DearBill: Your comprehensive movement centric overview of the Christopher Ward line was one of the best pieces of horological video journalism that I have ever seen. The self publishing aspect of UA-cam opens up for individuals the space that was once reserved for magazines, television and radio but with a lower bar. There is an interesting divide in the UA-cam horological realm between persons like yourself and Arthur Leyenberger who engage in a serious form of watch journalism and persons who use their watch UA-cam as a form of video diary that from a viewing standpoint sometimes veers between watches and voyeurism. Your watch videos exemplify the virtues of the fine English essayists. You maintain the personal approach but the essence of your videos is to share what you have learned from your study of watches. In automotive journalism, the externals (design, fit and finish) always segue into a detailed analysis of the internals (engine, brakes and other systems) with a conclusion based upon both the objective and the subjective. In on line watch journalism, some practitioners leave out the analysis of the internals and just focus in on the externals and the subjective. Since the essence and long term utilitarian value of any watch comes from its movement, the movement should rightly be at the heart of any analysis of a particular watch or set of watches. The highest compliment I can pay you is that I regard you as the David E. Davis of the video horology world, albeit with gentler footsteps. I regret that I cannot attend the upcoming Watch Time in New York but I will look forward to the opportunity of meeting you at another time. You remain my watch guru. Howard
Whoa! Thanks man! Art & I like the same kind of watches and have many overlapping models in our collections. One of the interesting features of the internet and Blogs (or Vlogs) is that the producer is not constrained by concerns over advertising revenue, journalistic ethics (such as they are in these divisive times) nor a sense of fair play. In a hobby as irrational as ours (we set our mechanical watches with our iPhones...), as long as we can marvel over the constant power provided by a strip of metal coiled into a main spring and the rhythmic constancy of a hairspring and the craftsmanship to create and maintain these mechanical wonders, there're be guys like Art & me to explore and explain what we encounter. Kindest regards, Bill
Thanks Michael! This brand was suggested by a subscriber. I'm glad he recommended that I look at it. They're getting more interesting, and as you say, affordable. Cheers, Bill
Because of you I decided to give Christopher Ward a try. I purchased two C65 Tridents 🔱 one in mechanical hand wind and the other an automatic and love them both. The finish on CW is really second to none. Thank you!!
Hey Desmo, I am very happy to hear that it worked out for you! The Tridents are very cool, and you will find a lot of joy in each! Take care and be safe, Bill😷
In my opinion CW is one of the few companies that are offering a product not only good and affordable but also in contact with the fashion tastes of young buyers, and not so youngers, who are interested in new designs. Something that is usually covered by companies such as MVMT, with pieces of very poor quality but which undoubtedly have a booming market. And , as you say, its and honest company.
Hey Oscar (Señor El Primero), what about the 'Not-So- Young' buyers? WWII and Battle of Britain celebrations and Morgans? That's for those of us who were closer to both the war and a time when sports cars were real sports cars! Glad to hear young buyers appreciate them too! Like you I really appreciate honesty in watch marketing! Cheers, Bill
The Al Deere and the C1 Morgan Aero 8 look so good, the Morgan is by far my favorite, and I think they are an example of what I mention: Interesting designs; not exactly the "typical" wristwatch, like the ones Omega insists on presenting every year, with a good price for someone who starts his collection and who can not, or doesn't want to spend a lot on a watch that can also be a daily use piece. I have my eye on a Trident Bronze Pro 600, in 38 mm (I love the Tudor Black Bay Bronze but it is too much $$$ for me and it's also too large) Cheers, Mr El Primero XD
Thanks for another great video, Bill. "Honest value" is what comes to mind when I think of Christopher Ward. As you indicated, they are fairly up front about what they are selling and the prices seem reasonable for what you get. I bought a C60 Trident GMT a couple of months ago. It ticked a number of boxes for the next watch for my collection: GMT, 38 mm case, and a crazy 600m WR - not that I need that much; it just implies to me overall ruggedness. It has an ETA 2892-A2 movement which I like for its economical serviceability down the road. List price was $995 but on sale for $845. I think It's CW's direct-to-consumer distribution that allows them to sell very credible pieces at reasonable prices. And they have frequent sales: I vulture-shopped for my C60, knew what I wanted and just kept lurking 'til it came on sale. The only thing the Christopher Ward brand doesn't have yet is "heritage." And the operative word, IMO, is "yet."
Hey ARP! "Lurked like a vulture!' ... music to my ears! BTW, I found their 'clearance' site ( www.christopherward.co.uk/events/summer-clearance/30-percent-off-watches ) but no Morgans or SH21 Aviation models.... Don't worry about 'heritage.' Moritz Grossmann bought the 'Moritz Grossmann' name by a woman watchmaker (Christine Hutter) who, much to her credit, made sure that the Grossmann balance was added to the balance mechanism in all the watches. The best watchmakers today-F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht...etc. have no 'heritage'; so I wouldn't worry about CW's heritage. Cheers, Bill
As of a month ago I thought CW was a micro brand using Seiko movements or the like. Then I saw an interesting talk with the owners of the company and realized they actually made a movement and seemed passionate and reputable. Your well made video has furthered my interest in them. Also, I think their name sounded like something made for Macy's, once again, don't judge a book by its cover.
Hey Dave, you're not alone! Perhaps a name like Chrisois Wardous would help them..god know Macy's needs help! CW has quite a range and variety! Cheers, Bill
Hey Bill, this brand caught my attention lately. I was glad to se you did a video. The SH21 movement is tempting and has an obtainable price point. Regards, Mike
Christopher Ward got me started in the world of Horology, when I started collecting in 2011 they had fairly limited offerings using various ETA and Selita movements but I loved the fact they were fantastic value and offered a five year no quibble warranty which as a new boy was great for my peace of mind. I have bought and sold more than 40 of their watches in my time and enjoyed each one with no issues, I have 2 in my collection today a C9 Harrison SH21 that I love and a C60 vintage. They do have a shop in Maidenhead UK and they used to have one in North America operated by the same gentleman that runs the Christopher Ward watch Forum. Thanks Bill for an interesting and informative vid on this underrated generally good value watch brand. Kind regards Marcus
Marcus, it's great to hear of your experience with Christopher Ward watches. I'm soooo tempted to buy their regulator with the ETA 6498...but I have to keep saving for my grail. Very cool watches and excellent values. Cheers, Bill
Hi Bill thanks for your reply I can say the regulator is a beautiful watch I had the Mk 1 with SS case it had a beautifully smooth hand wound Unitas movement, it actually upset me when someone offered me a price I couldn’t refuse I’ve had sellers remorse since. I would recommend it if you can wear a 44 mm watch. Kind regards Marcus
What I'd really like to do is to make my own regulator...but first I'd have to see how they moved the hour gear from the center to 12 o'clock on an ETA 6498! ... so I may have to buy the CW Regulator to find out! Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci If you sign up to the CW news letter they send you an invitation to preview of their Boxing Day New Year’s Day sale many half price watches also the nearly new offerings which have 30 percent off retail,I absolutely recommend it if your looking for that specific model at the best possible deal. Kind regards Marcus
It’s always surprising what’s now seems discontinued:CW used to do a C9 Me109 which was powered by an ETA 6497 with an added module which made it a mono-pusher chronograph. The 6497 is the movement which usually are in hand-wound pocket-watch. The Me 109 sounds like there must have been a link with the Messerschmitt 109 fighter aircraft of WW 2? The rear of this watch had a see-thru back. A honey of a watch.👍👌❤️
The ETA 6497/98 are from Unitas pocket watch movements. Both are hand wound...one with the small seconds at 9 o'clock and the other at 6 o'clock. Great movement! (Nothing to do with the ME 109) Take care and be safe, Bill 😷
I really like the case of the C1, and love the sapphire dial on the MOONGLOW and WORLDGLOW, I don't think they where out at the time you made this video. They used to made a Jumping Hour but is not on the catalog anymore. I was trying to find a dealer to check them in person but I can't find any dealer on their website.
