Hey, watch enthusiasts! Today, we are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news from the world of timepieces. All eyes are on the stunning Christopher Ward The Twelve!
Right after the smashing success of Windup NYC 2023, Christopher Ward has dropped a bombshell on the watch community. They introduced the stunning “The Twelve”. This exquisite creation, meticulously designed and crafted, is set to redefine your expectations of elegance and precision. Let’s go into the intricacies of the Christopher Ward 12 (The Twelve).
Christopher Ward: A Brief Introduction
Christopher Ward is a British watch brand that was founded in 2004 by Mike France, Peter Ellis, and Chris Ward. The idea for the company came about during a boat trip down the Thames.
Here, the three men, who had recently sold Early Learning Centre and were looking for a new business venture, decided to start a watch brand. They were inspired by the high markups of Swiss watch brands. This is because they were using similar components from the same manufacturers.
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The Goal
Christopher Ward’s goal was to create a different type of premium watch business. Their aim was to avoid the high marketing overheads and third-party retailer margins of Swiss brands. The company launched on June 2, 2005, as the world’s first online-only watch brand. It started selling directly to customers through its own website.
Christopher Ward started with two models, the C5 Malvern Automatic and the C3 Malvern Chronograph. Then the brand quickly gained recognition when a watch expert from Tasmania praised the brand’s ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, calling it the ‘best value mechanical watch in the world.’
In 2014, Christopher Ward announced the creation of its own in-house movement, Calibre SH21. This one was the first commercially viable mechanical movement from a British watch brand in over 50 years. The company’s values include providing high-quality watches at affordable prices. It avoids celebrity endorsements and maintains a strong relationship with its customers through its online presence.
Note: The Christopher Ward Moonphase watch collection is also mind-blowing. Each model has its own unique features and design.
Design: Where Elegance Meets Innovation
Prepare to be awestruck by “The Twelve”. This 40mm integrated bracelet sports watch is not just an accessory; it’s a statement. Drawing inspiration from the iconic designs of the 1970s, it flawlessly integrates Gerald Genta’s legacy into a contemporary marvel. The textured dial, reminiscent of an Aztec pyramid with a square base and flat top, gives the watch a unique depth that mere photographs fail to capture. And oh, the bezel! Dodecahedral in shape, it’s a testament to Christopher Ward’s commitment to intricate detailing. With brushed, polished, and sandblasted finishes, the bezel is a work of art in itself.
But beauty doesn’t stop there. The indices, faceted and meticulously polished, add a touch of sophistication. The hour and minute hands, redesigned for a more elegant look, perfectly complement the overall aesthetic. The integration of a strong taper in the bracelet, from 24mm to 18mm, enhances the watch’s sleek profile, making it a true delight for the eyes.
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Christopher Ward The Twelve: Specifications
Let’s talk about specifications. Crafted from high-quality 316L steel or titanium, this timepiece boasts a diameter of 40mm and a slim height of 8.9mm, ensuring it comfortably hugs your wrist. With a water resistance of up to 100m, it’s not just a style statement; it’s your reliable companion. Just remember this is not a diver!
The movements, visible through the sapphire exhibition case back, are a testament to Christopher Ward’s dedication to horological excellence. The stainless steel variant features the Selitta SW200-1, offering 38 hours of power reserve, while the titanium version steps it up with the SW300-1 COSC, boasting an impressive 56-hour power reserve.
Colors & Finishes: A Palette of Choices
Now, let’s talk about colors. The stainless steel version comes in four captivating hues: glacier blue, Nordic blue, basalt grey, and Arctic white. On the other hand, the titanium version offers fume dials in astral blue and nebula purple, adding a touch of celestial allure.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect, right down to the custom-engraved rotor carrying Christopher Ward’s name.
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Christopher Ward 12 – Price & Availability
The price? Oh, it’s incredibly reasonable for the masterpiece you’ll be adorning your wrist with. The stainless steel variant starts at $1,225. Moreover, the stunning titanium Christopher Ward The Twelve Ti Astral Blue version is a bit higher at $1,895.
Worried about straps? Fear not! You can choose from black, dark blue, and light blue straps. These allow you to personalize your timepiece to match your style.
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Our Take on Christopher Ward’s “The Twelve”
So, what’s our take on Christopher Ward’s “The Twelve”? They’re diving headfirst into a competitive market – sports watches with integrated bracelets. In particular, they’re aiming for that Royal Oak look by Audemars Piguet.
But Christopher Ward brings a fresh perspective to the table. They offer cool dial colors, especially with their titanium models. Plus, they pay great attention to the finishing touches, all without breaking the bank. So, who are their rivals? Well, Tissot’s automatic PRX watches come to mind. These have gained a lot of love from watch enthusiasts lately.
Tissot’s watches might have a more “Royal Oak” style, but they use Tissot’s popular Powermatic 80 movement. It’s a powerhouse with a longer power reserve and likely better resistance to magnets. Yet, it’s worth noting that this movement can’t be regulated, unlike ETA movements. Plus, it doesn’t come with a chronometer certification, which might matter to some.
On the flip side, Tissot’s watches are more budget-friendly. We were particularly amazed with Christopher Ward’s new titanium models. They offer dials with a unique depth and appearance. Overall, we were impressed!
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Final Thoughts: Christopher Ward 12
All in all, “The Twelve” might draw inspiration from the classics, but it carves its unique identity into the world of luxury watches. Christopher Ward’s first integrated bracelet sports watch is not just an accessory; it’s the epitome of artistry and sophistication. With its superb design, meticulous detailing, and affordable price point, “The Twelve” is set to become a timeless classic, an icon in the world of horology.
So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the Christopher Ward 12 “The Twelve” appeal. It’s not just a watch; it’s an experience. It’s truly a symbol of your refined taste and a testament to the timeless elegance that defines you.
