November 6, 2025
The Christopher Ward C1 Jump Hour Mk V represents the latest evolution of the brand’s proprietary JJ01 jump hour module. First developed with Johannes Jahnke, this complication is built upon a reliable workhorse caliber, the Sellita SW200-1. This technical foundation provides a 38-hour power reserve and operates at a standard frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz). The primary focus of this analysis, however, is the integration of the JJ01 and the engineering of the case and dial that surrounds it.
Case Specifications and Finishing
The watch is housed in the C1 platform case, executed in stainless steel. It measures 39mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.3mm, creating a contained footprint. The total height is a notable 14mm, a significant portion of which is attributable to a tall, box-domed sapphire crystal. The case finishing exhibits a functional contrast: the midcase is entirely brushed, delineated by a single polished chamfer that transitions into a fully polished bezel slope. A technical limitation is the 30m water resistance rating, which is minimal for a case of these modern proportions, suggesting a focus on aesthetic form over environmental sealing.
The JJ01 Caliber Integration
The JJ01 module is the horological centerpiece. It provides an instantaneous jump hour displayed through a large aperture at the 12 o’clock position. This module is dial-side, layered on top of the SW200-1 base. A notable operational characteristic is that the hour can only be advanced forward; correcting an overshot hour requires cycling through the full 12-hour sequence. While robust, the base movement’s specifications are standard, placing the engineering value squarely on the proprietary complication itself.
Advanced Dial Architecture and Materials
The dial construction is a multi-layered assembly of advanced materials. The most innovative feature is the minute track, which is printed on the underside of a raised sapphire ring, elevated above a high-grain metallic base by four visible bolts. The minute hand is also crafted from sapphire, a material rarely used for this component due to manufacturing complexity, and is tipped with Super-LumiNova. The hour wheel itself is lumed, and the brand utilizes a translucent dial design that allows ambient light to continuously charge the lume on the numerals before they jump into the aperture, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions immediately following the hour change.
In conclusion, the C1 Jump Hour Mk V’s technical value is derived from its complex dial architecture and the novel application of the JJ01 module. The use of sapphire for key display elements and the clever lume implementation showcase a commitment to horological engineering, even if the base caliber and case specifications remain conventional.
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