Hi MrBlue ... I do need to re-visit watch brands as they grow and change. Christopher Ward is one of those good watch companies that doesn't sit on its laurels ... and I do love Morgans! Take care and be safe, Bill😷
BB Yes, what days will be you be there? Friday is sold out, and if you're not going Friday, we're meeting at Starbucks near Gotham Hall Saturday morning at 9:30 before the show ... bunch of collectors communicating online. Cheers, Bill
Great BB, look forward to meeting you both. I too am accompanied by my wife as are some others. The Starbucks address is: 977 6th Ave. You know what I look like; so just come up and introduce yourself. Cheers, Bill
Didn't knew that they had that much good watches and movements under their belt, thanks Bill for the enlightening episode :D my favorite has to be the bronze patinated on the rubber strap
@@watchartsci wow it is actually one the most affordable regulators out there, with the Oris. But in my opinion better looking with that black in black 👍👌 fantastic looking watch ⌚
I’ve subscribed and I’ll be watching it for sure. I love this style of watch video. You love watches and hold up excellence above branding. A lot of watch content is brand name posturing. What you display here is the real love of watches, imo.
Hi Neil, thanks man! I was really impressed by the bronze ones, especially the 'raw' bronze. CW has quite a range, but I didn't see any for women. Did I miss something? Cheers, Bill
@@neilwade9870 I hope they will do a modification to this watch and at least put the twin flag under 12. Empty space on the top is the only thing that holds me from buying it
Hey Kenneth! I would love to get a Morgan 3-wheeler. The one I wanted was just up the road over in upstate New York, but I was told I'd need a motorcycle license since the 3-wheeler was classified as a motorcycle. If I got one I'd want to race it with other Morgan 3-wheelers on some rural oval where spouses who frowned upon racing were banned.Then I'd get a Morgan watch to match it. It's fun just thinking about it. Cheers, Bill
CW is an amazing brand. Thank you for cover this topic! I recommend anyone looking to buy a watch around $1000-2000 range. Sir, could you do a video on ETA's new chronograph movement made exclusively for Longines? Movement is the L688.2 (aka the ETA A08.L01). This COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement has a column wheel (instead of the usual cam/lever), is found in a few Longines heritage models (including the GPHG-winning Avigation Bigeye) and offers 54 hours of power reserve while ticking at 4Hz (28,800).
Hey Shipmate, I was thinking of doing a similar video on Longines as with CW. Interesting about the L688.2. Same with Oris and their new manufactured movements. Cheers, Bill
Hi Tony, I'm a sucker for power reserve indicators on manual winds...but what the heck? I even like them on automatics! That's the problem with Christopher Ward watches...they're relatively affordable mechanical watches...easily temped. I feel the same way about their C8 Regulator Limited Edition running on an ETA 6498 ($1,540). What I'd really like to have is a Laurent Ferrier Galet Regulateur ($40,000), but that's not going to happen short of a lottery win...so the temptation is the C8 Regulator! Cheers, Bill
I have that model and I’ll say that pictures do it little justice. The one thing you’ll always be sure of if you go for it, is that you got more than you paid for it.
Hi Robert, I just watched video and the guys at Chrs. Ward and Roger Smith are teaming up on a watch project. Now that would make me break my piggy bank! Take care and stay safe, Bill 😷
Christopher Ward make some excellent watches at very reasonable prices. I was looking at one of their dive watches, it had a COSC Sellita, titanium case, auto helium valve and very nice finishing for £1250 which undercuts branded Swiss alternatives with that spec (at UK prices) quite handsomely (although with CW the SRP is the price you pay unless it's a sale whereas watches at AD shops often are discounted as a matter of course. Admittedly a lot of the spec is pointless in the real world and I wear a G Shock Frogman in the water but it's still a lot of watch for the money. Having an in-house movement lifts CW above many of their peers (like Farer) I think and it seems a pretty solid movement. And as you say the prices for their in-house movement models are very fair. They make a Tim Birkin supercharger tribute special edition which i am very tempted by.
Hi John, I've always liked Chr. Ward. They're honest about their movements and they invested in the SH21. Plus the fact that I'm a huge Morgan Motor Car fan...Take care and stay safe, Bill 😷
John, you must be referring to the c60 elite 1000 diver.. I have the blue version.. Fantastic watch, the case is beutifull and it sits great on my 17cm wrist, I wear it on the bracelet, but it looks great on the plain blue hybrid strap as well.. Keeps great time, as you would expect. I would definitely recommend this model over the regular c60, I would say the titanium and COSC certificate are worth the extra cost.. I'm sure there will be some deals to be had in January..
@@davids.2317 that's the one! Beautiful watch with a superb specification. Price alternatives with a titanium case, 1000m depth capability and COSC movement and prices can become scary. Of course a good specification is not much good if the design and finish are poor but I find Christopher Ward watches to be extremely well designed and finished and that they match much more expensive watches. Probably the nearest brand name to the Trident 1000 is the Mido Ocean Star 600, that is a great watch but for some reason Swatch don't seem to bring Mido into the UK. And that doesn't match the CW spec and I think the CW is the nicer watch. Seiko make a Titanium Prospex which is slightly cheaper than the CW but it is only 200m, no helium valve and no COSC movement. And for all that Seiko diver's watches are brilliant watches the entry, mid- and high-end versions of a given case style all look pretty much the same. Although Seiko do make their dive watches fully in accordance with ISO. OK, as I say the 1000m water resistance and auto helium valve are capabilities virtually nobody needs (including the overwhelming majority of divers) but they do indicate a very high degree of mechanical strength and it is undoubtedly amazing value to get such features at that price point. Brilliant work by CW!
@@johnbradshaw5900 I agree, trying to find a watch that matches the specs and quality is tricky, unless you are willing to spend a fair bit more.. If you are patient CW are releasing a c60 variant in the spring that will be titanium and cosc certified, but the case will be updated to include an integrated crown.. I'm looking forward to seeing that one..
@@davids.2317 i ended up ordering the Birkin Blower watch in their January sale. At £2000 it was more than i wanted to pay but at £997 i decided it was worth a shot. The dial may not be to all tastes but it is beautifully done and the hand wound SH21 movement is really a rather high end movement being COSC certificated and with a five day power reserve. Alternative movements with that sort of specification tend to be very expensive.
I’ll also add some CW thoughts. I think their quality for money is very impressive. I have two, one with a Valjoux 7750 inside, the now seemingly discontinued C7 Rapid Chrono. It’s a hell of watch. I got it on clearance so the price was ridiculously low, and a truly great deal. The other is the C8 power reserve you featured here. It oozes quality compared with similarly priced pieces. The movement is a pleasure and the view through the back is a stunner. I actually opted to pair it with their cordovan strap with the bader clasp for casual wear and the combo is really very nice. I also have an ABP vintage model gator strap that I ordered for it that is just a remarkable pairing with it.
Thanks Bill, I do have one though. The C8 power reserve has the hand wound SH21. Is a very robust and beautiful movement. It’s actually one of the pieces your featured in the aviation watch section.
Yes, indeed Bill. I love handwound movements, and power reserve indicators. The C8 has both, and the construction is meticulous. Glad I found your channel!
