This week on ?Vintage Eye,? we?ll be taking a look at UK-based Christopher Ward and the brand’s C65 Dartmouth Series 1 watch, first released in 2019. The relatively new model is the latest addition to Christopher Ward?s growing Military collection, a series that take its inspiration from famous designs in British military history. WatchTime had an opportunity to sit down with one of the founders of Christopher Ward, Mike France, at the start of this year to hear a little bit more about his take on his brand?s British heritage, which you can read about here.

The new C65 Dartmouth takes inspiration from the Omega Seamaster 300 ?Big Triangle,? in particular the mil-spec (military specification) variation of the model issued to Her Majesty?s Royal Navy from 1967 to 1971 (pictured below, courtesy of Phillips). Often considered one of the finest military diving watches put into service, the model is easily recognizable by its twisted lugs, bakelite diving bezel, large printed hour markers, sword hands, and ? on many models ? a small, encircled “T” designating the watch?s use of tritium for its luminous elements. These vintage models today are incredibly rare, in-demand, and consequently expensive, with non-military issue pieces retailing at a minimum around $8,000, and mil-spec editions being known to auction for well over $60,000.
The C65 Dartmouth takes this design inspiration in stride, borrowing some elements of the vintage style while ultimately working t...