Christopher Ward is absolutely a household name in the watch industry. When I think of Christopher Ward my mind goes to well-designed, affordable, and attractive. Within that is definitely value. Christopher Ward famously uses their cost times 3 pricing model and until proven otherwise I have no reason to disbelieve them.
They are also constantly innovating. Christopher Ward turns out new models, new materials, and new designs year after year.
I am writing this Year On the Wrist review after having owned the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic for about a year. You can find Will’s review of the Elite, a cousin to the automatic, here.
After a year in the box this watch often goes a week or more on my wrist. The case is a bit of a mystery. The case dimensions are 39mm wide by 45.8mm lug-to-lug. The case is neither bulky or slim at 11.25mm. I love the size and shape of this watch, but the way it catches the light makes it seem much larger without feeling larger. Like I said, a mystery. This dress sport watch boasts 150 meters of water resistance and adds to the sport feel with well-shaped crown guards surrounding one of my favorite crowns of all time.
When I opt for other watches for a day or so I make sure to let this watch fully exhaust the power reserve because I thoroughly enjoy winding this watch, which has smooth action with just enough resistance to feel like a wind.
The Christopher Ward signature light-catching of the case provides a terrific POP whenever I look at the dial and the Super-LumiNova application leaves absolutely nothing wanting.
Now for the miss (which Christopher Ward has intentions to correct), the bracelet. There is no taper. I initially was very turned off by the lack of taper. The bracelet is a bit bulky with 20mm of steel surrounding my wrist. I’ve got more to say about the bracelet below.
Christopher Ward C63 Automatic Specs | |
Case Width 39mm | Lug-to-Lug 45.8mm |
Case Thickness 11.25mm | Wrist-to-Crystal 10mm |
Lug Width 20mm | Weight 156g (unsized) |
Water Resistance 150m | Strap Bracelet |
Crystal Sapphire | Lume Super-LumiNova X1 BL C1 |
Movement Sellita SW200 | Price $895 |
This is about as simple as a dial can be, having applied indices with a subtle minute track with yet more subtle numerals in increments of 5 around the ring. Say what you will about the Christopher Ward handset but I am smitten. The sword minute, arrow hour, and trident second hands do it for me. This might not be for everyone, but wait until you see the trident points cast a shadow on the dial as it sweeps by. You will change your mind.
The date window is well-executed but I could certainly do without it. Two-digit dates seem a little squished in the rectangular window at 6 o’clock and if I’m the designer I can skip it entirely. Some people want a date window, and this one is nothing to complain about.
The 6 o’clock bears the obligatory Swiss Made along the minute track without shouting it from the rooftops.
We are all familiar with the Christopher Ward case designs. The light-catcher is eye-catching and beautiful. The case creates an illusion of wearing a larger watch without it feeling like it.
The lugs are short with a great curve that makes this watch even more compact and sporty-feeling. The beveling on the outside edges of the case, top and bottom, catches light and shows an expert understanding of finishing processes.
There is a depth of texture in this watch that is really impressive on a plain-dialed watch. The bevel on the box sapphire crystal transitions into the angle of the bezel, and right into a gorgeous case.
To be fair, this is a boring watch. It’s like Christopher Ward designers had me in mind when they brought this into reality. Here’s the thing, when you make a boring design it has to be special. This is a special case with great attention to the smallest details.
As promised, more to say on the bracelet. As I said before there is no taper. This is a hard pill for me to swallow. Christopher Ward was already using pin and collar in lieu of screws, a huge pain. But the no taper was annoying. The bracelet felt unruly when compared to the sporty elegance of the watch. Here’s the thing, the more I wore this bracelet I came to really like it. Barring the lack of taper this is a very comfortable bracelet. Like, very comfortable. The clasp is also right on the money. The quick-adjust is hidden inside the clasp and offers a full link of adjustability. This isn’t a dive extension-style quick-adjust because you need to open the bracleet to expand the quick-adjust. But, a mere squeeze will tighten it back down.
I found that once I got the sizing dialed in on this bracelet I never needed to make adjustments, whether it was for summer or winter wear.
Christopher Ward CEO Mike France has promised us a tapering bracelet and teased some exciting changes to the bracelet game in the near future.
This was a love-at-first-sight watch for me. When I saw the first press kits and photos for this watch I knew I was going to buy it. I bought it. I love it. I don’t regret it ever. This is one of my go-to watches and works just as well in business attire as it does in board shorts. After a year of wear, it has some well-earned scuffs and marks and I look forward to more.
Check out more Christopher Ward reviews at Watch Clicker here
Check out the Christopher Ward website here
Bringing light to an aspect of horology that is often overlooked
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