I hate to be the honest guy here. There are a ton of us that genuinely like watches, have a passion for the history, but will never be rich enough to afford royal oaks and Daytonas and the like. Maybe we have enough to afford a submariner or something as our nice watch, but we also wanna own a royal oak because of the genta history and all that. We also don’t wanna wear a nock off. So we look at CW as a way to kinda sorta come close. I think also post Covid prices have pushed a lot of watch enthusiasts that can’t afford the prices but still want quality and to be able to collect watches to look more at CW and tissot and Oris and stuff that’s around those prices. I dunno maybe I’m wrong.
I brought a luxury brand (Breitling) watch 35 years ago, and it was a beautiful timepiece. But I selected from the logo outward looking for the 'prestige.' I know a collector who says 'if it doesn't slap me in the face, I'm not buying it." That's my MO now as well, and I have many watches that move me more than the Breitling (some at as little as a tenth of the cost). I've learned that someone is always going to be setting a bar, raising that bar, and then requiring that people clear that bar. I guess everyone has to pick how/what 'defines' them. Happy hunting!
But why make mass produced fashion brands your grail? The obsession with Rolex and AP is like interest in SUPREME and Gucci. The submariner doesn't cost 1,000 to build, and yet they sell it for %1,000 profit. There are genuine high horology brands out there that get no notice because they don't advertise themselves on the sides of sports stadiums. You can get Breguets and Blancpains for the price of rolexes or less, and these are handmade precious metal watches with deep histories. Or, if you just want mass-market rolex-level quality, you can get a Longines for 1/5th the price.
@@markk2453 you're not wrong. 99.9% of all people can't afford more than one luxury watch, so we're looking at nice watches, like CW for instance. My problem with that is that I feel like I'm spending a bucket of money on a shiny trinket that holds no residual value. Over 2 grand for a CW .. Yes it's nice, and it's titanium but it's like choosing a new Citroen over a boring BMW
I own two Tridents and really like them. I think it’s great that CW are introducing higher spec watches to increase profits and not just putting ALL of their prices up like other brands. The 60 day trial period and 5 year warranty are a big plus for me
The C63 Sealander GMT was my first “real” watch, and I absolutely love it! The textured green dial, orange GMT hand, it’s gorgeous. My only complaint is I got into the brand JUST before the logo switch. Mine has the full name on it, just too big
The twin flags went from printed to applied logo. Unfortunately I got my c63 Sealander with printed instead of applied twin flags. Applied looks much nicer.
I have two CW’s, a Twelve and Bel Canto. I enjoy both and look forward to more from them. I am happy with the quality, looks and value. I’m not out to impress anyone. What more is there.
Thank you for another pragmatic and exceptionally insightful discussion. As a resident of Colchester, CT (USA), the CW C63 Colchester Parachute Regiment model caught my eye with its molded carbon fiber case & dial, retracting crown and COSC certified movement. I think it is a well made and unique timepiece, which are 2 attributes that I value.
Very good topic and take Mike. CW is the one watch brand that I genuinely wish I could invest in and not via watches but as equity. They have a very likeable business ethic with solid products that of a very good quality. I find their 1x to 3x pricing multiple a great value proposition and of a likeable and fair business spirit and not pushing the pedal too hard on the Veblen good principle. I see them working on a strong chronograph that they would flex with soon. In a world of boring annual upgrades I like this solid excitement of new products. Also, has been quite some time since I have seen a detailed watch review digging in to the crown and hands and all aspects from you Mike. Craving for one. Thank you!
I never looked at Christopher Ward. Purchased a Bel Canto. Very impressed. Have seen whole line in person at U.S. watch events. Pretty impressive at their price points.
I think that CW will go on to achieve whatever goal Mike France has set for the company. When you look at the man's career & what he's already achieved it's hard to bet against him. To come out of retirement, with millions already in the bank, tells you that this is a man that works for the challenge & achievement of building a successful company. It's fair to say he hasn't put much of a foot wrong thus far.
@@tiffer67 it means I stand by my statement. Unlike some who seem to think snark comments are the flavor of the day. If you like this great. I don’t at all. Thanks for stopping by
@@shamelessplace11 I’m happy you feel validated by your boast of staking imaginary money on your opinion being fact. Perhaps backing up your opinion with reason might have earned a genuine wow.