Hi Bill, Finally your in my yard! Great review. The SH 21, was the 21st attempt by Jhanke to get the m/ment right. The original graining, rather than an acme 'geneva stripes' by Nomos, and the hand polishing of the ebauche edges gives it to me a special appeal. It has a three second day difference, and has a three to four day power reserve, after nearly three years. Still gives an aura of class, and remains a daily driver. I got it for £750 on a close out sale with the original logo, and I feel I can only replace it in the dress line with a VC etc.
Al Deere shot down a Heinkel bomber attacking Buckingham palace; he had ran out of ammunition so used his plane to cut off the tail of the Heinkel as it made it's run. It crashed in to Waterloo station, Al's wing came off but he survived.
Hey, Sandydenny! That's very interesting about Al Deere! I like the C1 Morgan Classic Chronometer-it's hand-wound! My kind of watch! The SH21 movement is one sweet movement, and the deals on Chr. Ward, make them a hard deal to pass up! Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci It's also hardy; I dropped it on to a teak floor and it brushed it off. I think it's safe to say they fear no equals in the low to early mid tier, and are unmatched in their price range by a long way.
Hey Tynchy, take it easy ... what makes you say their caliber 111 is a "pseudo caliber"? I just don't see it. Check this out and tell me which ETA movement it's cloned or copied? www.ablogtowatch.com/oris-artelier-calibre-111-blue-watch/ Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci obviously that is a gorgeous movement. But they do charge a relative premium for Sellita/ETA compared to others. Just think what CW are offering for a similar price and what Tudor are offering for a wee chunk more?
Hey Bill, your Bill_A-Built watches would give CW a run for their money!! Finished my second 'Montres par Bill'-used an ETA 6498 and struggled with getting the small seconds hand on but was finally able to do it. This time I managed to break one of the feet on the dial but repaired it with a dial dot. Planning my next watch...maybe I'll start an automotive line and name my first model a 'Yugo'... Cheers, Bill
Hi Bill, i'm on my 2nd Sea-gull same as the other one but its got a Beige band, for my Daughter Had to reduce the dial by 2mm to fit the 42mm case. just finished building a really nice little watch form spare parts, it has a 48hrs PR keeps perfect time. Glad to hear you got over putting the second hand on, i to had trouble when i first put one on, i stick it on a piece of Rodico and press it on with a flat hand presser works well.
Thank goodness for Rodico putty! I picked up the hand with Rodico and picked it off the putty with tweezers and put it where the post for the second hand was and used a hand-setter to (finally) get it on the post. The dial was just off a smidge from the post, and that's how I spent most of my time pushing the dial over to center the post. The broken foot on the dial was part of the problem. I've got a ST36 on order... with a swan's neck regulator. Cheers, Bill
Well, Empty, there's not a lot to say. It's a 3-hand dial with the date running on a Sellita SW200-1 ... a decent 4Hz movement. One thing I will say, though, I like the clear lines of this watch. Kindest regards, Bill
Thank you for putting this video together. Great job. Have you had a chance to check out the Halios microbrand? The Halios Seaforth is their most popular offering.
Hi RR...thanks. I took a look at Halios, and while I didn't think much of the Puck, the Seaforth GMT looks like a pretty decent buy. At some point I may look at microbrands as groups, and I may be able to include Halios in that review. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Cheers, Bill
I agree Desmo. I like CW a lot, but my tastes demand attention to the Morgan models more than the divers ... love hand wound, though. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷
Can you do a video which ranks the eta movements in order of cost and function along with the other major players so I can get a view on what movements costs and which companies use them to power there offerings
Hi Kieran, that would be a great project! Right now I'm using a lot of ETA 6497 and 6498 movements, (and their clones from Seagull: ST 3600 & ST 3620) for making my own watches. But all of ETA movements is a BIG order. Maybe on the most popular ones 1) Manual wind [ETA 6497/8]; 2) Automatic [ETA 7750] and 3) Thin [ETA 7001]. Getting the prices from ETA may be a tad trickier. They have 4 levels, the highest being COSC certified. Let me see what I can do. Kindest regards, Bill
@@watchartsci that would be great Bill. I am looking at building my own watch thanks t your vids and knowledge. I have been looking at the ETA 2824 but I am looking for a none automatic a good solid work horse. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience
Hi Bill, the C3 Morgan is quartz...but still a good buy.(Pssst...check out their clearance prices: www.christopherward.co.uk/events/summer-clearance/30-percent-off-watches ) How about a C1 Morgan with a SH21 movement? Almost 1,700 quid, but not bad ... alternatively you could build 4 ST36 mechanicals for the price of the quartz ... or ... get a Vaucher VMF 5401 for about £900 and create your own high horology timepiece!!! Cheers, Bill
I have two CWs. I use the trident diver as a holiday watch as it is great for water. My advice to prospective buyers would be to buy in GBP. Their € coversion rate seemed a bit steep last time I checked their website.
@@watchartsci Hey Bill, They do a square watch (alas with a round movement) called the slimline, which reminds of your Moser Henry. Off topic, could I mention a brand I think you might like: semperadhuc.fr/en/ He uses and restores old Swiss movements from the 40s to late 60s and recases them very elegantly. I think they might suit your sartorial style. Plus, the guy used to work for Patek, so a great pedigree. I have one on order for 2019. Cheers
Quibble and a Suggestion to C. Ward: The new logo sucks! The way the name is fully spelled out in sans serif smacks of a low end brand. Compare to their previous logo which I much prefer: img.allzip.org/g/250/orig/4149219.jpg In the style above, "christopher ward" with "London" is printed quite discreetly with a larger "C and a W inside" being the dominant & more noticeable branding. Fonts or lettering on a dial are important and I just can't stand their new look. My taste aside, I enjoyed your video immensely, Bill! (they have excellent customer service and are very responsive to questions)
Hi FB, I'm not crazy about either logo. The new one looks like the nameplate outside an office worker's cubicle, and the old one wasn't much better. (Apparently few knew that 'Chr. was an abbreviation for 'Christopher.') Needs work and 'C. Ward' would suffice done in an interesting way. Other than branding, though, CW has done quite well, and it's great to hear they have excellent customer service. (According to Rolex owners, Rolex, 'customer service' ends with a question mark.) Cheers, Bill
I had planned to but I had to make repairs to a shed I built about 15 years ago....winter coming and all. Tomorrow at 4pm Eastern? How does that sound? Most definitely for La Société des Horlogers Prétentieux! Cheers, Bill
Thanks for reviewing CW watches Bill, I was interested in having your opinion. I like them but the fact that the brand has not heritage will always pull me out of buying them. Maybe in 100 years will do! 😆
Fernando, what do the very best current watchmakers have in common? People like FP Journe, Marco Lang, Laurent Ferrier, Kari Voutilainen and Jean-Marc Wiederrecht? Their watch companies have no heritage! New ones with no direct connection to their namesake like Bovet, Moritz Grossmann and H.Moser et Cie are among the best....but no 'heritage' other than in name they chose. The same is true for Breguet and Blancpain-both owned by Swatch. So, 'heritage' should be at the bottom of your list if you're speaking of lineage. What should be at the top is excellence in movements and craftsmanship. Good hunting! Cheers, Bill
Bill makes some great points but I’ll also add, that everyone always wishes they owned an early model of all these great brands with heritage, the way to actually experience that is to collect newer brands who strive for excellence, and be one of the early owners. If you opt for quality first and foremost, worst case scenario is you own a well-priced, excellent watch that may remain obscure/unique.
Bill, I'd like your opinion of why would they modify an ETA to COSC standard, when they already modify their own in house movement to meet COSC standard?
