The watch industry is a realm of intricate craftsmanship, where timepieces transcend mere functionality to become symbols of artistry and precision. Amidst this landscape, Christopher Ward, a trailblazing English-Swiss watchmaker, has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation. Founded in 2004, the company has earned a reputation for challenging conventions, offering exceptional Swiss-made mechanical watches at accessible prices through its online-only platform.
As
Christopher Ward celebrates its 20th anniversary, the brand continues to captivate watch enthusiasts worldwide with its daring designs and technological advancements. The company's portfolio boasts a diverse range of timepieces, each bearing the hallmark of meticulous craftsmanship and a passion for pushing horological boundaries. From the groundbreaking Calibre SH21, the first commercially viable mechanical watch movement created by a British brand in over half a century, to the award-winning Bel Canto chiming watch, Christopher Ward's creations have garnered international acclaim.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
In the summer of 2024, Christopher Ward unveiled a delightful surprise for watch aficionados: the Ice Cream Collection, a limited-edition series of their renowned Twelve model. Inspired by the vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of classic ice cream treats, this collection introduces four new, eye-catching hues to the Twelve's iconic design.
The Ice Cream Collection marks a significant milestone for The Twelve, as it represents the first time these watches are available in the highly sought-after 38mm case size. Often referred to as the "Goldilocks" size, 38mm strikes the perfect balance between comfort and presence on the wrist, making it a favorite among watch enthusiasts. This expansion of case sizes opens up The Twelve to a wider audience, catering to those who prefer a slightly smaller and more versatile timepiece.
The color palette of the Ice Cream Collection is a visual feast, evoking a sense of nostalgia and summery delight. The Biel-Berry, a deep and luscious blue, conjures images of blueberry fields bathed in sunshine. The Mint 38, a refreshing and invigorating green, is reminiscent of cool mint chocolate chip ice cream on a hot day. The Made in Mangohead, a vibrant and tropical orange, transports us to exotic beaches and fruity cocktails. Finally, the Peach Sellita, a soft and delicate pink, evokes the sweetness and tenderness of a perfectly ripe peach.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
Beyond its playful colors, the Ice Cream Collection boasts a range of technical features that elevate it beyond mere aesthetics. The watches are powered by the reliable Sellita SW200-1 movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping and a smooth sweeping seconds hand. The case, crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, is both durable and stylish, featuring a combination of brushed, sandblasted, and polished finishes.
The embossed screw-down crown and exhibition caseback further enhance the watch's appeal, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of the mechanical movement. The dial, adorned with top-brushed indexes with diamond-polished facets, adds a touch of sophistication, while the Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1 filled hands and indexes ensure legibility even in low-light conditions.
One of the standout features of the Ice Cream Collection is the inclusion of an all-new clasp design on a steel Twelve. This innovative clasp, initially featured on The Twelve X (Ti), allows for 3mm of on-the-fly micro-adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist. This is a welcome addition, especially during the warmer months when wrist size can fluctuate due to temperature changes or activity levels.
The Ice Cream Collection comes with both a stainless steel bracelet and a color-matched rubber strap, both equipped with CW's quick-release system. This allows for effortless interchangeability between the two, giving wearers the flexibility to adapt the watch to different occasions and styles. The stainless steel bracelet features a "Christopher Ward" engraving and a butterfly clasp, while the rubber strap is adorned with a Christopher Ward engraved dress buckle and is compatible with The Twelve's quick-release system.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
Diving deeper into the Christopher Ward Ice Cream Collection, we find a timepiece that seamlessly blends playful aesthetics with technical prowess. Each of the four colorways - Biel-Berry, Mint 38, Made in Mangohead, and Peach Sellita - is limited to 200 pieces, making them highly sought-after collector's items.
Let's start with the Biel-Berry, a watch that captures the essence of a summer day with its
Deep Blue dial. The hue is reminiscent of ripe blueberries, bursting with flavor and sweetness. The dial's sunburst finish adds a dynamic element, shifting in intensity as light dances across its surface. The white indices and hands provide a crisp contrast against the blue backdrop, ensuring optimal legibility. The date window, subtly positioned at 3 o'clock, adds a touch of practicality without disrupting the dial's overall harmony.
Next up is the Mint 38, a refreshing and invigorating timepiece that evokes the coolness of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The dial's pastel green hue is both playful and sophisticated, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. The white indices and hands, along with the date window at 3 o'clock, mirror the Biel-Berry's layout, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across the collection. The Mint 38 is a watch that exudes a sense of fun and optimism, perfect for those who embrace a vibrant and adventurous lifestyle.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The Made in Mangohead is a bold and tropical timepiece that radiates warmth and energy. The dial's vibrant orange hue is reminiscent of a ripe mango, bursting with juicy flavor. The white indices and hands, along with the date window at 3 o'clock, create a harmonious contrast against the orange backdrop. The Made in Mangohead is a watch that commands attention, making a statement wherever it goes. It's a perfect choice for those who aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd and embrace their individuality.
Last but not least is the Peach Sellita, a delicate and feminine timepiece that exudes sweetness and charm. The dial's soft pink hue is reminiscent of a perfectly ripe peach, delicate and inviting. The white indices and hands, along with the date window at 3 o'clock, complement the pink backdrop, creating a harmonious and balanced aesthetic. The Peach Sellita is a watch that exudes grace and elegance, perfect for those who appreciate understated luxury and timeless style.
All four watches in the Ice Cream Collection feature a 38mm stainless steel case, a size that has become increasingly popular among watch enthusiasts in recent years. This "Goldilocks" size strikes the perfect balance between comfort and presence on the wrist, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The case's combination of brushed, sandblasted, and polished finishes adds visual interest and depth, while the embossed screw-down crown and exhibition caseback showcase the watch's meticulous craftsmanship.
The Ice Cream Collection is powered by the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping and a smooth sweeping seconds hand. This Swiss-made movement is known for its robustness and longevity, making it a popular choice among watchmakers and enthusiasts alike. The movement's 38-hour power reserve ensures that the watch will keep ticking even if it's not worn for a day or two.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
Retailing for $1,275, the Ice Cream Collection offers exceptional value for a limited-edition Swiss-made watch with such a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each watch comes with both a stainless steel bracelet and a color-matched rubber strap, allowing wearers to customize their look and adapt the watch to different occasions. The bracelet's butterfly clasp with on-the-fly micro-adjustment ensures a comfortable and secure fit, while the rubber strap's quick-release system allows for effortless interchangeability.
Whether you're a seasoned watch collector or a newcomer to the world of horology, the Christopher Ward Ice Cream Collection is sure to delight and inspire. Its playful colors, meticulous craftsmanship, and technical prowess make it a timepiece that is both fun and functional, a true embodiment of Christopher Ward's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking while remaining accessible to a wide audience. The Ice Cream Collection is a testament to the brand's innovative spirit and dedication to creating timepieces that are as unique and individual as the people who wear them.