from the watch on the usual straps and Bader bracelet. If in case you have barely larger wrists like I do, you’ll in all probability favor the watch on the latter. Nevertheless, in case you select one thing that doesn’t taper too drastically, the watch might additionally work fairly properly on an aftermarket strap.
Moreover, the design feels very balanced. All the weather are completely in sync, which makes it really feel acquainted and cozy. The stability between the dial and the case is spot on, the utilized indexes are precisely the appropriate dimension for the dial, and lastly, the brand new dune-inspired sample hits the candy spot.
My first thought was that the sand ripples ought to have been smaller to create a larger distinction with the fingers and indexes. In that case, although, they might additionally lose definition. So, after some getting used to them, I shortly discovered the brand new dial a terrific step up from the earlier model.
Closing ideas on the C65 Dune Aeolian Computerized
General, I completely loved my time with this new C65 Dune Aeolian Computerized. It nonetheless proudly sports activities all of the traits from a conventional Explorer-esque adventurer’s watch that make the sequence nice. With the up to date dials, I believe that Christopher Ward made the appropriate determination in transferring ahead. Some individuals will give you visible references to different watches — hey, I used to be responsible as charged within the intro article. Different individuals won’t like the brand new textured sample, however I do suppose that group is slightly small.
In case you evaluate the previous and new variations, you’ll shortly see that the brand new Aeolian dials are a terrific enchancment. Kudos to Christopher Ward for taking this step slightly shortly after introducing the Dune assortment.
The C65 Dune Aeolian Computerized fashions are provided on a canvas strap for €950. The second possibility is a classic leather-based strap, which brings the worth up barely to €965. Final, you possibly can select the model’s Bader bracelet, which is able to elevate the worth to €1,165. It’s no shock that I’d choose the final possibility and run with it. It merely makes this my favourite every day wearer across the €1,000 mark.
Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT
The second mannequin we acquired was the most recent C65 Dune GMT. It’s the second standard-production model of the C65 Dune GMT and the third variant general. The primary was the black-dial limited edition that I managed so as to add to my assortment, and the second was final 12 months’s sand-dial version with green accents. This new third version comes with an Eve (blue) dial with sand-colored accents.
This new dial doesn’t characteristic the feel of the Aeolian Computerized mannequin. What it does have, although, is the format of the black-dial restricted version with the day/evening cut up on the inner 24-hour GMT scale. The watch additionally options the identical 150m-water-resistant stainless-steel case as earlier fashions, with its 38mm diameter, 11.9mm thickness, and 43.7mm size. This modestly sized case shows a predominantly brushed end with polished chamfers for a little bit of good visible element.
The blue dial options utilized hour markers stuffed with Outdated Radium-style lume, giving it a extra classic really feel than the Computerized fashions. To be sincere, I like the heat of the dial and lume colours. The place the watch does comply with final 12 months’s model is the GMT hand, half of which blends in slightly than standing out with a contrasting shade.
As you possibly can see, the GMT hand has a blue base and a stainless-steel outer half that matches the hour and minute fingers. This creates a handset that feels homogenous, and I used to be in a position to learn the time for the second time zone immediately. The form of the GMT hand will do the work, so that you received’t get confused.
The motion contained in the C65 Dune GMT
The automated Sellita SW330-2 caliber powers the C65 Dune GMT. This caller-style GMT motion operates at 28,800vph and provides 56 hours of energy reserve. Whereas it isn’t the popular flyer-style GMT motion, in my time with the C65 Dune GMT, I’ve by no means thought of it an issue that the watch doesn’t provide that comfort. If you don’t journey quite a bit, it ought to swimsuit you simply wonderful.
This new blue-dial C65 Dune GMT mannequin is accessible on a canvas strap for €1,250, a classic leather-based strap for €1,265, and a Bader bracelet for €1,465. We tried it on the stainless-steel bracelet with the massive folding clasp. We additionally acquired a canvas strap that suited the dial’s type very nicely. By way of every day consolation, although, the Bader bracelet is unbeatable.
Carrying the Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian GMT
On the wrist is the place I bought a greater general really feel for the watch. It comes as no shock that it takes after my C65 Dune GMT, however the blue dial offers the watch a a lot totally different presence. In all honesty, I’d have most well-liked a darker shade of blue. I do perceive the selection of this medium blue together with the sand-colored particulars as these colours go nicely collectively. On prime of that, a darker blue would additionally carry it nearer to the black-dial model I personal.
General, the dial shade didn’t communicate to me as a lot as these of the primary two fashions. Don’t get me incorrect; I like the C65 Dune GMT. Sadly, that is simply the least thrilling model of the three for me. That stated, there will probably be followers who love the brand new shade. It’s in keeping with the crisper general really feel of the brand new C65 Dune Aeolian fashions, in order an addition to the refreshed lineup, it makes excellent sense.
Closing ideas on the brand new Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian and GMT fashions
General, I just like the modifications that Christopher Ward made to the dials of the Dune Computerized. It reveals that the model is continually seeking to enhance its watches, and we will solely applaud that. Because of this, the brand new C65 Dune Aeolian Computerized sequence has been up to date with higher dials that carry extra depth and element. Figuring out how widespread the C65 Dune Shoreline was, I don’t doubt that followers will love these new Computerized variations as nicely.
I already gave my ideas on the most recent C65 Dune GMT. Nevertheless, I need to add that seeing all three variations subsequent to one another made me rethink including final 12 months’s version to my assortment. I like that one, and after not having seen it for some time, this was a terrific reminder. Figuring out that my black-dial model was my most ceaselessly worn watch of 2024, I’d put on that sand-colored model quite a bit as nicely. And who is aware of? Hopefully, Christopher Ward will give you a brand new dial variation yearly, and I’ll find yourself changing into a C65 Dune GMT collector. I say that jokingly, however that comment nonetheless has a severe undertone. I merely love the watch, and generally, easy issues take advantage of sense.
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