C65 Super Compressor Elite

We have seen plenty of Dive Watches from Christopher Ward over the years. This new addition to its popular retro-dive collection is now enhanced with technical upgrades and a fresh colour palette. Christopher Ward’s latest drop is the C65 Super Compressor Elite, a firm favourite of mine as I’m a huge vintage dive watch nerd. This is a new breath of fresh air from CW and I love this new model.

Building on the foundation of the original 2020 model, the C65 Super Compressor Elite maintains its authentic super compressor case mechanism, designed to increase water resistance as the diver descends. This latest release introduces a decompression scale on the dial, a historical tool for planning decompression stops during a dive. Furthermore, the watch boasts an upgraded movement with the Sellita SW300-1, which delivers COSC-certified accuracy and a robust power reserve of 56 hours.

In 2019, Senior Designers Adrian Buchmann and Will Brackfield, along with Technical Director Frank Steltzer, embarked on a project to reverse-engineer the iconic Ervin Piquerez SA (ESPA) case, originally produced in the 1950s, as a tribute to the legendary maker.

Their efforts culminated in the creation of the C65 Super Compressor, where the innovative 300-micron-wide compression spring is a highlight. This remarkably thin spring, integral to the watch’s super compressor function, is visible through the exhibition case back and is accentuated by an orange aluminium ring around the perimeter of the case.

Christopher Ward Co-founder and CEO Mike France explains, “We aimed to achieve something unprecedented by showcasing the compression spring that enables the compressor action. However, the spring is just 300 microns thick—about four times the width of a human hair—those with keen eyesight (or, like me, a loupe) can spot the spring within the case back. I think that’s pretty cool.”

As the wearer descends underwater, the pressure around the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor Elite increases, causing the caseback to press down against an O-ring gasket embedded in its three-piece construction. This design element pays homage to the original super-compressor technology. Further tribute is evident in the steel ‘coin’ affixed to the sapphire crystal caseback. Stamped with the authentic Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA) logo and a diving helmet—symbols used in the 1970s to certify genuine super-compressor watches—this detail connects the new model to its historical roots.

The inner dial features a dive timer scale adorned with contrasting orange and light blue bands against a deep blue base. While modern divers rely on dive computers to ensure safe decompression, the compression scales on the dial hark back to a time when these scales were vital for calculating decompression periods to avoid decompression sickness. Divers would use the scale to determine their depth (marked in meters or feet at the 12 o’clock position) and follow the corresponding ring around the dial clockwise. This would first indicate the maximum no-decompression dive time and, if the dive extended beyond this point, the required decompression time before resurfacing. For instance, a 45-minute dive at 40 meters (130 feet) necessitates 60 minutes of decompression for a safe ascent.

Surrounding the dial is an interior diving bezel, operable via a crown at the 2 o’clock position. This crown is sealed with two gaskets, ensuring the bezel remains securely in place, enhancing the watch’s functionality and safety for divers.

Light Blue Aquaflex

Three-Link Bader Bracelet

Bi-Colour Tropic

Christopher Ward has truly created something remarkable with the C65 Super Compressor Elite. This latest design masterfully draws inspiration from the iconic dive watches of the 1960s while infusing a fresh, modern twist. The chosen colour palette perfectly complements this contemporary reinterpretation. As a brand, Christopher Ward has consistently made significant strides in advancing the British watch industry. While I’ve had mixed feelings about some of their past models, this C65 Super Compressor Elite stands out as my favourite so far.

Available in three appealing options—light blue Aquaflex at £1,405.00. Bi-color Tropic at £1,395.00, or the sophisticated three-link Bader bracelet at £1,560.00—each variant offers exceptional value. I’m eagerly anticipating the chance to experience one firsthand. Until then, I’ll patiently stay in line, looking forward to exploring this exemplary timepiece up close.

For More Watch News – Click HERE