Hi RP, it's only a guess, but I would imagine it's less expensive for CW to purchase a COSC ETA movement than to use one of their own. I doubt that CW does the mods to a standard ETA to bring them up to COSC standards. ETA is fully equipped to make millions of movements and has the necessary machines and computers to mass produce COSC certified movements. CW's manufacturing is tethered to Synergies Horlogères' capacity to produce SH21s, all of which are adjusted to meet COSC standards. Does that make sense? Like I said, this is only a guess. To add a piece of trivia, Synergies Horlogères also makes a version of the SH21 called the MSH01 for the 1-Handed watches by Meistersinger. Cheers, Bill
Hi Andy, in some cases ETA movements are better. I have nothing against ETA movements other than watch companies that use them and charge the same prices changed for more expensive in-house movements and lie about it. If you buy a Vacheron Constantin, you expect a VC caliber or equivalent movement inside; not an ETA. A more expensive in-house movement should reflect better quality movements, but sometimes they may not. I doubt many consider an Orient in-house movement to be on the same level as an in-house from Patek Philippe. Heck, if a Patek caliber was inferior to an equivalent ETA; I'd rather have the ETA, but I cannot think of a single situation where that is true. Great question, BTW! Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci Firstly, thank you for taking the time to respond! I’m curious about your distaste for quartz. I’m absolutely enthralled with the idea that spring drive is fully mechanical, yet integrates quartz regulation through a breaking system. What are your thoughts on quartz?
@@eggsII Nothing against quartz. It just doesn't hold the appeal as a fully mechanical does. It's sort of like chess plays who aren't interested in checkers. Nothing against checkers... just no appeal. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
www.watchtime.com/featured/oris-is-showcasing-a-new-movement-at-watchtime-live-heres-why-it-matters/ looks like they sit side-by-side and feed the same gear...
Wow, never expected you would do an episode on CW. I have the CHRISTOPHER WARD C9 5 DAY SMALL-SECOND CHRONOMETER (www.itsallaboutwatches.com/blog/christopher-ward-c9-5-day-small-second-chronometer). its a nice watch, very legible, sits well on the wrist and a good size movement. Thanks again for covering CW.
Hi Apar, I checked out the C9 5-Day...my kind of watch. Classic dress watch, hand-wound, thin. It looks like you were on the ground floor when the SH21 landed; well played! Cheers, Bill
Hi Rick. I wonder why?🤔 The video was made 4 years ago, but I thought they kept the SH21. After looking, I found that the Sellita SW330-2 seemed to have replaced it. Probably cost issue. Take care, Bill
Hi Bill. Thanks for another informative video. Not related to this video and I'm sure you know this already but the ex Morgan (car not the CW watch) designer has his own watch brand mhdwatches.com . And the new (to me) Moser Pioneer has two hairsprings so they haven't given up completely on the technology.
Hey Jeremy, thanks for those tips! I didn't realize that the Moser Pioneer had two hairsprings!! I'd like to have one of those...I've been wanting another H. Moser, and they're such incredible watches at excellent prices, they're hard to pass up! Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci It might just be the new Pioneer tourbillon that has two hairsprings. Sad that Morgan have cancelled the electric 3 wheeler. That looked so cool from head on. Here the petrol 3 wheeler has to be fitted with heat shields over the engine. That's like putting a solid case back on a Lang & Heyne.
Hi Jeremy, yes, you are correct, it's the Pioneer tourbillon with two hairsprings. I have no tourbillons in my collection nor do I plan to. For me, they add little functionality, and their coolness factors goes away far quicker than saving for one! But if someone gave me one ... I wouldn't throw it out! Cheers, Bill
Hi Phil O. On my good straps, not too often because I either rotate them, use beater straps or use band-liners. My beater straps hold up pretty well because of rotation, but sometimes a single bump and tear (even a small one) will lead to a ratty looking strap in a very short time. One of my very good straps on a very good watch was getting ripped up by the design of the buckle. The excellent finishing and polishing gave the side a sharp edge, and that started giving the sides of the band little shave tears. Also, it depends on the weather. In the winter when it's cold and wet with snow and ice, I don't venture fourth in a good watch band or spend much time getting my wrists wet. In the summer, if I wear the same leather / gator band and the same watch constantly, it can get eaten up in a single season, but like I said rotation, and in the summer there're Nato straps. Cheers, Bill
Hi GB10014. Since I like both CW and Oris watches the reason I'd pick a CW over an Oris would be I could get a hand-wound Aviation or Morgan model with a SH21 movement with either. Why would you choose an Oris? Cheers, Bill
Hey GB10014 I guess a CW fan could say the same thing...only that CW presented a better value & better design. As far as I'm concerned, they both have value in the same price ballpark. How would you compare the in-house Oris movement with the CW SH21? Cheers, Bill
@@Gampers head to head, CW is way better value than Oris. The only thing that Oris has over CW is that badge on the dial. And imo the way Christopher Ward are progressing, give it a few more years and they will have a brand to compete with Oris. They're at the lower end of entry level Swiss watches and are a stepping stone to the big boys.
Nice review if CW. I just purchased the C60 GMT. See my video on it ua-cam.com/video/Sw89EYjHuaA/v-deo.html I appreciate you discussion on the movements.
DearBill: Your comprehensive movement centric overview of the Christopher Ward line was one of the best pieces of horological video journalism that I have ever seen. The self publishing aspect of UA-cam opens up for individuals the space that was once reserved for magazines, television and radio but with a lower bar. There is an interesting divide in the UA-cam horological realm between persons like yourself and Arthur Leyenberger who engage in a serious form of watch journalism and persons who use their watch UA-cam as a form of video diary that from a viewing standpoint sometimes veers between watches and voyeurism. Your watch videos exemplify the virtues of the fine English essayists. You maintain the personal approach but the essence of your videos is to share what you have learned from your study of watches. In automotive journalism, the externals (design, fit and finish) always segue into a detailed analysis of the internals (engine, brakes and other systems) with a conclusion based upon both the objective and the subjective. In on line watch journalism, some practitioners leave out the analysis of the internals and just focus in on the externals and the subjective. Since the essence and long term utilitarian value of any watch comes from its movement, the movement should rightly be at the heart of any analysis of a particular watch or set of watches. The highest compliment I can pay you is that I regard you as the David E. Davis of the video horology world, albeit with gentler footsteps. I regret that I cannot attend the upcoming Watch Time in New York but I will look forward to the opportunity of meeting you at another time. You remain my watch guru. Howard
Whoa! Thanks man! Art & I like the same kind of watches and have many overlapping models in our collections. One of the interesting features of the internet and Blogs (or Vlogs) is that the producer is not constrained by concerns over advertising revenue, journalistic ethics (such as they are in these divisive times) nor a sense of fair play. In a hobby as irrational as ours (we set our mechanical watches with our iPhones...), as long as we can marvel over the constant power provided by a strip of metal coiled into a main spring and the rhythmic constancy of a hairspring and the craftsmanship to create and maintain these mechanical wonders, there're be guys like Art & me to explore and explain what we encounter. Kindest regards, Bill
@Howard Meyers ☝️ Well said. 👌 Exactly so! 👍🏻 ..and as humble and goodhearted that one can be.
Awesome video as always. And pretty interesting to see you taking a journey into the affordable (but still rather interesting) segment.
Thanks Michael! This brand was suggested by a subscriber. I'm glad he recommended that I look at it. They're getting more interesting, and as you say, affordable. Cheers, Bill
Because of you I decided to give Christopher Ward a try. I purchased two C65 Tridents 🔱 one in mechanical hand wind and the other an automatic and love them both. The finish on CW is really second to none. Thank you!!
Hey Desmo, I am very happy to hear that it worked out for you! The Tridents are very cool, and you will find a lot of joy in each! Take care and be safe, Bill😷
In my opinion CW is one of the few companies that are offering a product not only good and affordable but also in contact with the fashion tastes of young buyers, and not so youngers, who are interested in new designs. Something that is usually covered by companies such as MVMT, with pieces of very poor quality but which undoubtedly have a booming market.
