Christopher Ward x seconde/seconde/ The Twelve Snake

The world of watches has seen many interesting collaborations, but the Christopher Ward x seconde/seconde The Twelve Snake stands out as a particularly unique and playful entry. Born from a partnership between the British watchmaker Christopher Ward and the French artist Romaric André, known as seconde/seconde/, this timepiece is a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year and a nostalgic nod to the iconic mobile game, Snake. This collaboration blends traditional watchmaking with a modern, almost irreverent twist, creating a watch that is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to any collector's face. The watch is not just a time-telling device; it's a wearable piece of art that encapsulates a specific moment in cultural history.



Christopher Ward, founded in 2004, has quickly established itself as a significant player in the watch industry. Known for its commitment to quality and value, the brand has consistently delivered well-crafted timepieces at accessible prices. This ethos is reflected in their "challenger" spirit, which seeks to democratize luxury watchmaking by offering high-quality watches without the exorbitant markups often seen in the industry. Over the years, Christopher Ward has developed a reputation for innovative designs and robust engineering, garnering a loyal following among watch enthusiasts worldwide. Their dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction has further solidified their position in the market, making them a trusted name in horology.



Romaric André, the creative force behind seconde/seconde/, has carved out a niche for himself in the watch world with his unconventional and often humorous approach to watch customization. Starting with the simple act of swapping out second hands on vintage watches, André's work has evolved into a highly sought-after form of horological art. His designs, often created using the basic software Paint.NET, playfully subvert traditional watch aesthetics, injecting a sense of fun and whimsy into an otherwise serious industry. André's collaborations have transitioned from "not legit" to "very much legit," with major brands now commissioning him for official projects. His ability to blend humor with horology has made him a unique figure, often compared to the street artist Banksy for his disruptive yet widely celebrated style.



The Twelve collection from Christopher Ward is a testament to the brand's ability to innovate while staying true to its core values. Introduced as an integrated sports watch, The Twelve features a distinctive design language characterized by its unique twelve-sided bezel and meticulously crafted case. This collection has been praised for its blend of contemporary style and functional robustness. The watches within The Twelve collection are designed to be versatile, suitable for both formal and casual occasions. The intricate dial textures and polished finishing reflect Christopher Ward's attention to detail, while the robust construction ensures durability and longevity. The Twelve collection exemplifies the brand's commitment to creating high-quality timepieces that offer exceptional value.



The Twelve Snake is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a balance between presence and wearability. The case features a brushed, sandblasted, and polished finish, showcasing Christopher Ward's expertise in metalwork. The twelve-sided bezel, a signature of The Twelve collection, adds a distinctive touch, with its multifaceted surface reflecting light in a way that highlights the watch's intricate design. The case's height is a comfortable 9.95mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 44.5mm, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The embossed screw-down crown and screw-down exhibition caseback contribute to the watch's water resistance of 10 ATM (100 meters), ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily wear.



The dial of The Twelve Snake is where the watch truly comes to life. The vibrant "Venom Green" color immediately captures attention, evoking the nostalgic glow of old mobile phone screens. This bold hue serves as the backdrop for a three-dimensional pixelated design that forms the iconic serpent from the game Snake. The texture of the dial is not merely decorative; it is a carefully crafted representation of the game's aesthetic, with each pixel contributing to the overall retro feel. The snake itself is depicted winding across the dial, playfully interacting with the Christopher Ward twin-flags logo, which it appears to be biting. This interaction adds a dynamic element to the dial, making it seem as if the snake is in motion. The dial is capped off with the traditional "Swiss Made" being replaced with "Hiss Made".



At the 7:30 position, a false date window displays six "insect treats," a nod to the food items in the Snake game. These treats are placed on a "Wheel of Good Fortune," which rotates to reveal different treats at various times throughout the month. This whimsical feature adds an element of surprise and delight, further enhancing the playful nature of the watch. The top-brushed indexes are diamond-polished, providing a subtle contrast to the textured dial. The hands, filled with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1, ensure legibility in low-light conditions, while also adding to the watch's modern aesthetic. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring clarity and durability.