A big compliment for the exciting thoughts on brands and models beyond the same old reviews. Your videos are inspiring and always give me new points of view, also with regard to my passion for collecting, which has already lasted 20 years. Thank you very much! 👍
Eloquent, thoughtful and insightful as always. I guess that you purposely make it look like you just casually slipped down into your livingroom chair to have a quick talk with us about something that crossed your mind, but in reality you've thought everything you say through with great care. And what a great mind that was used in that thinking process! I absolutely love listening to your reasonings. If you had a daily 15 min sitdown like this, I'd be there. But given the run up needed to make them I understand that this wont happen, so I will cherish the times it does. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Very kind - I'm just a nerd who spends too much time on his hobby. My wife still thinks my videos are "elevated mansplaining", so, there's that perspective too 😂😂😂 As for you thegorn? You've been around for ages on my channel and I appreciate that, but you have always been quite the grouch. You've always given off "shotgun and get off my lawn" vibes. Cheers 😊
I think the turning point for CW was the introduction of the light catcher case. Another major event occurred when Christopher Ward (the man) left Christopher Ward the company to start a new company with his 3 sons called Tribus which ended up failing in large part to do with Covid.
Up until now I had just assumed that Christopher Ward was an invented brand name (and had no issue with that. I think their products look great). It sounded more understated and British than a name like 'Bremont'. Is there a watchmaker named Daniel Wellington out there somewhere?
Absolutely love the brand and the fact that lately they ha e been dropping hits like every month this year. Makes it more fun to follow. The quality for the watches I have procured is excellent and they are good everyday watches and quite a conversation starter
I always have great respect for people that can admit that they were wrong. I salute you, Sir. That beiing said, CW doesn’t move me emotionally, personally I’m saving for the Sinn 3006, for some reason it just connects. Go Bokke! Greetings from Belgium and thanks for your content.
I’m a fan of the brand specifically after visiting their Maidenhead show room last year. Own a Trident 300 and a Twelve. Will definitely order a BelCanto if and when the waiting time comes down.
I purchased a BC. After a year I received it. However, the BC did not chime on the hour. I sent it back explaining that it was not chiming on the hour. CW technicans said that there was not a problem and sent it back to me. When I recieved it again, I had the same issue. I asked CW to exchange the watch. Instead, they said that they would refund my money. Sadly, I am not with the CW BC but CW seems to be covering up something. A failed BC is not what CW wants others to hear about.
So many people are missing the point. This is a business case study with CW as the case study focus. This about the decisions a small up & comer brand made along the way. All the comments about "I like/don't like this one" or "I don't like the logo" are entirely missing the point that this video is about: It's a story about how a small, relatively new company executed a multifaceted strategy to achieve name/brand recognition within a niche community of nerds around the world.
I have a 7.3 wrists and I went for the 42. The case is slim so you can go a bit larger. I like my watches to be discreet but not too small either. With your size wrist you can get away with the 40mm (personally I think the 38mm is to small) I hope this helps
@@Z-u-m-a The 40mm white dial will look great. My wrist is 6.75 inches and I went for the 40 with no regrets. With the curved lugs it wears really well and I felt the 38mm would be too small. New Tridents on the bracelet have the smaller clasp now which is 9 or 10 m shorter than the old clasp. This is a great upgrade for those with smaller wrist sizes plus you still get 6mm of micro adjust.
I have become quite a CW fan in the past year and I embody many of you points. I currently own 8 CWs (although 2 are for sale), including the new Dragonfly Blue Bel Canto, a Twelve (Glacier Blue), and a Moonphase. I also have 2 of their COSC Tridents (Bronze & #Tide), so I do lean toward the upper end of thei catalog. Their design language speaks to me and fit nicely in my collection: below the Tudors (x4), Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, & Grand Seiko; on par with the Oris, Longines, Doxa, Junghans, & Sinn; and above the Hamiltons, Shinola, & Mondaine. It’s nice to have variety and to appreciate each for what they are.
Interesting video looking into the business aspects of watchmaking. I also liked your transitions and your animated texts. Would you mind sharing the plug-in you use, or do you do that manually? I’ve been looking for something like that…
I bought the base C63 Sealander to me it was the cleanest. Also if ordered in GBP and using the military discount it was under $800 USD and I didn’t have to pay an import tax.
CW are moving away from being an alternative choice at a price, to a first choice watch maker. Absolutely agree, filling a gap left by Tudor’s journey. They’re doing everything right that Bremont is doing wrong.
Yes exactly right. Bremont tried to market their way to success at the higher end of the price list. CW are building their way to success through good business and genuine watch innovation. I am excited to see where they go next. The interesting thing is though, that despite being a Brit and wanting to support British Industry, I currently would find it hard to purchase a CW over a Sinn. Sinn do it for me, whereas CW aren't quite their yet. However, if I'd had the money at the time, I would have snapped up a Bel Canto. Fabulous thing.
Good point on Tudor also moving on... Very much agree. As for Bremont? Also agree ... They haven't quiet found the answer to the question they asked themselves 😊
I did a military watch project with CW--so very easy to do, easy for our soldiers to get via their web system and 0% finance, good prices... and from the start excellent support in the design project. For the cost, the quality of the watch is excellent, especially, as you note, the bracelet.
