Inspired by the sports-explorer watches of the 20th century, Christopher Ward unveils a fresh three-watch collection
The luxurious-but-practical ‘sports-explorer’ has long been a staple of elite watchmaking.
And while Christopher Ward boasts an iconic dive collection (Trident) and a vintage-style retro-dive range (the C65s), it held back on joining the sports-explorer market until April 2021, with the launch of the Sealander collection: a set of go-anywhere, do-everything watches that can’t be beaten on quality or value. .
Sealanders are made for a world in flux. A world where home and office mingle, where jeans and trainers are the acceptable uniform of business; and where provenance trumps ostentation every time.
Christopher Ward CEO Mike France says: “A Sealander is the natural choice for the digital worker. If you make your living behind a laptop, consider yourself a citizen of the world and care deeply about the environment, you need a watch that reflects your values – and your style. The Sealanders provide it.”
“These pieces are as tough as a dive watch, but underplay it with more modest, bezel-free lines.
And they can be
worn absolutely anywhere.”
“If you make your living behind a laptop, consider yourself a citizen of the world and care about the environment, you need a watch that reflects your values
– and your style”
The spirit
of Sealander
Each C63 Sealander has its own unique qualities but what unifies them is the fusion of high-level finishing, horological excellence and easy wearability.
“These pieces are as tough as a dive watch, but underplay it with more modest, bezel-free lines,” says Mike France. “They can be worn absolutely anywhere, and as work and home life continue to blend, that’s become more relevant than ever.”
There are three watches in the collection: an automatic three-hander, a GMT with a fixed bezel, and the super-light titanium Elite – each offering a wealth of features and level of detail far beyond their modest price points.
“All the watches have a clear, symmetrical look,” says Adrian Buchmann, head of product design. “The polished, or distressed 'ombré, dials and distinctive handsets on certain models also reference the C60 Trident Pro 600. Each case is machined and finished in exactly the same way too, and even the entry-point Automatic has the highest quality finish on its Sellita movement.”
Straps and more
The collection comes on a range of quick-release straps, including a fresh take on the Trident Pro’s steel bracelet, a super-sleek hybrid – half rubber, half Cordura® – and some office-friendly leather options.
Plus, there’s the first appearance of a #tide strap on a ‘series’ watch. Looking like a particularly sophisticated NATO, these woven nylon straps are made of discarded plastic hauled from the Pacific, then shredded, treated for UV damage, and reconstituted as watch straps. “It’s a complicated process,” Adrian says. “But the effort is totally worthwhile.”
Something that can be said of the whole collection.
Which Sealander
is for you?
Related watches
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