Powering The Twelve Snake is the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, a Swiss-made caliber renowned for its reliability and accuracy. This movement is an updated version of the classic Sellita SW200, featuring 26 jewels and a 4Hz frequency, which translates to a smooth eight ticks per second. The SW200-1 boasts a power reserve of 38 hours, longer than the battery life of a Nokia 3310. The movement also includes an in-built anti-shock system, ensuring that the watch maintains its accuracy even when subjected to sudden jolts or impacts. The Elaboré ‘Colimaçoné’ finish on the movement adds a touch of refinement, visible through the exhibition caseback.



The Twelve Snake is paired with a marine-grade stainless steel integrated bracelet, designed to complement the case's aesthetics seamlessly. The bracelet features a brushed and polished finish, echoing the case's finishing. It is equipped with a butterfly clasp with micro-adjustment, allowing for a comfortable and secure fit. The bracelet also features screw links and integrated end links that are compatible with The Twelve's quick-release system, making it easy to swap out straps if desired. The bracelet's construction ensures durability and comfort, making it suitable for extended wear. The clasp is engraved with the Christopher Ward name, adding a subtle yet elegant touch.



The case back of The Twelve Snake is just as intriguing as the dial. A clear case back is tinted with a green sovereign, through which the Sellita SW200-1 movement is visible. Printed on the case back are the words "CHEERS TO THE SNAKE YEAR(S)," a playful acknowledgment of the Lunar New Year theme. This detail adds another layer of personality to the watch, making it a unique collector's item. Each watch is also engraved with a unique serial number, further emphasizing its limited-edition status.



The Twelve Snake is more than just a playful tribute to a retro game; it is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that both Christopher Ward and seconde/seconde/ are known for. The watch is manufactured at Christopher Ward's atelier in Switzerland, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality. The combination of the robust Sellita SW200-1 movement, the meticulously crafted case and dial, and the unique design elements make this watch a standout piece in any collection. The playful elements, such as the snake biting the logo and the rotating treats, are executed with precision, showcasing the skill of the watchmakers involved.



The Twelve Snake is available for pre-order with a limited purchase window from January 29, 2025, to February 12, 2025, coinciding with the Lunar New Year festival. Priced at $1,225.00, the watch offers exceptional value considering its unique design, high-quality materials, and limited-edition status. This pricing is consistent with Christopher Ward's philosophy of providing luxury-level quality at accessible prices. The limited purchase window adds an element of exclusivity, making it a desirable piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The watch comes with an eco-friendly luxury presentation case and an owner's handbook, enhancing the overall ownership experience.



The Christopher Ward x seconde/seconde The Twelve Snake is a remarkable collaboration that brings together the best of both worlds. It combines Christopher Ward's reputation for quality and value with seconde/seconde/'s playful and irreverent design approach. The result is a watch that is both a functional timepiece and a piece of wearable art. Its unique design, inspired by the iconic mobile game Snake, is sure to resonate with those who appreciate nostalgia and humor in their horological pursuits.



Case: 40mm diameter, 9.95mm height, 44.5mm lug-to-lug. Stainless steel, brushed, sandblasted, and polished finish. 12-sided bezel. Embossed screw-down crown, screw-down exhibition caseback. Water-resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters). Weight 65g.

Movement: Sellita SW200-1 automatic, 26 jewels, 4Hz frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour). 38-hour power reserve. Elaboré ‘Colimaçoné’ finish. Anti-shock system. +/- 20 seconds per day timing tolerance.

Dial: Venom Green, three-dimensional stamped design. Top-brushed indexes with diamond-polished facets. Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1 filled hands and indexes. False date window at 7:30 displaying six rotating ‘insect treats’. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

Strap: Marine-grade stainless steel integrated bracelet. Brushed and polished finish. Butterfly clasp with micro-adjustment. Screw links. Compatible with The Twelve quick-release system. 25mm size.

Price: $1,225.00

Reference Number: C12-40ADA1-S00SN-B0

Notes: Collaboration with seconde/seconde/ to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Year of the Snake. Limited purchase window from January 29, 2025, to February 12, 2025. Features a playful design referencing the retro mobile game Snake. Unique engraved serial number.