Christopher Ward C65 AM 1 VEV Special Edition

Introduction

The C65 AM1 VEV special Edition was something of a landmark watch for Christopher Ward: it (at the time) represented the last quartz watches they made. As it happens, CW has subsequently released a few more quartz watches in later years, including the recent C63 Valour range.

Launched in March 2021, the C65 AM 1 VEV Special Edition is inspired by the legendary Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. It is a limited edition of 150 pieces. It features a highly accurate thermo-compensated chronograph movement and is one of two limited editions described as bringing Christopher Ward’s quartz chapter to a fitting conclusion. This watch has a tenths of a second timer, centre stop seconds, 30 minute sub dial and a running seconds sub dial. It also features an independently adjustable hour hand.

Although the 251.272 movement was offered in the C65 AM VEV 1 during the final quartz days of CW, to complete final production the replacement of the updated 251.274 was was used.

Often when new LE watches like this are launched, you see a few changing hands on the pre-owned market as people change their minds and rotate their collections, but that’s not really happened with this watch because very few have come up for sale since.

It’s powered by the well-known, COSC certified, ETA 251.274. For most mechanical watches you’d be happy with an accuracy of +/-20sec per day. For most quartz watches you’d be happy with +/-10sec per month, but this watch runs at +/-10sec per year, so is very much a 'set and forget’!

Design wise, it follows in the footsteps of the C9 DB4 1 VEV and C9 AM GT watches, all of which took design inspiration from the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato speedometer.

On the wrist it’s a lovely thing, the 41mm size suits most wrists, it’s a nice weight (feels more of an auto weight than quartz) and the chrono pushers have a lovely action to them.

Warranty

The transferable CW manufacturer’s warranty runs until March 2026.

Strap options

It comes on a virtually new black CW vintage oak leather. Other options are:

1) Exchange for a brand new CW black hybrid (no cost change)

2) Exchange for a brand new CW vintage oak brown leather strap (no cost change)

3) Head only (discount of £40)

Condition

Supplied with case, user guide, polishing cloth and warranty card. No COSC certificate.

It’s in perfect condition - bezel is entirely unmarked.

Specifications

• Case size: 41mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 12.2mm

• Waterproof: 150m

• Movement: ETA 251.264

Final Notes

• Note the first pic is a library shot, the rest all show the actual watch and package.