Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow

by Marc Levesque

Moon over Montreal

I have had the Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow for several months, possibly longer than they intended to lend it to me. Although I haven’t worn it much since it isn’t mine, I have kept it running and have enjoyed having it on my desk next to my laptop monitor. It’s a very special-looking watch. Just last night, I wore it to a Montreal RedBar event, which coincidentally took place on a full moon night. Remarkably, I ran into a collector who had been thinking about this very watch when he left for the event and noticed the full moon. He was thrilled to see it in person, and I was happy to show him all the little details that make it such a unique piece.

Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow Watch Review — ^{Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow @marctime2watch}

Key Features of the Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow

This is not CW’s first Moonglow timepiece; there was an earlier version. However, like the company itself, this model has evolved significantly, and to truly appreciate its intricacies, it is best to have it in hand. This series shares the same advantage as the others, featuring a light-catching 40.5mm case design with multiple polished beveled facets that create an illusion of thinness. At a height of only 13mm, measured to the top of the domed box sapphire crystal, it is not just an illusion. The light-catching steps are also showcased on the display case back, which is secured with four polished screws.

Although all the light-catching features are impressive, the dial is where this watch truly shines, pun intended. I will do my best to describe it in words, though nothing can replace seeing it in person and at the right angle. The dial features a date ring on the outer edge, separated from the chapter ring by a narrow aperture. Within the divide, a red indicator aligns with the corresponding day of the month. The chapter ring is faceted and features applied indices filled with Grade X1 WL C1 Super-LumiNova. It rests on dark transparent glass with a large moon phase display cut-out.

Beneath the glass dial is the moon phase disc, which features two full moons made from three-dimensional Globolight material. I’m not sure how they achieved this, and perhaps it’s best not to know, as it might take away from the magic. You can see the textured surface of the moon! It’s hard to describe, so looking at the pictures is best. This moon phase display is unlike any I’ve ever seen, especially when it’s charged and viewed in the dark. The stars on the wheel also faintly glow in the dark, as if they were far away. Completing the dial are elegant and slender baton hands perfectly proportional to the dial.

The Christopher Ward Moonglow is powered by the Swiss Sellita SW220 combined with an in-house moon phase display module. It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and has a power reserve of 38 hours. The watch came on their new 5-link Consort bracelet that is refined and tapers from 20mm between the lugs to 16.5mm at the hidden butterfly clasp. It is sized using one-sided screws, which is my favorite adjustment method. It features two half-links to fine-tune the fit. While it currently lacks micro-adjustment capabilities, if the new Twelve X serves as a preview of future offerings, that may change soon.

Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 40.5mm Diameter 47.9mm Lug to Lug 12.9mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Push/Pull Crown Screw Down Case Back 30m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal 3D Globolight Moons Dauphine Handset C1 Super-LumiNova
Movement	Sellita SW 220 /w JJ04 Moonphase Module 26 Jewels 28 800bph 38-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel 5-Limk Consort

Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow

Quibbles

I only have one complaint about the watch, and it’s a deal breaker for me, though it may not be for you. My issue is its water resistance. When deciding which watch to take to Greece, our friend Mike Pearson suggested I take the Moonglow. At that time, the average temperature in Greece was over 40°C. With a water resistance of only 30 meters, I was concerned that my sweat might damage the watch. Additionally, we spent a lot of time in the sea and the pool due to the excessive heat. I didn’t want to risk leaving it unattended for any length of time.

Final Thoughts

The Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow is a spectacular watch. It is comfortable, good-looking, unique, and a conversation starter. Turn off the lights, and I giggle like an eight-year-old with a stolen piece of candy. If you are in the market for a moon phase watch or want something different, you cannot go wrong with this watch. I have been closely following Christopher Ward since its inception 20 years ago, and it has been enjoyable to see their progression. This Moonglow represents the peak of their achievements, and once again, with this watch and many others, they have demonstrated that they are true leaders in value proposition. Their future is glowing, and I am so here for it!

Pricing & Availability

The Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow retails for $2475USD ($3150CAD). For more information, check out the brand website.

About the author

Based in Montreal, Quebec, Marc has been an enthusiastic watch collector for well over three decades. Having witnessed and participated in the birth of the internet watch community, he has played a role on multiple watch forums and his articles have appeared on-line and in print since the late 1990s. Today his passion for all things horological is as pronounced as it has ever been, while he continues his never-ending search for watch next. You can follow him on Instagram.

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