The 2018 Christopher Ward C1 Grand Malvern Worldtimer (I review here the model with reference number C01-43AWT2-S00W0-CC with a “Camel” leather strap, but there are two more versions available with “Tan” and “Blue” leather bands,) is the young watchmaking brand’s latest attempt to conquer the niche of dressy ‘UTC’ watches. This time, it offers a better-calculated combination of good quality, great exterior, and a nice automatic movement equipped with a complication manufactured exclusively for Chr. Ward by its long-standing Swiss-based partner.
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Christopher Ward C8 UTC Worldtimer Automatic
In less than two months, Christopher Ward will start selling the 2016 C8 UTC Worldtimer. Styled as an “aviator” and featuring an appealing combination of a robust Swiss-made movement with their new distinctive approach to design, the new timekeeper is well worth the serious chunk of cash that the watchmaker plans to charge for it.
Chr. Ward C5 Malvern Slimline Square Hand-Wound
Equipped with a hand-wound Swiss-made movement, the 2016 Chr. Ward C5 Malvern Slimline Square makes a strong impression. In fact, this new accessory, as deceptively unsophisticated as it is, may become one of the halo models for the British brand all over the civilized world, at least when it comes to people who can appreciate real beauty.
Chr. Ward C9 Moonphase Automatic Caliber JJ04
Once a maker of all sorts of “homages”, Christopher Ward puts a lot of effort into becoming a serious brand. This new, dressy Chr. Ward C9 Moonphase is a step in the right direction for the relatively young watchmaker.
Graham Silverstone RS Racing Automatic Chronograph
The 2015 Graham Silverstone RS Racing collection is offered in three finishes that you can buy either individually or as a set with a pair of nice sunglasses (paying an impressive amount of around $18,000). Although the device doesn’t look groundbreaking in any way, it is still a nice gadget for a person who prefers fresh-looking sporty timekeepers to time-proven (and thus boring) collections from the major brands.
Chr.Ward C9 Jumping Hour MKIII 40mm
Already available for pre-order with the first bunch of them expected to be delivered mid-March 2015, the new Chr.Ward C9 Jumping Hour MKIII features a refreshingly new design, which is not just clean and easy to read, but is also extremely refined. It looks like the guys that designed this beautiful timekeeper were in the proverbial “zone”: they did everything right.
Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton Chronograph Limited Edition
Besides the dazzling 2012 Geo.Graham, the high-tech Silverstone collection is the most elegant in Graham’s current product line-up. While different iterations of the Chronofighter and a more sports-oriented Prodive collection are too exaggerated, too extravagant for my taste, the Silverstone series has always been an example in sporty elegance. With its open-worked dial and carefully designed case, the Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton (refs. 2STAC1.B01A in red, 2STAC2.B01A in green, and 2STAC3.B01A in blue) takes this elegance to a new level of sophistication.
Chr. Ward C61 Trident-Pro Automatic Diver
Considered by many enthusiasts as an entry-level “Swiss Made” watch of choice, the Trident C60 has recently got significantly smaller. Since the bulky 42 millimeters of the original model were often too massive for buyers of the skinnier type, this 38-millimeter Chr. Ward C61 Trident-Pro will fit any medium- and small-sized wrist. And if you think that orange is just too bright for you (and it is, just trust me), there are two more color combinations to choose from.
Chr. Ward C8 Regulator Pilot
Christopher Ward, a brand that offers watches that are not only well designed but are also affordable and reliable (a rare mix in this segment), has finally started taking pre-orders for its new Chr. Ward C8 Regulator that was first announced back in June as “C800” model. Featuring an aviator-style design similar to their recently announced Chr. Ward Typhoon chronograph, the watch offers an extremely legible and surprisingly well-balanced dial layout.
Arnold & Son DBS Double Balance & Sidereal Time (1DSAP.W01A.C120P)
At a first glance, the 2013 hand-wound Arnold & Son DBS (Ref. 1DSAP.W01A.C120P) looks like it was inspired by the ultra-expensive Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre family. It is, in fact, a tribute to a pair of much older timekeepers made by John-Roger Arnold between 1796 and 1799 respectively. Both watches were able to display mean solar and sidereal time on two separate sub-dials and featured an ingenuous bimetallic thermo-compensated Z balance.
Graham Chronofighter Prodive Professional 600M Diver (Ref. 2CDAV-B02A)
It looks, just like it is with their new Graham Chronofighter Prodive Professional diver, the British-based brand has finally found a good use for its (in)famous trigger-style chronograph push-piece. Capable of starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph even deep underwater, the trigger looks like an ideal choice for a watch, which is supposed to be operated by gloved hands. I mean, just imagine how comfortable it could be to operate the time measuring complication in situations where you just don’t have time to feel a small, traditionally shaped pusher whether it is located somewhere on the piece’s back or even on the winding crown itself!
Chr. Ward Makaira Pro 500 Automatic Diver (Ref. C11-MAK-SKWSI)
Mostly known for their “tributes” to more expensive, legendary (or, in other words, class-defining) models like different iterations of Rolex Submariner, the iconic IWC Portuguese and the likes, the British-based brand, however, sometimes offers a lot more original watches of their own design. The new Chr. Ward Makaira Pro 500 (Ref. C11-MAK-SKWSI) diver belongs to the latter breed of timekeepers that an enthusiast can easily wear without losing the tiniest bit of their self-respect.
Graham Silverstone Stowe Racing Mexico Limited Edition 100 2BLDC.B27A
Watchmaking brands all over the civilized world (especially those that have a sporty model or two in their vast product ranges) LOVE to be associated with the high-revving world of motorsports in general and the guys that tend to win a lot of races in particular. The British watchmaker Graham is absolutely no exception here. That’s why they dedicated their new Graham Silverstone Stowe Racing Mexico Limited Edition 100 to Mr. Mario Dominguez, a Mexican racing driver that, according to Wikipedia, had competed in the CART and CCWS Champ Car series and even had his podium in the famous IndyCar Series back in 2008.
Arnold & Son Hornet World Time Skeleton Automatic in Steel
For the year 2012, the British watchmaking house has prepared yet another version of their outrageous Hornet collection of “world timers.” The 2012 Arnold & Son Hornet World Time Skeleton features the same impressive body of gargantuan proportions, which is now crafted from stainless steel and features an open-worked dial that makes quite a dubious impression.
Graham Chronofighter 1695 Hotsy Totsy Automatic (Ref. 2CXAP.S03A)
Graham’s watches are rarely straightforward, but this 2012 Graham Chronofighter 1695 Hotsy Totsy (Ref. 2CXAP.S03A) provokes the most acute attack of cognitive dissonance. I mean, could you expect a classic, vintage-style dress watch to be equipped with a huge, M1 Garand-style trigger made from 18-karat rose gold?