Christopher Ward's new C60 Clipper GMT watch is a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of air travel, specifically commemorating Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and its historic inaugural transatlantic jet service in 1958. While the Rolex GMT-Master is often the first watch that comes to mind when discussing Pan Am, this new offering from Christopher Ward successfully carves out its own unique narrative. It's a limited edition, with only 707 pieces available, mirroring the Boeing 707 "Clipper America" that made the groundbreaking flight from New York to Paris.
Detailed Exploration of the Christopher Ward C60 Clipper GMT
The Christopher Ward C60 Clipper GMT is encased in a robust 42mm stainless steel Light-catcher case, boasting a slender 12.45mm profile and a 49.3mm lug-to-lug measurement, ensuring a comfortable fit for most wrists despite its substantial size. Its water resistance of 300 meters adds to its versatility. The case design showcases a meticulous blend of vertical and horizontal brushing, accented by polished chamfers that enhance its visual appeal. A distinctive blue aluminum bezel insert, etched with IATA airport codes, pays homage to significant Pan Am destinations. Notably, a prototype mistake with the Zurich code (ZHR instead of ZRH) has been rectified in production models. Dallas (DAL) is highlighted for its historical connection to Pan Am's London and Frankfurt routes, and also as the location of Christopher Ward's first US showroom. La Paz, Bolivia (LPB), signifies Pan Am's expanded reach in South America through its consortium Panagra. The red EYW code for Key West International Airport marks the site of Pan Am's inaugural flight in 1927, while a triangular marker at 12 o'clock indicates the UK time zone, Christopher Ward's home. The watch features an eggshell dial with applied markers, illuminated by Super-LumiNova Grade X1 BL Old Radium for a vintage aesthetic. The date window at 6 o'clock displays dates in black on a white disc, with the 26th of each month highlighted in Pan Am blue, a nod to the date of the historic transatlantic flight. The rehaut integrates a 24-hour scale, incorporating the iconic blue and red hues that symbolize night and day hours, further reinforcing the Pan Am connection. Subtle design elements, such as a miniature Clipper airplane counterweight on the seconds hand and a blue GMT hand, along with the Pan Am word mark on the dial, ensure a clear affiliation without cluttering the display. The screw-in case back proudly features Pan Am's "Blue Meatball" globe logo and a laser-engraved limited edition number, evoking the romance of early global travel. Powering this timepiece is the reliable Sellita SW330-2 automatic GMT caliber, offering a 56-hour power reserve and operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The watch comes with Christopher Ward’s Bader bracelet, known for its comfort and integrated quick-release system and micro-adjustment clasp. Additionally, a complimentary NATO-style strap, crafted from material inspired by Pan Am's seatbelts, is included, adding a thoughtful touch to this commemorative watch. The retail price is £1,450 / €1,895 / US$1,995, and it comes in special packaging that includes a cleaning cloth with a 1950s Clipper Jet drawing.
This collaboration between Christopher Ward and Pan Am is a masterclass in nostalgic storytelling. For a watch enthusiast deeply connected to the history of timepieces and aviation, this C60 Clipper GMT isn't just a watch; it's a portable piece of history. While the Rolex GMT-Master undeniably holds a legendary status, the Christopher Ward offering provides a fresh, accessible entry into this rich narrative. It invites wearers to delve deeper into the captivating stories of aviation pioneers and the evolution of global travel, proving that a watch can be far more than just a time-telling device—it can be a conversation starter and a tribute to human ingenuity.