Jaguar D-Type Inspired Watch by Christopher Ward
Inspired by the 1955 Le Mans winning car, the Jaguar D-Type, Christopher Ward’s latest release pays tribute to a golden era of British racing.
The C9 D-Type timepiece has been designed to honour the renowned Jaguar D-Type that won Le Mans on three occasions from 1955 – 1957. Contained within each of the 55 limited edition models (a nod to Mike Hawthorn’s memorable victory of 1955), is a piece of metal taken from a flat hot 3.4L piston, sourced directly from a production D-Type, located by metal specialists TMB Art Metal.
Only 18 of these truly unique cars were ever made for racing, offering an opportunity to own part of the DNA of British motorsport racing history. The precious metal taken from this iconic vehicle has been laser-cut into the shape of the distinctive spinner and design of the D-Type’s wheel and placed in the exhibition back of the watch. The words ‘D-Type Le Mans Winner’ are also engraved on the back plate alongside a unique serial number.
The watch is substantial at 43mm in diameter. It boasts a stunning black dial complete with numerals based on the car’s speedometer and a fuel tank-themed power reserve complication at 6 o’clock. The movement is an ETA Valgranges A07.161 with its rotor finished with Côtes de Genève’ stripes. Furthermore the rotor arm is finished in the famous green typically associated with the 1955 winning car.
Mike France, co-founder of the Christopher Ward brand, has said of the launch:
“The Jaguar D-Type was designed specifically to win at Le Mans. It did on three consecutive occasions in the 1950’s and entered British motorsport mythology. The C9 D-Type gives our customers the chance to own and wear a piece of genuine racing history. Everyone at Christopher Ward is immensely proud to be a part of this iconic car’s legendary story.”
FEATURES FOR C9 D TYPE
Swiss-made
British Designed
Limited Edition of just 55 pieces
Contains a piece of piston from one of the 18 Jaguar D-Type’s produced
Piston piece laser cut into shape of alloy on D-Type’s wheel
Dial design based on D-Type speedometer
Fuel tank-style power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock
Unique serial number and ‘D-Type Le Mans Winner’ engraved on back plate
ETA Valgranges A07.161 self-winding movement
46 hour power reserve
Côtes de Genève’ movement decoration
TECHNICAL
Diameter: 43mm
Case: Polished steel
Strap: Peccary black leather
Dial colour: black
PRICE: £2,995
The new C9 D-Type is available to pre-order from 11th August for delivery mid-October, exclusively from www.christopherward.co.uk