Christopher Ward is delighted to announce the launch of a 100-piece limited edition watch named the C8 ‘Al Deere’ TM-B Limited Edition. The new timepiece has been designed to remember one of the most renowned RAF Aces, Alan C Deere, known also as ‘Al’ Deere, and is powered by a hand wound small-seconds version of Calibre SH21, Christopher Ward’s in-house 120-hour power reserve chronometer.
Mike France, CEO and Co-Founder at Christopher Ward, said: “During the WW2 conflict, Al Deere was recognized as one of the most successful of all fighter pilots, who, by the end of the war has accumulated 22 enemy kills and another 10 ‘probables’. With 2018 marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF, we thought it was only right to pay homage to both ‘Al’ Deere and the centenary by launching the C8 ‘Al Deere’ TM-B Limited Edition.”
In addition to being known as a distinguished pilot, ‘Al’ Deere was also a prominent pilot trainer who is famously known for a mid-air collision with a trainee pilot on 28th December 1940. On that day, before takeoff, Deere had instructed a new trainee to ‘stick to me like glue’. Following this order, perhaps a little too closely, the trainee pilot collided with Deere midair before, thankfully, they both bailed out safely.
Through Christopher Ward’s partnership with TM-B Art Metal, the C8 ‘Al Deere’ TM-B Limited Edition incorporates metal originating from the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine fitted to the crashed Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 X4276. Additionally, the notable ‘stick to me like glue’ quote has been immortalised on the new timepiece’s caseback, where it is laser-engraved and laquer-filled alongside; the Spitfire’s identification code and squadron letters Mk 1 X4276 KL-B, full recognition of Alan Christopher ‘Al’ Deere of 54 Squadron, and the auspicious crash date of 28.12.1940.
The C8 ‘Al Deere’ TM-B Limited Edition is encased within Christopher Ward’s aviation C8 case, with the 44mm diameter and enlarged crown of the C8 case incorporating a black DLC coating with sandblasted texture, with bevels to the lugs and bezel. The serrated crown ensures easy adjustments can be made through thick gloves during flight and is stamped with the standard turbine motif of the C8 collection.
Inspired by the Spitfire’s Smiths Mk III clock and dashboard instrument panel, the extra matte black dial of the new timepiece has alternating light old radium and old radium numerals in a vintage-look, sans-serif font. The small seconds subdial in light old radium is highlighted with the characteristic Spitfire clock ‘Time of Trip’, which allowed pilots of the WW2 fighter planes to measure and record flight duration, something that was vital for aeronautical navigation.
The new watch is powered by a hand wound small-seconds version of Calibre SH21, Christopher Ward’s own 120-hour power reserve chronometer. With a highly decorated, twin-flag pattern engraved bridge (here hidden beneath the metal disc from X2476 embedded in the case back), the movement’s powerful twin barrel construction delivers consistent power for supremely accurate timekeeping across its 5-day power reserve.
The C8 ‘Al Deere’ TM-B Limited Edition will be available to pre-order from 27th March 2018 at www.christopherward.co.uk. The watch is limited to 100-pieces and will be available on a quality vintage oak leather strap, priced at £2,995.
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