Christopher Ward C8 Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary Limited Edition
Pilot/Aviation Watch · Christopher Ward (Independent/British-owned); mid-range luxury tier known for pioneering the direct-to-consumer online watch model.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Heritage Revival (2010), designed to emulate 1940s RAF flight instruments and the 'Dirty Dozen' aesthetic.
Type
Pilot/Aviation Watch
Brand
Christopher Ward (Independent/British-owned); mid-range luxury tier known for pioneering the direct-to-consumer online watch model.
Movement
Automatic/self-winding, Calibre ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1, 28,800 bph, approx. 38-hour power reserve, 25/26 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 44mm, Thickness: 9.7mm, Lug-to-lug: 53mm, Lug width: 22mm. It wears large due to the thin bezel and expansive dial.
Description
This C8 variant is a heartfelt tribute to the RAF pilots of WWII. It combines a large, legible dial reminiscent of cockpit altimeters with a cream 'heritage' color palette. The 44mm case provides a modern presence while preserving the utility-first ethos of historic observers' watches. It represents a significant era for Christopher Ward, before their 2017 logo rebrand, featuring the classic serif wordmark.
Key Features
Royal Air Force crest at 12, 'Battle of Britain' commemorative text, cathedral hands, onion crown, and a caseback engraved with legendary WWII fighter planes.
Dial Description
Cream/parchment colored matte dial features the Royal Air Force (RAF) crest at 12 o'clock, 'Battle of Britain 1940' text, black Arabic numerals, and cathedral/pipette style hands with lume. Outer railroad minute track with red 15-30-45-60 markers.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a bead-blasted or 'micro-brushed' matte finish to reduce glare, typical of military tool watches.
Crystal Type
Museum-grade sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Visible condition in image shows minor surface dust but no significant chips.
Bezel Details
Fixed, stepped bezel in bead-blasted stainless steel; smooth finish without markings, integrated into the pilot watch silhouette.
Crown & Pushers
Oversized onion-style pilot crown, push-pull operation, designed for ease of use while wearing flight gloves.
Bracelet or Strap
Dark brown vintage-style leather strap with contrast stitching and a stainless steel tang buckle or folding 'Bader' deployant clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback featuring deeply engraved commemorative artwork of a Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, along with limited edition numbering (x/1940).
Movement Type
Automatic/self-winding, Calibre ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1, 28,800 bph, approx. 38-hour power reserve, 25/26 jewels.
Water Resistance
5 ATM (50 meters); suitable for light splashes and rain only; not recommended for swimming or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. While the brand is British, manufacturing and movement assembly occur in Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Produced in 2010 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1940 Battle of Britain.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'British heart, Swiss soul' identity of the brand and serves as a wearable memorial to the 'The Few' who defended Britain during WWII.
Condition Notes
The case shows light signs of wear consistent with a 10+ year old timepiece; the dial appears clean with no visible moisture damage; the leather strap shows typical creasing. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$500 - $850 USD. Value is driven by its limited edition status and appeal to military history collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 5-7 years for the mechanical movement; avoid water exposure as pilot watches usually have lower depth ratings; store on a watch winder if not worn daily.
Similar Watches
IWC Big Pilot (High-end alternative), Stowa Flieger Classic 40 (German alternative), Hamilton Khaki Field (Affordable alternative). Difference: The C8 features specific RAF-licensed branding and commemorative text.
Interesting Facts
Only 1,940 pieces were produced to match the year of the battle. Christopher Ward has a long history of charitable and commemorative releases supporting British military veterans.