The ultimate Super Compressor
The ultimate Super Compressor
It should be impossible to improve on the C65 Super Compressor. Released in 2020, it was the first genuine ‘super compressor’ in over 50 years – and has earned iconic status in the CW canon. But we don’t do ‘impossible’ at Christopher Ward. So, when our design team was tasked with creating the ultimate super compressor, they did just that.
The result is the powerful C65 Super Compressor Elite.
As with the original, the watch features a genuine super compressor mechanism – invented in the mid-1950s by case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA) to allow divers to go deeper without their watch malfunctioning. An ultra-thin compression spring – just 300 microns wide – is placed around the perimeter of the case. When a diver descends, it uses water pressure to press the caseback against the O-ring gasket, increasing water-resistance.
You can see this through the transparent caseback – though on the Elite, you’ll also find a large steel ‘coin’ deep-stamped with the ‘diving helmet’ logo of EPSA, used by the company to denote authenticity on the original super compressor watches of the 1950s.
The dial is another radical upgrade. Featuring a decompression scale originally designed by physicist, mathematician and extreme diver Dr Hannes Keller, the diagram helps you calculate decompression stops before a deep dive. The different elements have been precision-printed with bands of orange and light blue contrasting with the deep blue base. Something you’ll be able to witness through the authentic box-sapphire crystal.
And because the Super Compressor Elite is a modern dive instrument, it has a rotating interior diving bezel that sits around the perimeter of the dial, enabling you to monitor your time underwater. You can control it with one of the twin crowns placed on the side of the case – another feature of the original super compressors.
Sellita SW300-1 COSC Automatic
Sellita SW300-1 COSC Automatic
Launched in 2008, Sellita’s 25-jewel SW300-1 automatic movement is one of the most respected calibres in Swiss watchmaking. At 25.6mm in diameter and with a height of 3.6 mm (one millimetre less than the SW200-1), it has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and boasts a power reserve of 56 hours. Seen as an alternative to ETA’s 2892-A2 calibre, the SW300-1 can be customised with various complications, including date, Monophase, and GMT functions.
This chronometer version has been tested by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, in a number of positions and temperatures to ensure precision timekeeping.
Spring into the deep
The ‘compression’ spring – the width of four human hairs – is key to the mechanics of the C65 Super Compressor Elite and enables the case to become more watertight as you descend. It’s placed within the compression ring and can be seen through the caseback.
Inside story
The interior countdown bezel – controlled by the cross-hatched crown at 2 o’clock – makes the watch sleeker than a regular dive timepiece. This allows the Supercompressor Elite to be worn under a shirt cuff with ease and makes it the perfect ‘dress-dive’ timepiece.
Stamp of authority
On the transparent caseback, you’ll find the ‘diving helmet’ emblem – the logo of the original super compressor manufacturer, Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA) – stamped into a ‘coin’ that sits on top of the caseback.
King of crowns
Two crowns are on the side of the case. The first, at 2 o’clock, rotates the inner countdown bezel, while the lower crown, at 4 o’clock, controls the hands and the date wheel. Just like the crowns on the original super compressors, both have distinctive cross-hatching.
The case for comfort
When it comes to wearability, we don’t cut corners. This 41mm cushioned Light-catcher™ case has brushed and polished surfaces and, thanks to its slim profile, easily slides under your cuff.
Dial up the style
This is no ordinary dial. The decompression dial has been precision-printed so you can calculate stops at a glance. Meanwhile, the shades of orange and blue contrast beautifully without affecting legibility. Another retro touch is the authentic box-sapphire crystal.
Chronometer accuracy
On the C65 Super Compressor Elite, precision timekeeping is everything. That’s why the watch is powered by a chronometer version of the Sellita SW300 automatic calibre. This puts it in the top six percent of Swiss-made mechanical movements for accuracy.
Technical
- Watch Model C65
- Size 41mm
- Dial Colour Blue/Orange
- Case Material Stainless steel
- Case Colour Silver
- Bezel Colour White
- Height 13.75mm
- Lug-to-Lug 47.12mm
Features
- Swiss made
- Functioning Super Compressor spring and mechanism
- Self-winding SW300-1 with Chronometer movement
- Up to 56 hours power reserve
- Anti-shock system
- Brushed and polished Light-catcher™ steel case
- Screw down, display caseback with steel coin
- Embossed screw-down crown
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