And , as you say, its and honest company.
Hey Oscar (Señor El Primero), what about the 'Not-So- Young' buyers? WWII and Battle of Britain celebrations and Morgans? That's for those of us who were closer to both the war and a time when sports cars were real sports cars! Glad to hear young buyers appreciate them too! Like you I really appreciate honesty in watch marketing! Cheers, Bill
The Al Deere and the C1 Morgan Aero 8 look so good, the Morgan is by far my favorite, and I think they are an example of what I mention:
Interesting designs; not exactly the "typical" wristwatch, like the ones Omega insists on presenting every year, with a good price for someone who starts his collection and who can not, or doesn't want to spend a lot on a watch that can also be a daily use piece.
I have my eye on a Trident Bronze Pro 600, in 38 mm (I love the Tudor Black Bay Bronze but it is too much $$$ for me and it's also too large)
Cheers, Mr El Primero XD
Love those bronze Tridents!!! Cheers, Bill
Thanks for another great video, Bill. "Honest value" is what comes to mind when I think of Christopher Ward. As you indicated, they are fairly up front about what they are selling and the prices seem reasonable for what you get. I bought a C60 Trident GMT a couple of months ago. It ticked a number of boxes for the next watch for my collection: GMT, 38 mm case, and a crazy 600m WR - not that I need that much; it just implies to me overall ruggedness. It has an ETA 2892-A2 movement which I like for its economical serviceability down the road. List price was $995 but on sale for $845. I think It's CW's direct-to-consumer distribution that allows them to sell very credible pieces at reasonable prices. And they have frequent sales: I vulture-shopped for my C60, knew what I wanted and just kept lurking 'til it came on sale. The only thing the Christopher Ward brand doesn't have yet is "heritage." And the operative word, IMO, is "yet."
Hey ARP! "Lurked like a vulture!' ... music to my ears! BTW, I found their 'clearance' site ( www.christopherward.co.uk/events/summer-clearance/30-percent-off-watches ) but no Morgans or SH21 Aviation models.... Don't worry about 'heritage.' Moritz Grossmann bought the 'Moritz Grossmann' name by a woman watchmaker (Christine Hutter) who, much to her credit, made sure that the Grossmann balance was added to the balance mechanism in all the watches. The best watchmakers today-F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht...etc. have no 'heritage'; so I wouldn't worry about CW's heritage. Cheers, Bill
Just bought a C60 Tide. Excellent service. Excellent price. Excellent watch.
As of a month ago I thought CW was a micro brand using Seiko movements or the like. Then I saw an interesting talk with the owners of the company and realized they actually made a movement and seemed passionate and reputable. Your well made video has furthered my interest in them. Also, I think their name sounded like something made for Macy's, once again, don't judge a book by its cover.
Hey Dave, you're not alone! Perhaps a name like Chrisois Wardous would help them..god know Macy's needs help! CW has quite a range and variety! Cheers, Bill
Hey Bill, this brand caught my attention lately. I was glad to se you did a video. The SH21 movement is tempting and has an obtainable price point. Regards, Mike
Hey Mike, the more I learn about Christopher Ward, the more I like them. Cheers, Bill
It’s a great movement Mike. It has a very robust feel, and if you get a model with a display back, they are a real pleasure to look at.
Christopher Ward got me started in the world of Horology, when I started collecting in 2011 they had fairly limited offerings using various ETA and Selita movements but I loved the fact they were fantastic value and offered a five year no quibble warranty which as a new boy was great for my peace of mind. I have bought and sold more than 40 of their watches in my time and enjoyed each one with no issues, I have 2 in my collection today a C9 Harrison SH21 that I love and a C60 vintage. They do have a shop in Maidenhead UK and they used to have one in North America operated by the same gentleman that runs the Christopher Ward watch Forum. Thanks Bill for an interesting and informative vid on this underrated generally good value watch brand. Kind regards Marcus
Marcus, it's great to hear of your experience with Christopher Ward watches. I'm soooo tempted to buy their regulator with the ETA 6498...but I have to keep saving for my grail. Very cool watches and excellent values. Cheers, Bill
Hi Bill thanks for your reply I can say the regulator is a beautiful watch I had the Mk 1 with SS case it had a beautifully smooth hand wound Unitas movement, it actually upset me when someone offered me a price I couldn’t refuse I’ve had sellers remorse since. I would recommend it if you can wear a 44 mm watch. Kind regards Marcus
What I'd really like to do is to make my own regulator...but first I'd have to see how they moved the hour gear from the center to 12 o'clock on an ETA 6498! ... so I may have to buy the CW Regulator to find out! Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci If you sign up to the CW news letter they send you an invitation to preview of their Boxing Day New Year’s Day sale many half price watches also the nearly new offerings which have 30 percent off retail,I absolutely recommend it if your looking for that specific model at the best possible deal. Kind regards Marcus
Wow! Saving on a brand that is already sensibly priced! I'll do it. Kindest regards, Bill
It’s always surprising what’s now seems discontinued:CW used to do a C9 Me109 which was powered by an ETA 6497 with an added module which made it a mono-pusher chronograph. The 6497 is the movement which usually are in hand-wound pocket-watch. The Me 109 sounds like there must have been a link with the Messerschmitt 109 fighter aircraft of WW 2? The rear of this watch had a see-thru back. A honey of a watch.👍👌❤️
The ETA 6497/98 are from Unitas pocket watch movements. Both are hand wound...one with the small seconds at 9 o'clock and the other at 6 o'clock. Great movement! (Nothing to do with the ME 109) Take care and be safe, Bill 😷
WatchArtSci Seems they were very oriented towards old aircrafts of WW2.🤔
I really like the case of the C1, and love the sapphire dial on the MOONGLOW and WORLDGLOW, I don't think they where out at the time you made this video. They used to made a Jumping Hour but is not on the catalog anymore. I was trying to find a dealer to check them in person but I can't find any dealer on their website.
Hi MrBlue ... I do need to re-visit watch brands as they grow and change. Christopher Ward is one of those good watch companies that doesn't sit on its laurels ... and I do love Morgans! Take care and be safe, Bill😷
Another great video Bill. Thanks for shedding some light on this brand. I hope to meet you next week at WatchTime NY.
BB Yes, what days will be you be there? Friday is sold out, and if you're not going Friday, we're meeting at Starbucks near Gotham Hall Saturday morning at 9:30 before the show ... bunch of collectors communicating online. Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci I’ll be there on Saturday morning with my wife. Looking forward to meeting you. See you at Starbucks.
Great BB, look forward to meeting you both. I too am accompanied by my wife as are some others. The Starbucks address is: 977 6th Ave. You know what I look like; so just come up and introduce yourself. Cheers, Bill
Didn't knew that they had that much good watches and movements under their belt, thanks Bill for the enlightening episode :D my favorite has to be the bronze patinated on the rubber strap
Hi Abdul! I discovered another one I like: their Regulator (Aviator category) with a Unitas/ETA 6498. Tempted...very tempted! Cheers, Bill
Ohh i have always wanted a Regulator, maybe if you get, i feel that i have one also :D Have a great weekend Bill. Best, Abdul
Compared with some prices, this one's not bad: www.christopherward.com/watches/aviation/c8-regulator-8ea547
@@watchartsci wow it is actually one the most affordable regulators out there, with the Oris. But in my opinion better looking with that black in black 👍👌 fantastic looking watch ⌚
This is how it’s done. Love CW, and love this video.
