Christopher Ward
has released several new models in their successful C70 line of racing
watches. These bright, bold Swiss chronographs have long been personal
favorites of mine, and I am delighted to see the range grow; not only
because they are an excellent value and look particularly cool, but
because a C70 inspired my watch hobby.
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Christopher Ward C70-3227 GT |
You see, waaaaay back in 2009, I was not yet The Time Bum. I was just a
regular bum who kind of liked watches. I had a few in my meager
collection, including one or two rather nice ones, but I really knew
nothing. One evening I was flipping through a classic car magazine and
saw a feature on the Christopher Ward C70IT Corse Rosso. It was racy. It
was red. It stopped me in my tracks. When my wife saw my reaction, she
promptly ordered it for my birthday. Once I had the watch in hand, I
needed to know more about this British company. After I had poured over
their site, I wondered what other small watchmakers were out there,
which led me to the online watch enthusiast forums and blogs... You get
the idea.
That C70 is still high in my rotation. Indeed, sharp-eyed readers may
have already noticed it lurking in my profile picture. It is the watch
that introduced me to quality affordable watches in general and
independent watchmakers in particular.
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CW C70 D-Type Limited Edition |
My C70IT is out of production, but the new crop of C70s is every bit as
gorgeous. Like all Christopher Ward watches, they are Swiss made and
carry the 60/60 guarantee (60-day return, 60-month movement warranty).
Two quartz movements are offered: the 22 jewel ETA 251.272, and the 27
jewel COSC certified ETA 251.233. Both are split-time capable, triple
register chronographs with 30 minute, 1/10th second, and small seconds
sub-dials. The COSC models meet the exacting standards of accuracy set
by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, and also have the
bonus of a fourth hand that acts as a central minutes timer
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CW C70 British Racing Green Limited Edition |
The specifications are solid, but as I mentioned above, it is their
beauty that draws you in. Designing a watch as an homage to a non-watch
related object can be a tricky proposition. Racing cars are a
rich source of inspiration, and many have tried to evoke their form and
color with decidedly mixed results. It is all too easy to go too far and
create a caricature, or not go far enough so the racing elements look
like tacked-on afterthoughts. Christopher Ward got it right.
All are housed in a polished stainless steel case, 42mm wide with a
screw down crown and a case back bearing a theme-appropriate decoration.
The crown and chronograph buttons are smooth piston shapes. Even
without a textured edge, the crown is easy to operate. The watch is just
under 11mm thick to the top of the slightly domed sapphire crystal. It
wears true to size and is an easy fit under a shirt cuff. Water resistance is a useful 100 meters, ideal for daily wear.
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CW C70 Italian GP Limited Edition |
Both COSC and standard models share the same layout. They have an outer 60-second bezel, an inner tachymeter bezel for
those crucial miles per hour calculations, a multi-layered dial with a
textured center, a two-row bi-color index, and a date porthole at 4
o'clock. The 12, 3, and 9 (or just 12 depending on model) are oversized
roundels like vintage "meatball" racing numbers. The dial is undeniably
busy, but legible and great fun.
Racers are known for bright colors and bold liveries, and the C70s
follow suit, drawing inspiration from the storied cars and teams in
motorsports history. The Vanwall VW4, British GP 1926, and British
Bracing Green are, of course, proper shades of green. The Belgian GP
models wear the country's bright yellow. The French GP 1906 watch is
blue, the Italian GP models are blood red. With the exception of the
comparatively sedate green and white British Racing Green model, the
watches have black sub dials and contrasting color hands. They are absolutely stunning.
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CW C70 British Racing Green Limited Edition on perforated leather |
Band choices vary by model and include natural rubber, leather, and a
stainless steel bracelet with push-button release. My old C70 wears a
perforated leather rally strap on a signed deployant clasp and I would
choose it again without a second thought. The perforations in the black
top layer reveal a dash of color that coordinates with the dial. It is a
sporty touch that perfectly complements the watch. Regular readers know
I am a shameless strap swapper, but I have kept the "stock" strap on my
C70 for 6 years, and I see no reason to change it now.
Christopher Ward offers 8 distinct models and 22 variants of C70. The least expensive are the British Racing Green ETA 251.272 watches the and D-Type Limited Edition models, which range from $625-760. Next are the COSC Grand Prix commemorative Chronometers for $895.
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CW C70 D-Type Limited Edition dial detail |
The D-Type watches in particular bear closer scrutiny. They pay homage
to the famed Jaguars of Scotland's Ecurie Ecosse team and wear that
team's signature blue. The cases are engraved with the image of a Jaguar
knock-off wheel hub and wear a "376 SG" number plate of the left side -
the registration number of the car that won at LeMans in 1957. The dial
on this model is also distinct from the rest of the range as the sub
dials mimic the race car's dashboard instruments. They are $675 on
rubber, $750 on steel or leather.
Finally, if you really want something special, have a look at the
C70-3227GT. It carries a disc cut from the exterior paneling of a
Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 3227, the seventh GTO produced. The
$2,960 price tag may seem a tad steep, but when you consider a 250 GTO
sold for a record $52M at auction, it's really a bargain. Ok, maybe
"bargain" is a stretch, but you can tell yourself that as you click the
"Buy it Now" button.
As for me, I am still perfectly happy with my old C70IT. It may not have
any Ferrari in it, but it is a damn fine watch, and it is good to know
the family line still thrives.
Pro: Quality components and sharp execution.
Con: Race car looks may not be for everyone...
Sum: ...but they sure work for me. The Time Bum approves.
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CW C70-3227GT case back with Ferrari GTO artifact |
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