What I appreciate about CW is that they offer a range of sizes for their models. i was in the market for a medium sized diver and ended up with the 38mm trident pro in my collection. I was cross shopping the trident pro with the black bay 58 and the CW's lightcatcher case was ultimately more ergonomic and suited for my wrist vs. the slab case of the BB 58, I also found the rivetless bracelet on the CW much more appealing. So yea, they are directly competing with Tudor and in my personal case they beat Tudor for me. Also the fact that they're at least 1/3 the cost made my wallet happy. What's also cool is that you can add your own engraving on the caseback, something Tudor does not offer.
Another very useful video! I have been looking at the Omega Planet Ocean for some time (and will probably get one at some point), but then I came across the CW C60 Lumiere and was immediately wowed by it! I have had a good experience with a CW Twelve which I have owned for months now and thus have a good deal of confidence in the brand, despite not being impressed with the box they come in, which is pure snobbery😁. Bottom line, I pressed the button on the C60 Lumiere a couple of days ago, so that pushes any purchase of an Omega planet ocean back a few months!
I took delivery of my sky blue Bel Canto on a steel bracelet about a month ago and I love it. CW then sent me a complimentary sky blue leather strap which I was a bit dubious about, but I tried it and it is brilliant. The sky blue of the strap really brings out the stunning sky blue of the dial - there is no other watch like this. The Bel Canto has replaced my Omega Speedmaster Pro White Dial as my favourite watch on my wrist, which is something as the Omega cost double the price of the CW. My next watch may well be the CW Bronze. I think CW are growing into a watch brand of quality and reputation. I like the English/Swiss link, which harks back to early Rolex. I hope to be in a position to support CW going forward and I hope they get very much more support.
This is a spot on analysis - and I love this analysis! And as a case study of CW, this is a very nice showcase of a very nice watch brand. And yes, I'm seeing CW put some thought into their step up watches. They deliver still on value, but also delivering on value at the "price up" - I have yet to buy CW, but it is constantly on my list because it has a look that I think is fantastic, movement that delivers... but, as you note, CW is still a niche play, not Tudor (until CW is acquired - then CW will explode).
Excellent and interesting video. I love my CW C60 38mm trident pro. I hope the Lumiere will also come in a 38-39mm size….. As a woman I appreciate that they make watches with a slightly smaller case (36-38mm) that women can easily appreciate. The watch industry is missing out on a huge market, that of women!There are now many more high earning women who don’t want some puny bejewelled, pink, or beige, boring quartz watch. Look at all these brightly coloured, often effeminate, dials that are 42mm! As a professional woman I want a statement watch that I can wear with pride and appreciation. CW does this. So does Farer. Most brands just seem to have a token “ladies watches” department that is really quite pathetic. Men are not the only watch wearers.
Agree. At least in the west there's a massive underservicing of watches for women. Sure there's always a cartier but more functional, practical traditionally masculine watches that are proportioned for women are still few and far between (and filled with quartz) 🙂
I like CW as a first time "real" watch buyer. Good specs, nice finishing and overall good looking, to me. As a novice, I'm not going to spend 10k on a watch, at last not yet. For now, they're in the running. I'm a fan of field and pilot watches for the fact most I can wear anywhere. So, the Dune with the sand dial fit my pretty much what I was looking for and about a grand seemed reasonable for now. A week or so ago I commented I was going to pull the trigger after I got my December bonus. Well, I got it. The day before, I added that watch to my cart. The next day I tried to purchase, but it wasn't on the site. They had the GMT Dune but that's not what I was looking for. So I reached out to customer service. They replied to me yesterday and told me it was discontinued. After months of going back and forth 😂. So the search continues. The main problem is my budget keeps increasing.😊 Now I'm leaning towards a Stowa. Same moment in the CW, nicer and flatter than the Laco, and there's history for a about $400 more, then the Laco, but the same as the CW. Or maybe that Sinn. 😂😂😂
I had to return my bel canto this week because the AR coating was spotting off. I hope they can fix the issue. I still love that watch and have great respect for the brand, but their QC is not up to shape.
@@DerSnipOr I haven't found others complaining about this specific issue, but there have been a decent amount of people who had to send their watch back for other reasons.
@@Yamayamauchiman sorry to hear that after waiting so long for the delivery. Hope that they can fix it. Which color did you order? I miss the dark blue limited dial - others just don’t seem right.
@@DerSnipOr Viola. It's honestly perfect for a watch like that, but the sky blue is great too. I just think if I'm every getting a outspoken colour like that it'll be on the Bel Canto.
Love CW!!! I have a C60 diver and the quality is fantastic. The comfort and finishing is leagues above other brands I’ve tried on and their entry divers and highly technical models all offer amazing value. Love to see more Lumière coverage in hand.
