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Christopher Ward Unveils C60 Clipper GMT in Pan Am Collaboration

January 29

Christopher Ward has collaborated with the legendary Pan Am Airlines to introduce a new limited-edition C60 Clipper GMT, a timepiece that captures the spirit of aviation's golden age. This release is a tribute to a pivotal moment in commercial flight history, bringing the romance of early jet travel to modern watch enthusiasts. Designed for those with a passion for global exploration, this watch combines classic aesthetics with practical functionality for the contemporary traveler.

The C60 Clipper GMT is not merely a time-telling device; it is a wearable piece of history. Limited to just 707 units, it embodies the precision and adventurous spirit of Pan Am's pioneering transatlantic jet flights. From its distinctive case design to the intricate details on its bezel and movement, every aspect of this watch has been carefully crafted to celebrate a bygone era of luxury air travel, while offering reliability and style for today's journeys.

A Tribute to Aviation's Golden Era

The Christopher Ward C60 Clipper GMT is a meticulously designed timepiece that resurrects the charm of vintage air travel through its collaboration with Pan Am. This 707-piece limited edition is constructed with Christopher Ward's signature 42mm Light-catcher stainless steel case, offering both aesthetic appeal and robust durability. A standout feature is its bi-directional blue aluminum bezel, which is uniquely adorned with 24 International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport codes. These codes represent key global destinations within Pan Am's historic network, making the watch a functional world-timer that celebrates the airline's expansive reach. Notable cities like Dallas (DAL), a significant Pan Am hub and the site of Christopher Ward’s initial U.S. showroom, and La Paz (LPB), symbolizing Pan Am's strong presence in South America via PANAGRA, are etched onto the bezel. Key West (EYW) is distinctively highlighted in red, commemorating Pan Am's inaugural flight in 1927, adding a historical anchor to the watch's design.

The integration of the Sellita SW330-2 GMT movement further enhances the watch's utility for global travelers. This movement provides a 56-hour power reserve and maintains an accuracy of ±20 seconds per day, ensuring reliable timekeeping across multiple time zones. The watch’s 24-click bi-directional bezel, when set with the GMT hand aligned to GMT+0, allows for simultaneous reading of times in all 24 listed cities, offering true world-timer functionality. Visibility in low-light conditions is ensured by the Super-LumiNova Grade X1 BL Old Radium applied to the hour, minute, and GMT hands, as well as the applied indexes. A charming detail, the seconds hand replaces Christopher Ward's typical trident counterbalance with a miniature Pan Am Clipper plane, a subtle yet powerful nod to the collaboration. Despite its aviation theme, the watch retains a substantial 300-meter water resistance, affirming its foundation as a capable dive watch. The closed, screw-down caseback features a deeply stamped Pan Am "Blue Meatball" globe, with each individual watch's limited-edition number laser-engraved, adding an exclusive touch to each piece. This timepiece is a testament to both Pan Am’s pioneering spirit and Christopher Ward’s commitment to craftsmanship and historical narrative.

Design and Functionality for the Modern Explorer

The Christopher Ward C60 Clipper GMT seamlessly marries historical inspiration with contemporary watchmaking, providing a functional and stylish accessory for today’s global traveler. The thoughtful selection of Pan Am's significant destinations on the bezel not only serves as a nostalgic map but also as a practical tool, allowing wearers to track time across various time zones effortlessly. The design ensures that whether you are in New York or Paris, a quick glance reveals the local time in any of Pan Am’s legendary locales, embodying the interconnectedness of global travel that the airline pioneered. This blend of form and function highlights Christopher Ward's dedication to creating timepieces that are both meaningful and highly usable for those who frequently cross time zones.

Beyond its striking appearance and geographical markers, the C60 Clipper GMT is engineered for performance. The Sellita SW330-2 GMT movement is a reliable engine, providing consistent and accurate time display, crucial for any traveler. The Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers ensures optimal legibility in diverse lighting conditions, from dimly lit airplane cabins to vibrant cityscapes at night. The iconic Pan Am Clipper plane on the seconds hand adds a unique character, celebrating the legacy of Pan Am in a subtle yet significant way. Furthermore, the robust 300-meter water resistance ensures that this watch is not just a desk diver but a capable companion for any adventure, reflecting the enduring spirit of exploration. The individually numbered, engraved caseback with the "Blue Meatball" globe transforms each watch into a personal artifact, commemorating a rich history while embarking on new journeys. This timepiece is a perfect blend of a storied past and a dynamic present, crafted for those who appreciate both heritage and utility in their watch collection.

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