Christopher Ward C63 Valour

From Land to Sea

Words by: Hourstriker Staff
March 28, 2024
Christopher Ward is a British watch company founded in 2005 by Mike France, Peter Ellis and Chris Ward. The company prides itself on creating high-quality watches that are both stylish and affordable. Their latest release, the C63 Valour, is a chronograph watch that pays homage to the British Armed Forces.

The watch features a 39mm marine-grade stainless steel case that has been designed to sit comfortably on most wrist sizes. The caseback is decorated with the deep-stamped insignia of the Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force. Each heraldic badge features the "Queen's crown" as a mark of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The watch is available on three different straps: a sporty Bader bracelet, a military-style webbing strap, and the Consort bracelet, which is Christopher Ward's most jewelry-like bracelet. Thanks to the watch's quick-release system, swapping between straps is easy and can be done without any tools.

Courtesy of Christopher Ward


The dial of the C63 Valour is black with bold, applied numerals and a polished version of Christopher Ward's "twin flags" logo at the 12 o'clock position. The watch hands are also polished and are coated with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1 for low-light visibility.

One of the most striking features of the C63 Valour is its reverse panda dial. A reverse panda dial has a black background with white subdials. In the C63 Valour, the three subdials are color-coded to represent the three different branches of the British Armed Forces. The red subdial is for the Army, the dark blue subdial is for the Navy, and the light blue subdial is for the Royal Air Force. The subdials display 1/10th of a second, 60 seconds, and 30 minutes.

The C63 Valour is powered by the ETA G10.212 AD COSC quartz movement. This movement is renowned for its accuracy, which is +/- 10 seconds per year. The watch also has a chronograph function, which can be used to time events. The chronograph function is controlled by two pushers on the side of the case. When the top pusher is pressed, the chronograph starts. Pressing the top pusher again stops the chronograph. The bottom pusher resets the chronograph to zero. The C63 Valour is water-resistant to 150 meters, making it suitable for swimming and diving.

The heart of the C63 Valour is the ETA G10.212 AD COSC quartz movement. While some watch enthusiasts might scoff at quartz over mechanical movements, the G10.212 AD COSC offers undeniable advantages, particularly for those who crave precision and practicality.

This movement boasts an impressive accuracy rating of +/- 10 seconds per year. To put that in perspective, that means your C63 Valour will gain or lose a mere two and a half seconds over a two-year period. For those who rely on their timepiece for critical tasks or simply appreciate unwavering punctuality, this level of accuracy is a game-changer.

Courtesy of Christopher Ward


The C63 Valour isn't just a handsome timekeeper; it's a tool watch with a built-in chronograph function. This essentially transforms your watch into a stopwatch, allowing you to time events with impressive precision.

Engaging the chronograph functionality is simple and intuitive. Pressing the top pusher on the right side of the case starts timing function. Pressing it again stops it, and the elapsed time is displayed on the subdials. The bottom pusher resets all the chronograph counters to zero, ready for your next timing challenge.

The chronograph offers a range of capabilities beyond basic elapsed time measurement. The subdials display 1/10th of a second, 60 seconds, and 30 minutes, allowing you to track time in various increments. This is a valuable feature for anyone who needs to measure events with varying durations, from scientific experiments to athletic performance tracking.

The C63 Valour isn't just about aesthetics; it's built to endure. The 39mm case is crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, a robust and corrosion-resistant material that can handle the rigors of everyday wear. The caseback features a deep engraving of the Army, Navy, and RAF emblems, a subtle yet meaningful detail for those with a connection to the British Armed Forces.

Courtesy of Christopher Ward


The Light-catcher™ design is another noteworthy aspect of the case. The case has been meticulously crafted with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces that play with light, creating a dynamic and visually engaging effect. This isn't just about aesthetics; the thoughtful design ensures the watch sits comfortably on your wrist, avoiding unwanted bulk or uncomfortable digging.

Complementing the case's durability is the C63 Valour's impressive water resistance of 150 meters. This means the watch can withstand being submerged up to 150 meters deep. Whether you're swimming, snorkeling, or even recreational diving, the C63 Valour can accompany you on your aquatic adventures without fear of water damage.

The C63 Valour comes with your choice of three straps, each offering a distinct look and feel. For those who favor a classic and sophisticated look, the Consort bracelet is the ideal choice. Crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, the Consort bracelet features a five-link design with a combination of polished and brushed finishes. A butterfly clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit on your wrist.

Courtesy of Christopher Ward


The Bader bracelet caters to those who prefer a sportier aesthetic. This bracelet is also crafted from marine-grade stainless steel but features a more dynamic three-link design with a brushed finish. The Bader bracelet provides a comfortable and secure fit for active lifestyles.

Finally, the C63 Valour can be dressed down with a military-style webbing strap. This option offers a rugged and utilitarian look, perfect for those who appreciate a no-nonsense aesthetic. The webbing strap is comfortable, lightweight, and easily adjustable to ensure a perfect fit.

The quick-release system makes swapping between straps a breeze. No tools are required, allowing you to effortlessly transform the look and feel of your C6V Valour to suit any occasion or activity.

For those who require legibility in low-light conditions, the C63 Valour has you covered. The watch hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1, a proprietary luminescent material that emits a bright glow after being exposed to light. This ensures that you can easily read the time, even in complete darkness.

The Christopher Ward C63 Valour is more than just a timepiece; it's a tool watch designed for those who lead active and demanding lives. The combination of a highly accurate quartz movement, a robust stainless steel case, and a range of practical features makes it a reliable companion for everyday adventures. Whether you're a military serviceperson, an athlete, or simply someone who appreciates a well-built watch with a touch of military heritage, the C63 Valour is a compelling choice.

The C63 Valour's versatility extends beyond its functionality. The watch's design elements and strap options allow you to personalize it to reflect your individual style. The black dial with pops of color from the subdials offers a bold and contemporary look, while the polished case and applied numerals add a touch of sophistication.

The choice of strap further allows you to tailor the watch to your personality. The Consort bracelet elevates the C63 Valour to a dressier piece, while the Bader bracelet and webbing strap offer a more casual and rugged aesthetic.

Courtesy of Christopher Ward


The Christopher Ward C63 Valour is a remarkable timepiece that celebrates precision, functionality, and heritage. The ETA G10.212 AD COSC quartz movement guarantees exceptional accuracy, while the chronograph function offers a range of timing capabilities. The robust stainless steel case and 150-meter water resistance ensure the watch can withstand the elements.

Most importantly, the C63 Valour honors the rich history of the British Armed Forces with its subtle design cues and the deep-engraved emblems on the caseback. Whether you have a connection to the military or simply appreciate a well-crafted and versatile watch, the Christopher Ward C63 Valour is a timepiece worthy of serious consideration.
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