Moonphase

The C1 Moonphase is the pinnacle of Christopher Ward's nine-year exploration of the complication, and further evidence of the watchmaker’s ambition and commitment to bringing haute horlogerie to as many people as possible.

Designed by former head watchmaker Johannes Jahnke, Calibre JJ04 is a modular movement based on the Sellita SW220-1, with 18 additional components. Modifications are made to the movement mainplate and movement holder to house two new gear systems - four wheels for the moon disc, and two for the setting mechanism - enabling a perpetual moonphase complication with smooth, continuous progression and, if kept wound, complete accuracy for 128 years.

Calibre JJ04 facilitates an oversized moonphase disc and aperture, unique features enhancing legibility and detail. The two moons, positioned opposite each other on the disk, are sculpted from Globolight, a ceramic and Super-LumiNova mix, that allows for intricate shaping. The aventurine dial, a glass infused with reflective copper oxide flakes and resembling a starry night sky, complements the three-dimensional hemispheres, which are finished with a four-colour print of the real moon and glow bright white.

The C1 Moonphase's dial is minimalist, devoid of indexes or a logo, placing full focus on the aventurine. Early prototypes featured a flat blue moon disc, but designer Will Brackfield was able to push the concept further to create an aventurine moonphase with a ‘double stack’, that is, an aventurine dial and moon disk. This innovation was driven by the desire to emulate the effect of peering through a window into the cosmos. Achieving this required overcoming the challenges of cutting aventurine, which needs a minimum thickness of 0.8mm for strength, and generating sufficient torque to animate this heavier material. 

The result is a watch that seamlessly combines cosmic beauty and accuracy through technical excellence at a price point that underscores the brand's value proposition.