Hey Visiblemode ... if you like CW, I think you'll like the upcoming Nov. 8, 2019 video. Kindest regards, Bill
I’ve subscribed and I’ll be watching it for sure. I love this style of watch video. You love watches and hold up excellence above branding. A lot of watch content is brand name posturing. What you display here is the real love of watches, imo.
Very interesting and nice looking watches.
Hey Bill, thanks man! Cheers, Bill
Nice job. There are a lot of people with a lot of time for CW. I have a C60 38mm Bronze and totally love it.
Hi Neil, thanks man! I was really impressed by the bronze ones, especially the 'raw' bronze. CW has quite a range, but I didn't see any for women. Did I miss something? Cheers, Bill
The 38mm is more unisex. The bronze colours are magical in light. One of my favs.
@@neilwade9870 I hope they will do a modification to this watch and at least put the twin flag under 12. Empty space on the top is the only thing that holds me from buying it
That Morgan is such a sweet piece 😊 As usual, thanks Bill for the video 👍
Hey Kenneth! I would love to get a Morgan 3-wheeler. The one I wanted was just up the road over in upstate New York, but I was told I'd need a motorcycle license since the 3-wheeler was classified as a motorcycle. If I got one I'd want to race it with other Morgan 3-wheelers on some rural oval where spouses who frowned upon racing were banned.Then I'd get a Morgan watch to match it. It's fun just thinking about it. Cheers, Bill
CW is an amazing brand. Thank you for cover this topic! I recommend anyone looking to buy a watch around $1000-2000 range.
Sir, could you do a video on ETA's new chronograph movement made exclusively for Longines? Movement is the L688.2 (aka the ETA A08.L01). This COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement has a column wheel (instead of the usual cam/lever), is found in a few Longines heritage models (including the GPHG-winning Avigation Bigeye) and offers 54 hours of power reserve while ticking at 4Hz (28,800).
Hey Shipmate, I was thinking of doing a similar video on Longines as with CW. Interesting about the L688.2. Same with Oris and their new manufactured movements. Cheers, Bill
Hi Bill really like the look of the c8 power reserve. Very tempting! Best Regards
Hi Tony, I'm a sucker for power reserve indicators on manual winds...but what the heck? I even like them on automatics! That's the problem with Christopher Ward watches...they're relatively affordable mechanical watches...easily temped. I feel the same way about their C8 Regulator Limited Edition running on an ETA 6498 ($1,540). What I'd really like to have is a Laurent Ferrier Galet Regulateur ($40,000), but that's not going to happen short of a lottery win...so the temptation is the C8 Regulator! Cheers, Bill
I have that model and I’ll say that pictures do it little justice. The one thing you’ll always be sure of if you go for it, is that you got more than you paid for it.
Thanks for introducing me to this brand Sir. This has to be one of the most detailed brand intro I have ever seen.
Hey Abhilash, my pleasure. They're affordable too! Cheers, Bill
never cared for this brand, but after watching this, i am intrigued.
Hi Robert, I just watched video and the guys at Chrs. Ward and Roger Smith are teaming up on a watch project. Now that would make me break my piggy bank! Take care and stay safe, Bill 😷
Christopher Ward make some excellent watches at very reasonable prices. I was looking at one of their dive watches, it had a COSC Sellita, titanium case, auto helium valve and very nice finishing for £1250 which undercuts branded Swiss alternatives with that spec (at UK prices) quite handsomely (although with CW the SRP is the price you pay unless it's a sale whereas watches at AD shops often are discounted as a matter of course. Admittedly a lot of the spec is pointless in the real world and I wear a G Shock Frogman in the water but it's still a lot of watch for the money. Having an in-house movement lifts CW above many of their peers (like Farer) I think and it seems a pretty solid movement. And as you say the prices for their in-house movement models are very fair. They make a Tim Birkin supercharger tribute special edition which i am very tempted by.
Hi John, I've always liked Chr. Ward. They're honest about their movements and they invested in the SH21. Plus the fact that I'm a huge Morgan Motor Car fan...Take care and stay safe, Bill 😷
John, you must be referring to the c60 elite 1000 diver.. I have the blue version.. Fantastic watch, the case is beutifull and it sits great on my 17cm wrist, I wear it on the bracelet, but it looks great on the plain blue hybrid strap as well.. Keeps great time, as you would expect. I would definitely recommend this model over the regular c60, I would say the titanium and COSC certificate are worth the extra cost.. I'm sure there will be some deals to be had in January..
@@davids.2317 that's the one! Beautiful watch with a superb specification. Price alternatives with a titanium case, 1000m depth capability and COSC movement and prices can become scary. Of course a good specification is not much good if the design and finish are poor but I find Christopher Ward watches to be extremely well designed and finished and that they match much more expensive watches. Probably the nearest brand name to the Trident 1000 is the Mido Ocean Star 600, that is a great watch but for some reason Swatch don't seem to bring Mido into the UK. And that doesn't match the CW spec and I think the CW is the nicer watch. Seiko make a Titanium Prospex which is slightly cheaper than the CW but it is only 200m, no helium valve and no COSC movement. And for all that Seiko diver's watches are brilliant watches the entry, mid- and high-end versions of a given case style all look pretty much the same. Although Seiko do make their dive watches fully in accordance with ISO. OK, as I say the 1000m water resistance and auto helium valve are capabilities virtually nobody needs (including the overwhelming majority of divers) but they do indicate a very high degree of mechanical strength and it is undoubtedly amazing value to get such features at that price point. Brilliant work by CW!
@@johnbradshaw5900 I agree, trying to find a watch that matches the specs and quality is tricky, unless you are willing to spend a fair bit more.. If you are patient CW are releasing a c60 variant in the spring that will be titanium and cosc certified, but the case will be updated to include an integrated crown.. I'm looking forward to seeing that one..
@@davids.2317 i ended up ordering the Birkin Blower watch in their January sale. At £2000 it was more than i wanted to pay but at £997 i decided it was worth a shot. The dial may not be to all tastes but it is beautifully done and the hand wound SH21 movement is really a rather high end movement being COSC certificated and with a five day power reserve. Alternative movements with that sort of specification tend to be very expensive.
I’ll also add some CW thoughts. I think their quality for money is very impressive. I have two, one with a Valjoux 7750 inside, the now seemingly discontinued C7 Rapid Chrono. It’s a hell of watch. I got it on clearance so the price was ridiculously low, and a truly great deal. The other is the C8 power reserve you featured here. It oozes quality compared with similarly priced pieces. The movement is a pleasure and the view through the back is a stunner. I actually opted to pair it with their cordovan strap with the bader clasp for casual wear and the combo is really very nice. I also have an ABP vintage model gator strap that I ordered for it that is just a remarkable pairing with it.
You know VM... for a CW fan, you should consider some with SH21 movements... Cheers, Bill
Thanks Bill, I do have one though. The C8 power reserve has the hand wound SH21. Is a very robust and beautiful movement. It’s actually one of the pieces your featured in the aviation watch section.
In that case, VM, you and I have a common value: We both like CW's with hand-wound movements in SH21s-Cheers, Bill
Yes, indeed Bill. I love handwound movements, and power reserve indicators. The C8 has both, and the construction is meticulous. Glad I found your channel!
Hi Bill,
Finally your in my yard! Great review. The SH 21, was the 21st attempt by Jhanke to get the m/ment right. The original graining, rather than an acme 'geneva stripes' by Nomos, and the hand polishing of the ebauche edges gives it to me a special appeal. It has a three second day difference, and has a three to four day power reserve, after nearly three years. Still gives an aura of class, and remains a daily driver. I got it for £750 on a close out sale with the original logo, and I feel I can only replace it in the dress line with a VC etc.
Al Deere shot down a Heinkel bomber attacking Buckingham palace; he had ran out of ammunition so used his plane to cut off the tail of the Heinkel as it made it's run. It crashed in to Waterloo station, Al's wing came off but he survived.
