Christopher Ward Launches Ultra Slim C5 Malvern 595

Here at GNC, I don’t usually cover old school things like watches, but I get the feeling there’s been a little bit of a renaissance in analogue time pieces. Certainly there are plenty of Fitbits and Apple Watches on people’s wrists but there are still plenty of watches out there going tick-tock. Anyway, let me know in the comments if watches are of interest and I’ll do more. – Andrew

Christopher Ward have announced the C5 Malvern 595, a new ultra-slim mechanical watch at just under 6 mm thick. Using a hand-wound mechanical movement, the ETA 7001 which itself is 2.5 mm thick, the designers managed to fit it into a slender case that is just 5.95 mm, hence the 595 moniker. The ETA 7001 has a 42 hour power reserve, meaning it’ll need wound every other day or so.

Christopher Ward’s Co-Founder Mike France explains: “I knew immediately that it would be a significant test for us to create a truly ultra-slim watch. But I felt that it could be possible. And so, my challenge to the team was, can we create a mechanical timepiece, under 6mm high, at a Christopher Ward price point?”

The design comes in two Opalin dial variants, pearly white or cool grey, with a choice of three straps (black, brown, camel) and a Milanese mesh bracelet. The case is 39 mm in diameter, which is very much on trend and wearable for both men and women.

Adrian Buchmann, Senior Designer, explains: “Because the 595’s most important quality is that it’s very slim, it was important we didn’t distract from that – which mostly meant removing clutter. So the dial is very simple with no raised elements or extraneous detail, and we needed exceptionally pure, clean hands. The main detail, in fact, is on the rear of the watch, where we have used a crystal exhibition caseback, so the movement can be viewed.”

For comparison purposes, a Rolex Submariner is 13 mm thick and if you are wondering what the thinnest watch in the world is, then for a mechanical hand-wound it’s the Piaget Altiplano at 3.65 mm. Mind you, they cost a bit more than the Malvern.

Talking about the price, Christopher Ward is milking the 595 theme for all it’s worth. Not only is the C5 Malvern 5.95 mm thick, it costs GB£595. The watch is available now from their boutique and online store.

For those that don’t know Christopher Ward, it’s a British company that designs watches in the UK but are then manufactured in Biel, Switzerland. The company’s been around for 11 years and has a reputation for producing good value watches, both mechanical and quartz.

There’s the obligatory promotional video below.