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All the watch news, reviews, videos you want, brought to you from fellow collectors
All the watch news, reviews, videos you want, brought to you from fellow collectors
Founded in 2004 by Christopher Ward, Mike France, and Peter Ellis, the British luxury watch brand, with its humble beginnings as a microbrand and now a formidable independent watchmaker, Christopher Ward was the first to sell its timepieces in an online only model, directly to its customers. The brand has now introduced the C12 Loco, housing its second in-house movement, calibre CW-003.
Developed under the leadership of Technical Director Frank Stelzer, the manually wound CW-003 movement is a complete reimagining of the brand’s first in-house calibre (the SH21, now CW-001). This new movement features twin barrels and a six-day (144-hour) power reserve, offering one extra day over its predecessor, and beats at a 4 Hz frequency. While its mechanical concept remains the same as CW-001, CW-003 has been fully re-engineered to suit the open-worked aesthetic.
The movement incorporates a custom-developed free-sprung balance wheel, regulated via micro screws rather than traditional regulating pins, offering the movement a technical superiority and a mesmerising visual appeal. “An exposed free-sprung balance wheel is one of the most captivating sights in watchmaking,” says Jörg Bader Jr, Director of Product. Design Director Adrian Buchmann also comments, “It’s the high-end indie brands who’ve really been championing open balance watches… they’re always fun, always alive.” The movement is further decorated with hand-finishing, and its bridges are polished in rounded facets to reflect light, creating a depth effect.
The C12 Loco comes in the brand’s 41mm Twelve case, built in a three-piece construction. The case has been reworked, featuring steeper, downturned lugs for a snug wrist fit. The timepiece comes in four vibrant colourways: black, white, vivid blue, and metallic orange.
Mike France, CEO and Co-founder, says, “This is a truly audacious piece… The C12 Loco embodies a state of perpetual motion – both in its mesmerising mechanics and in what it signifies for Christopher Ward: a refusal to stand still.”
The C12 Loco comes with a choice of rubber strap with deployant clasp or an integrated steel bracelet. The rubber strap version is priced at approximately INR 4,32,000/- (£3,795/$4,595/€4,950) while the bracelet version retails at approx. INR 4,55,000/- (£3,995/$4,825/€5,205).
What we think -
Christopher Ward has only gone from strength to strength in the post pandemic world, with multiple in-house calibres and unique watches already in the world, and the all new C12 Loco is no exception. Fantastic release, one that will compel the mainstream watchmaking world to sit up and take notice. Only sad part for us Indian watch collector’s is that the brand doesn’t have any official presence in India yet, and from the stance the watchmaker has taken it seems unlikely they will venture into the country for the foreseeable future.
Founded in 2004 by Christopher Ward, Mike France, and Peter Ellis, the British luxury watch brand, with its humble beginnings as a microbrand and now a formidable independent watchmaker, Christopher Ward was the first to sell its timepieces in an online only model, directly to its customers. The brand has now introduced the C12 Loco, housing its second in-house movement, calibre CW-003.
Developed under the leadership of Technical Director Frank Stelzer, the manually wound CW-003 movement is a complete reimagining of the brand’s first in-house calibre (the SH21, now CW-001). This new movement features twin barrels and a six-day (144-hour) power reserve, offering one extra day over its predecessor, and beats at a 4 Hz frequency. While its mechanical concept remains the same as CW-001, CW-003 has been fully re-engineered to suit the open-worked aesthetic.
The movement incorporates a custom-developed free-sprung balance wheel, regulated via micro screws rather than traditional regulating pins, offering the movement a technical superiority and a mesmerising visual appeal. “An exposed free-sprung balance wheel is one of the most captivating sights in watchmaking,” says Jörg Bader Jr, Director of Product. Design Director Adrian Buchmann also comments, “It’s the high-end indie brands who’ve really been championing open balance watches… they’re always fun, always alive.” The movement is further decorated with hand-finishing, and its bridges are polished in rounded facets to reflect light, creating a depth effect.
The C12 Loco comes in the brand’s 41mm Twelve case, built in a three-piece construction. The case has been reworked, featuring steeper, downturned lugs for a snug wrist fit. The timepiece comes in four vibrant colourways: black, white, vivid blue, and metallic orange.
Mike France, CEO and Co-founder, says, “This is a truly audacious piece… The C12 Loco embodies a state of perpetual motion – both in its mesmerising mechanics and in what it signifies for Christopher Ward: a refusal to stand still.”
The C12 Loco comes with a choice of rubber strap with deployant clasp or an integrated steel bracelet. The rubber strap version is priced at approximately INR 4,32,000/- (£3,795/$4,595/€4,950) while the bracelet version retails at approx. INR 4,55,000/- (£3,995/$4,825/€5,205).
What we think -
Christopher Ward has only gone from strength to strength in the post pandemic world, with multiple in-house calibres and unique watches already in the world, and the all new C12 Loco is no exception. Fantastic release, one that will compel the mainstream watchmaking world to sit up and take notice. Only sad part for us Indian watch collector’s is that the brand doesn’t have any official presence in India yet, and from the stance the watchmaker has taken it seems unlikely they will venture into the country for the foreseeable future.
