Introducing The Latest Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT — The Follow-Up To The Brilliant First Version Of This Traveler’s Watch
If you are a regular reader of Fratello, you might be aware of my love for the Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT that came out last year. The black-dial limited edition of 200 pieces was one of my absolute favorites of 2023. It’s also a release that I unfortunately missed out on. However, the team at Christopher Ward shared that there would be a new version in 2024. That new version of the C65 Dune GMT is out now, and it features a sand-colored dial with khaki-green details. Is this the perfect follow-up to the watch that I missed? In other words, will this be my next watch? It’s time to find out more.
To answer that last question immediately, a hands-on with the new C65 Dune GMT will bring the definitive answer. Until then, we have to make do with the stock pictures of the new model. But first impressions are lasting, as they say, so there is plenty to discuss. Although this might be “just” a new dial color, there is more to it. Some details immediately stand out as different. Overall, the sand and green color combination works very well. It does give the watch a completely different presence, though. Let’s look at some details that make this an interesting next step.
The details of the new Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT
First, let’s begin with some basic details that align with the previous model. The new C65 Dune GMT features a 150m-water-resistant stainless steel case that is 38mm wide, 11.9mm thick, and 43.7mm from lug to lug. The modestly sized case features a predominantly brushed finish with polished chamfers to mix things up nicely. Overall, the watch has an Explorer-esque style but with plenty of elements that give it a distinct character. The thing I love about the watches in the Dune collection is that they have a vintage-inspired touch with a relevant, contemporary overall feel.
A box-shaped sapphire crystal matches the case to enhance the retro vibes further. Underneath the crystal is the White Sand dial with applied markers filled with “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova. The khaki-green 24-hour GMT scale contrasts it on the dial’s periphery and comes complete with sand-colored numerals. The first thing that immediately stands out is that there is no day/night division with, for instance, a darker green for the nighttime hours and a lighter green for the daytime hours.
The differences with the previous version of the C65 Dune GMT
Last year’s C65 Dune GMT featured a black and sand-colored day/night indication that I absolutely adore. In addition to being functional, it gives the dial a lot of character. At first glance, I miss that with this new model. Two shades of green would have spiced up the design a bit. Another difference is the absence of a contrasting GMT hand. The handset features the familiar arrow-shaped hour hand, sword-style minute hand, and a lollipop seconds hand with the brand’s trident counterbalance. The fourth hand is an arrow-shaped GMT hand that combines the sand and green colors of the dial. All four hands are filled with the same vintage-inspired lume.
The color-matched date indicator at 6 o’clock and the cut-off marker underneath are nice details. I love that the designers at Christopher Ward added the marker because it fills up the space nicely and brings some functionality. Especially in the dark, it’s still possible to read the time perfectly thanks to the lume. I have come to know that the designers at Christopher Ward are very well aware of all the little details that go into creating a watch’s design. Therefore, it makes me think that they have tried a version of the dial with two shades of green. Judging from these images, this new dial design is super classy and looks nice, but it isn’t as lively as the previous black version.
The Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement
If you turn the case around, you will get a good view of the Sellita SW330-2 that powers the watch. The caller-style GMT caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 25 jewels, and provides 56 hours of power reserve. This isn’t a flyer GMT, but it has never been about that for me if I love the design of a watch. I have repeatedly said that I will not hesitate to buy a caller GMT if it looks as good as the C65 Dune GMT. That was definitely the case with the first model, and I am ready to fall in love again with this new one.
The new version of the C65 Dune GMT comes with the same strap and bracelet options as the previous model. The first is a camel-colored canvas strap with a stainless steel pin buckle. The second is a “vintage oak” leather strap with a pin buckle. The third and last option is the brand’s Bader bracelet. This three-link Oyster-style bracelet is my preferred option and comes with a large clasp thanks to the toolless micro-adjustment system. While that might be a turn-off for some, I can say that I loved the combination of the bracelet and the clasp because the build quality is unmatched at this price point. It made wearing the first version of the watch an absolute joy and was one reason why I called it a best-in-class offering.
Final thoughts on the new Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT
In all honesty, I expect nothing different this time around. My only question mark is the new dial design. As I said, I was completely swept away by last year’s model once I put that on my wrist, and I’d love to feel equally smitten with this one. The new C65 Dune GMT just looks slightly less vibrant than the black-dial version. The hints of red on the hands and dial gave last year’s model a nice injection of bright color. On top of that, the 24-hour ring in two colors added to the visual magic of that model.
Having said that, I love the look of this new model a lot. The color combination of the sand-colored dial and the green details makes for a stylish look. And I know what to expect regarding the overall quality that Christoper Ward offers, so I expect this to be nothing short of impressive. One last remarkable detail is that the new C65 Dune GMT is cheaper than the previous version.
Talk about a rarity in today’s watch world! The watch on the canvas strap costs €1,250. On the leather strap, it is €1,265, and on the bracelet, it sells for €1,465. In comparison, last year’s model was €1,610 on the bracelet. This new Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT is a tempting second version of this model, and I can’t wait to witness it up close.
For more information on the Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT, visit the official Christopher Ward website. In the comments section, let us know which of the two models you prefer. Is it last year’s limited edition or this new version?
