The new C65 Super Compressor Elite offers technical tweaks and new colours for a watch first introduced four years ago.
A super compressor is a case mechanism that uses the increasing water-resistance as you descend to increase the tightness of the seal.
It was invented in the 1950s and the new watch pays tribute to Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA) the now-defunct case maker.
When Christopher Ward decided to revisit the super compressor, it had already been making much of launching its own in-house movements.
The super compressor was another move that helped get the young watch company taken seriously in the press.
The compression spring is framed around the perimeter of the case by an orange. aluminium ring and is visible through the partially open caseback.
The caseback also has a diving helmet emblem and also the EPSA logo.
The inner dial has a dive timer scale – the new watch adds a decompression scale – with orange and light blue bands against a deep blue base.
“We wanted to do something never done before – to allow people to see the compression spring that allows the compressor action,” said Mike France, co-founder and CEO of Christopher Ward.
“Even though the spring is only 300 microns thick – roughly four times the thickness of a human hair – those with good eyesight (or if you’re like me, a loupe) can see the spring sitting within the caseback. I think that’s pretty cool.”
The COSC-rated Sellita SW300-1 movement gives a 56-hour power reserve and the 41mm steel case gives 150 metres of water resistance.
The Compressor Elite comes on either a blue or blue-and-orange ‘Aquaflex’ rubber strap, or a three-link steel bracelet.
Prices for the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor Elite start at $1,675.