Hey, Sandydenny! That's very interesting about Al Deere! I like the C1 Morgan Classic Chronometer-it's hand-wound! My kind of watch! The SH21 movement is one sweet movement, and the deals on Chr. Ward, make them a hard deal to pass up! Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci It's also hardy; I dropped it on to a teak floor and it brushed it off. I think it's safe to say they fear no equals in the low to early mid tier, and are unmatched in their price range by a long way.
Great video. I have a Moonphase. Having looked at a lot of them. it's the best in the business.
Hey Ian, thanks for the feedback. How do you like the Moonphase? It looks great. Cheers, Bill
My pet hate with watches is Oris and their pseudo Calibres. Basic ETA and Sellita movements at a premium price, and the effing love they get???
Hey Tynchy, take it easy ... what makes you say their caliber 111 is a "pseudo caliber"? I just don't see it. Check this out and tell me which ETA movement it's cloned or copied? www.ablogtowatch.com/oris-artelier-calibre-111-blue-watch/ Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci obviously that is a gorgeous movement. But they do charge a relative premium for Sellita/ETA compared to others. Just think what CW are offering for a similar price and what Tudor are offering for a wee chunk more?
Not heard of Christopher Ward, will have to look them up, really nice watches, "Honest watches" . A good review Bill. Thanks for sharing
Hey Bill, your Bill_A-Built watches would give CW a run for their money!! Finished my second 'Montres par Bill'-used an ETA 6498 and struggled with getting the small seconds hand on but was finally able to do it. This time I managed to break one of the feet on the dial but repaired it with a dial dot. Planning my next watch...maybe I'll start an automotive line and name my first model a 'Yugo'... Cheers, Bill
Hi Bill, i'm on my 2nd Sea-gull same as the other one but its got a Beige band, for my Daughter Had to reduce the dial by 2mm to fit the 42mm case. just finished building a really nice little watch form spare parts, it has a 48hrs PR keeps perfect time. Glad to hear you got over putting the second hand on, i to had trouble when i first put one on, i stick it on a piece of Rodico and press it on with a flat hand presser works well.
Hey, love the name Bill YuGo....
Thank goodness for Rodico putty! I picked up the hand with Rodico and picked it off the putty with tweezers and put it where the post for the second hand was and used a hand-setter to (finally) get it on the post. The dial was just off a smidge from the post, and that's how I spent most of my time pushing the dial over to center the post. The broken foot on the dial was part of the problem. I've got a ST36 on order... with a swan's neck regulator. Cheers, Bill
Just making sure that I don't get a car maker who already has a watch deal...
Thanks, Bill. Could you review the C65 Trident Vintage? Thanks!
Well, Empty, there's not a lot to say. It's a 3-hand dial with the date running on a Sellita SW200-1 ... a decent 4Hz movement. One thing I will say, though, I like the clear lines of this watch. Kindest regards, Bill
Thank you for putting this video together. Great job. Have you had a chance to check out the Halios microbrand? The Halios Seaforth is their most popular offering.
Hi RR...thanks. I took a look at Halios, and while I didn't think much of the Puck, the Seaforth GMT looks like a pretty decent buy. At some point I may look at microbrands as groups, and I may be able to include Halios in that review. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Cheers, Bill
I really really like the Christopher Ward C65 vintage diver Hand wind. Thoughts?
I agree Desmo. I like CW a lot, but my tastes demand attention to the Morgan models more than the divers ... love hand wound, though. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷
Can you do a video which ranks the eta movements in order of cost and function along with the other major players so I can get a view on what movements costs and which companies use them to power there offerings
Hi Kieran, that would be a great project! Right now I'm using a lot of ETA 6497 and 6498 movements, (and their clones from Seagull: ST 3600 & ST 3620) for making my own watches. But all of ETA movements is a BIG order. Maybe on the most popular ones 1) Manual wind [ETA 6497/8]; 2) Automatic [ETA 7750] and 3) Thin [ETA 7001]. Getting the prices from ETA may be a tad trickier. They have 4 levels, the highest being COSC certified. Let me see what I can do. Kindest regards, Bill
@@watchartsci that would be great Bill. I am looking at building my own watch thanks t your vids and knowledge. I have been looking at the ETA 2824 but I am looking for a none automatic a good solid work horse.
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience
Just looked up CW in the UK the C3 Morgan is £450 a good price...
Hi Bill, the C3 Morgan is quartz...but still a good buy.(Pssst...check out their clearance prices: www.christopherward.co.uk/events/summer-clearance/30-percent-off-watches ) How about a C1 Morgan with a SH21 movement? Almost 1,700 quid, but not bad ... alternatively you could build 4 ST36 mechanicals for the price of the quartz ... or ... get a Vaucher VMF 5401 for about £900 and create your own high horology timepiece!!! Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci 8
I have two CWs. I use the trident diver as a holiday watch as it is great for water. My advice to prospective buyers would be to buy in GBP. Their € coversion rate seemed a bit steep last time I checked their website.
Hi FM, as a CW owner (other than buying in the UK), are there further tips you might have on models? Cheers, Bill ; > )
@@watchartsci
Hey Bill,
They do a square watch (alas with a round movement) called the slimline, which reminds of your Moser Henry.
Off topic, could I mention a brand I think you might like:
semperadhuc.fr/en/
He uses and restores old Swiss movements from the 40s to late 60s and recases them very elegantly. I think they might suit your sartorial style. Plus, the guy used to work for Patek, so a great pedigree. I have one on order for 2019.
Cheers
SEMPER & ADHUC is a real treat! Thanks for the tip! Also, I am very tempted by the CW Regulator Cheers, Bill
quality watch without an unaffrodable price imho
Yes Anthony...the best of all worlds! Cheers, Bill
Aup Bill. Where are you buying your movements from?
Cheers buddy
Hi Garf, mostly from AliExpress. Kindest regards, Bill
Is this movement automatic or a mechanical wind up? I'm new to this hobby
Look for the rotor Homefront... If there's a rotor; it's automatic. Otherwise, mechanical. Take care, Bill
Quibble and a Suggestion to C. Ward: The new logo sucks! The way the name is fully spelled out in sans serif smacks of a low end brand. Compare to their previous logo which I much prefer:
img.allzip.org/g/250/orig/4149219.jpg
In the style above, "christopher ward" with "London" is printed quite discreetly with a larger "C and a W inside" being the dominant & more noticeable branding. Fonts or lettering on a dial are important and I just can't stand their new look. My taste aside, I enjoyed your video immensely, Bill! (they have excellent customer service and are very responsive to questions)
Hi FB, I'm not crazy about either logo. The new one looks like the nameplate outside an office worker's cubicle, and the old one wasn't much better. (Apparently few knew that 'Chr. was an abbreviation for 'Christopher.') Needs work and 'C. Ward' would suffice done in an interesting way. Other than branding, though, CW has done quite well, and it's great to hear they have excellent customer service. (According to Rolex owners, Rolex, 'customer service' ends with a question mark.) Cheers, Bill
Are you doing a show today, Bill? thank you
I had planned to but I had to make repairs to a shed I built about 15 years ago....winter coming and all. Tomorrow at 4pm Eastern? How does that sound? Most definitely for La Société des Horlogers Prétentieux! Cheers, Bill
Sounds good!
