Christopher Ward, a British watch company known for blending Swiss-made quality with accessible pricing, continues to expand its offerings. The brand started with a simple yet bold mission: to make high-quality watches available to a broader audience, cutting out the traditional markups of luxury brands. Over the years,
Christopher Ward has become notable for its direct-to-consumer model. This approach allows the brand to offer impressive value, often incorporating premium features and materials at prices that challenge the established norms of the watch industry. The company's focus on customer feedback and engagement has also been a significant part of its growth, fostering a loyal community of watch enthusiasts.
The Twelve collection from Christopher Ward is a compelling representation of the brand's ethos, featuring an integrated bracelet design. This collection is notable for its sporty yet refined aesthetic, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. The Twelve stands out with its distinctive twelve-sided bezel, a design element that adds a subtle yet unique touch. The dials are textured with a three-dimensional pyramid pattern, a clever nod to the twin flags in the Christopher Ward logo. This design choice adds depth and visual interest, creating an interplay of light and shadow. The collection's blend of bold design choices and attention to detail has made it a noteworthy addition to Christopher Ward's lineup.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The Twelve 38 is the latest iteration of the collection. This new release features a 38mm case, a size that is often considered universally flattering. The brand listened to its customers when developing this 38mm version, which speaks to their customer service and customer interaction. The Twelve 38 maintains the aesthetic signatures of the collection, including the multi-finish bezel and the tapered integrated bracelet.
The Twelve 38 comes in four distinct colorways: Midnight Sun, Glacier Blue, Nordic Blue, and Arctic White. The Midnight Sun is a new addition, offering a gold-like tone, while the other three colors are popular choices from previous models. This variety ensures that there is a model to suit different tastes and preferences. The dials all feature the same textured pattern of pyramids, which adds a layer of sophistication and visual intrigue. The applied indices and hands are meticulously finished, with brushed and polished surfaces.
The case of The Twelve 38 is constructed from stainless steel. It measures 38mm in diameter and has a height of 9.95mm, making it a slender and comfortable presence on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance is 43.30mm, contributing to the watch's wearability. The case showcases a mix of finishes. This combination of finishes extends to the twelve-sided bezel, a defining characteristic of The Twelve collection. The case is water-resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters), adding a practical element to its design. The screw-down crown is embossed, and the caseback is an exhibition style.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The hands and indices are thoughtfully designed, featuring a blend of brushed and polished surfaces that reflect light in an captivating way. The use of Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1 on the hands and indices ensures visibility in low-light conditions. This luminescent material is known for its brightness and longevity, providing a functional benefit. The dial is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The integrated bracelet of The Twelve 38 is a key element of its design. It is constructed from single links, tapering from 23mm at the lugs to 17mm at the clasp. The bracelet is made from marine-grade stainless steel and features a brushed satin finish. The butterfly clasp is equipped with a micro-adjustment mechanism, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit. This mechanism provides up to 3mm of adjustment, a welcome feature for those who value a perfect fit.
Powering The Twelve 38 is the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. This Swiss-made movement is well-regarded for its reliability and accuracy. It features 26 jewels and operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour). The movement has a power reserve of 38 hours and includes a date complication. The SW200-1 is equipped with an anti-shock system, which helps to maintain accuracy even under impact. The movement is finished with an Elaboré ‘Colimaçoné’ decoration.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The technical specifications of The Twelve 38 reflect its positioning as a versatile sports watch. The 38mm case size and 9.95mm thickness make it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The 100-meter water resistance ensures that it can withstand everyday activities, including swimming. The use of a reliable and well-known Swiss movement adds to the watch's appeal. The integrated bracelet and its micro-adjustment system contribute to the overall comfort and wearability.
The dial's three-dimensional pyramid pattern is a standout feature. This design element not only adds visual interest but also pays homage to the Christopher Ward logo. The pattern catches the light in various ways, creating a dynamic effect as the wrist moves. The four color options – Midnight Sun, Glacier Blue, Nordic Blue, and Arctic White – each bring a different character to the watch. The Midnight Sun offers a warm, golden hue, while the Glacier Blue and Nordic Blue provide cooler tones. The Arctic White offers a clean, minimalist look.
The Twelve 38's design draws inspiration from 1970s sports watches, particularly those with integrated bracelets like the
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and
Patek Philippe Nautilus. However, The Twelve 38 is not merely an homage; it incorporates its own unique design elements, such as the twelve-sided bezel and the textured dial. These features give the watch its own identity within the broader category of integrated bracelet sports watches.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The exhibition caseback of The Twelve 38 allows a view of the Sellita SW200-1 movement. This feature is appreciated by watch enthusiasts who enjoy observing the mechanical workings of their timepieces. The caseback is secured with six exposed screws. This design choice adds a touch of industrial aesthetic, aligning with the overall sporty character of the watch.
The Christopher Ward The Twelve 38 is a watch that balances sporty robustness with a degree of refinement. Its design is intricate, with a mix of brushed, polished, and sandblasted surfaces. The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the meticulously crafted dial to the integrated bracelet with its micro-adjustment clasp. The watch's 38mm size makes it a versatile option, suitable for both casual and more formal settings.
The brand, Christopher Ward, emphasizes the value proposition of its watches. By utilizing a direct-to-consumer sales model, the company is able to offer high-quality, Swiss-made watches at prices that are often more accessible than those of traditional luxury brands. This approach has resonated with many watch buyers who seek quality and craftsmanship without the premium associated with established luxury names.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The Twelve 38, priced at $1,225, is available for purchase directly from Christopher Ward. The availability of four different color options allows customers to choose a model that best suits their personal style. The watch comes packaged in an eco-friendly presentation case, accompanied by an owner's handbook.
Case: Stainless steel, 38mm diameter, 9.95mm height, 43.30mm lug-to-lug. 60g weight. 10 ATM (100m) water resistance. Brushed, sandblasted, and polished finish. Screw-down exhibition caseback. Embossed screw-down crown. Unique engraved serial number.
Movement: Sellita SW200-1, Swiss-made, self-winding, 26 jewels. 38-hour power reserve. Elaboré ‘Colimaçoné’ finish. 4Hz frequency (28,800 vph). +/- 20 seconds per day timing tolerance. Anti-shock system. Date calendar.
Dial: Four color options: Midnight Sun, Glacier Blue, Nordic Blue, Arctic White. Three-dimensional stamped pyramid pattern. Brushed and polished hands. Top-brushed indexes with diamond polished facets. Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1 filled hands and indexes. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Strap: Integrated marine-grade stainless steel bracelet. 23.30mm width. Butterfly clasp with micro-adjustment (up to 3mm). Screw links. 'Christopher Ward' engraving. Compatible with The Twelve quick-release system.
Price: $1,225
Reference Number: Midnight Sun C12-38ADA1-S00A1-B0, Glacier Blue C12-38ADA1-S00B1-B0, Nordic Blue C12-38ADA1-S00B0-B0, White C12-38ADA1-S00W0-B0
Notes: First open-series Twelve with a 38mm case. Features the same finishing as the 40mm and 36mm versions. Integrated bracelet sports watch design.