Thanks for reviewing CW watches Bill, I was interested in having your opinion. I like them but the fact that the brand has not heritage will always pull me out of buying them. Maybe in 100 years will do! 😆
Fernando, what do the very best current watchmakers have in common? People like FP Journe, Marco Lang, Laurent Ferrier, Kari Voutilainen and Jean-Marc Wiederrecht? Their watch companies have no heritage! New ones with no direct connection to their namesake like Bovet, Moritz Grossmann and H.Moser et Cie are among the best....but no 'heritage' other than in name they chose. The same is true for Breguet and Blancpain-both owned by Swatch. So, 'heritage' should be at the bottom of your list if you're speaking of lineage. What should be at the top is excellence in movements and craftsmanship. Good hunting! Cheers, Bill
😂 good point, fully agree ... I just like to dream that something is still there ... thanks Bill for the challenge.
Bill makes some great points but I’ll also add, that everyone always wishes they owned an early model of all these great brands with heritage, the way to actually experience that is to collect newer brands who strive for excellence, and be one of the early owners. If you opt for quality first and foremost, worst case scenario is you own a well-priced, excellent watch that may remain obscure/unique.
Bill,
I'd like your opinion of why would they modify an ETA to COSC standard, when they already modify their own in house movement to meet COSC standard?
Hi RP, it's only a guess, but I would imagine it's less expensive for CW to purchase a COSC ETA movement than to use one of their own. I doubt that CW does the mods to a standard ETA to bring them up to COSC standards. ETA is fully equipped to make millions of movements and has the necessary machines and computers to mass produce COSC certified movements. CW's manufacturing is tethered to Synergies Horlogères' capacity to produce SH21s, all of which are adjusted to meet COSC standards. Does that make sense? Like I said, this is only a guess. To add a piece of trivia, Synergies Horlogères also makes a version of the SH21 called the MSH01 for the 1-Handed watches by Meistersinger. Cheers, Bill
whats the difference With an ETA- and an in-house movement? other than making service an expensive chore?
Hi Andy, in some cases ETA movements are better. I have nothing against ETA movements other than watch companies that use them and charge the same prices changed for more expensive in-house movements and lie about it. If you buy a Vacheron Constantin, you expect a VC caliber or equivalent movement inside; not an ETA. A more expensive in-house movement should reflect better quality movements, but sometimes they may not. I doubt many consider an Orient in-house movement to be on the same level as an in-house from Patek Philippe. Heck, if a Patek caliber was inferior to an equivalent ETA; I'd rather have the ETA, but I cannot think of a single situation where that is true. Great question, BTW! Cheers, Bill
Hey there! Have you done any videos on Seiko’s Spring Drive movement? Kinda neat...
Not really Eggsll ... it's brilliant technology from Seiko to drive a quartz movement ... and I'm just not into quartz. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
@@watchartsci Firstly, thank you for taking the time to respond! I’m curious about your distaste for quartz. I’m absolutely enthralled with the idea that spring drive is fully mechanical, yet integrates quartz regulation through a breaking system. What are your thoughts on quartz?
@@eggsII Nothing against quartz. It just doesn't hold the appeal as a fully mechanical does. It's sort of like chess plays who aren't interested in checkers. Nothing against checkers... just no appeal. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
Also, everyone’s talking about the new Oris movement. Who knew C Ward was doing the double barrel thing too?
Hi Eggsll! Are the double barrels in Oris, series or parallel? Thanks. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
@@watchartsci Not sure. All of the descriptors talk about each barrel having a 2.5 day power reserve.
www.watchtime.com/featured/oris-is-showcasing-a-new-movement-at-watchtime-live-heres-why-it-matters/ looks like they sit side-by-side and feed the same gear...
@@eggsII Big fan of the Oris 115 hand-wound. The 400 promises a wider range of calibers for Oris. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
Wow, never expected you would do an episode on CW. I have the CHRISTOPHER WARD C9 5 DAY SMALL-SECOND CHRONOMETER (www.itsallaboutwatches.com/blog/christopher-ward-c9-5-day-small-second-chronometer). its a nice watch, very legible, sits well on the wrist and a good size movement. Thanks again for covering CW.
Hi Apar, I checked out the C9 5-Day...my kind of watch. Classic dress watch, hand-wound, thin. It looks like you were on the ground floor when the SH21 landed; well played! Cheers, Bill
Don't see the Sh21 anymore.
Hi Rick. I wonder why?🤔 The video was made 4 years ago, but I thought they kept the SH21. After looking, I found that the Sellita SW330-2 seemed to have replaced it. Probably cost issue. Take care, Bill
I bought one yesterday, C63 Snow Leopard. SH21 is still a thing 👍
Thanks for the information bill im saveing up for a c65 maybe c60 not quite sure yet.so more information is grate thank you
Hey Nick, which c65 or c60 are you considering? Cheers, Bill
Hi Bill. Thanks for another informative video. Not related to this video and I'm sure you know this already but the ex Morgan (car not the CW watch) designer has his own watch brand mhdwatches.com . And the new (to me) Moser Pioneer has two hairsprings so they haven't given up completely on the technology.
Hey Jeremy, thanks for those tips! I didn't realize that the Moser Pioneer had two hairsprings!! I'd like to have one of those...I've been wanting another H. Moser, and they're such incredible watches at excellent prices, they're hard to pass up! Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci It might just be the new Pioneer tourbillon that has two hairsprings. Sad that Morgan have cancelled the electric 3 wheeler. That looked so cool from head on. Here the petrol 3 wheeler has to be fitted with heat shields over the engine. That's like putting a solid case back on a Lang & Heyne.
Hi Jeremy, yes, you are correct, it's the Pioneer tourbillon with two hairsprings. I have no tourbillons in my collection nor do I plan to. For me, they add little functionality, and their coolness factors goes away far quicker than saving for one! But if someone gave me one ... I wouldn't throw it out! Cheers, Bill
How often do you go through leather straps?
Hi Phil O. On my good straps, not too often because I either rotate them, use beater straps or use band-liners. My beater straps hold up pretty well because of rotation, but sometimes a single bump and tear (even a small one) will lead to a ratty looking strap in a very short time. One of my very good straps on a very good watch was getting ripped up by the design of the buckle. The excellent finishing and polishing gave the side a sharp edge, and that started giving the sides of the band little shave tears. Also, it depends on the weather. In the winter when it's cold and wet with snow and ice, I don't venture fourth in a good watch band or spend much time getting my wrists wet. In the summer, if I wear the same leather / gator band and the same watch constantly, it can get eaten up in a single season, but like I said rotation, and in the summer there're Nato straps. Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci thanks bill.... where do you buy your straps from?
I get my beater straps from Panatime.com ... pretty nice ones, too ... and I get my fancy straps from the manufacturer.
Why would anyone buy a CW over an Oris?
Hi GB10014. Since I like both CW and Oris watches the reason I'd pick a CW over an Oris would be I could get a hand-wound Aviation or Morgan model with a SH21 movement with either. Why would you choose an Oris? Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci Oris presents better value and better design.
Hey GB10014 I guess a CW fan could say the same thing...only that CW presented a better value & better design. As far as I'm concerned, they both have value in the same price ballpark. How would you compare the in-house Oris movement with the CW SH21? Cheers, Bill
@@Gampers head to head, CW is way better value than Oris. The only thing that Oris has over CW is that badge on the dial. And imo the way Christopher Ward are progressing, give it a few more years and they will have a brand to compete with Oris. They're at the lower end of entry level Swiss watches and are a stepping stone to the big boys.
@@FinleyESB Bigger boys than grossly inflated standard eta Oris that's for sure.
Nice review if CW. I just purchased the C60 GMT. See my video on it ua-cam.com/video/Sw89EYjHuaA/v-deo.html
I appreciate you discussion on the movements.
Hey AWT, thanks. Saw and enjoyed your video, and congratulations on your choice. Kindest regards, Bill
First!
Hey Oscar...just like a Zenith movement! El Primero! Cheers, Bill
Yeah! XD