I love my CW c60 sapphire had it a while now looks like new, my longines never gets worn, waiting to see what CW does next before I buy my next CW, great brand
Interesting episode. It sounds like executing an excellent business plan. Hiring talented creative people in key positions, identifying your target market and delivering a consistently high quality product are the starting point. Then creatively expanding your market upwards while maintaining consistency and quality follows. It’s true most things that go up come down and it’s difficult to maintain that initial success as volume increases but brands like Rolex have been up for almost my entire lifetime. Good job in a challenging time CW.
The Bel Canto is still one of my all time favorite watches. The originality in design language, the creativity in use of complication, and the quality are unmatched for the price. If Rolex made that watch, it wouldn't be a nickel under $20k.
Interesting. I like highly readable watches. Something like the Bel Canto does nothing for me. But I'm very interested in the Trident Lumiere. I'd be interested in some of their other models if they did no-date versions.
Totally agree, they have definitely have done great in the past 3 years. I think they are to be compared with Oris, Tissot and Longines rather than Tudor.
Great analysis of CW's journey. Really enjoyed it. However, I still picked up a 128gb iPad, and enjoyed it with my basic burger and fries this past summer from CW
It really impressed me the impact watches like The Twelve have had in putting CW in the serious watchmaker zeitgeist with consumers. I’d often show watches to my non watch enthusiast friends who wanted a nice watch for work or formal occasions. Most watches from Hamilton and Oris were often met with a yawn or a shrug, The Twelve was always met with a “lemme have a closer look at that” usually followed up with a few questions about the brand. They definitely have struck a cord with people, just looking at social media interest in the brand over the last few years, they really have exploded.
in the metal the twelve really pops. My son bought himself a mango twelve and the face and case catches the light beautifully. for the money i think it is an absolute bargain
I have the C60 Trident and the Super Compressor Elite, and love both. Your analysis makes sense, but for me it comes down to what you said at the end of the video: just enjoy it. I definitely am.
CW offer amazing specs for the price. I have the elite 1000, titanium case, COSC movement, helium escape valve, 1000m rated. It is a strap monster and isn't about showing off to others. It's a IYKYK watch
I have a Bel Canto and a C65 Dune Auto. I am currently saving up for anOrdain Model 3 Method Lichen. Can't wait for the anOrdain, it lives rent free in my head.
Great video. I really like the Lumiere and the upgraded CW’s. I do mostly agree with your points but I still think they are releasing compelling 1k watches. For instance, they came out with a 36mm Twelve with all the dial colors and then gave them unique upgrade options. They absolutely want you to buy titanium, and I feel next the SH21 movement, but coming out with a “basic” model (in all but unique pieces like the Moon or Canto) give them great market at the lower end. I came very close to buying a CW for my mom, but I found an excellent deal on a Certina that’s even smaller and a tool watch, if I hadn’t I would have paid twice as much for the CW. Down the road, CW will likely be my buy for her for other watches. For her it’s a great product, not paying for a name, solid movement, well constructed, several options… which comes to your last point. Their catalog is incomplete. But I do think it will go basic/titanium/sh21 movement in the upgrade tier. It won’t be about competing against anyone, it’ll be about projecting a solid brand for watches 1k to 5k. Many micros do similar things with upgrades on their lines. Should Tudor/Longines be worried? No. Should Bremont and other mid-tiered brands that are struggling… yes… CW is coming for their lunch money.
their popular because they have features no other brands have, is the reason why I bought two of them so far. Two years in, never been happier with my purchase. Its a smart buy, not sure why you wouldn't get them, well made, great color options, band options etc, no wait times, I want a watch, I buy it. simple. I actually chose CW over a Rolex, Tudor or Omega, they lost me as a buyer, almost bit the bullet twice to order, but backed out, just didn't feel like I was getting good value.
I think, the key to success of CW, beside the high quality and good design of their products are 1. the popular trends and 2. the fact that CW is a British company.
Realistic perspective on CW watches. Even though I understand how far CW is from Tudor's game, I feel compelled to have at least one of them in my collection, before I move in with a Tudor. And I speak from a journey that at some point, I had a Rolex datejustand an Omega Speeedy. These days I really enjoy pieces like my Mido, Glycine GMT, Tissot (3 of them) Hammies, one specially close to my heart the blue dial Intramatic with a reliable Valjoux movement. I guess in this watch world we will never get bored, not even for a minute. 😅
I love CW. I have a C60 Atoll 300, which is absolutely amazing and a Longines Masters Collection Blue Dial, also amazing, but here am I coming back for another CW! Yes, they are THAT good and I don’t consider myself to be a “fanboy”! I’m only loyal to myself and will always go for the best quality at the best value - Formex watches look fantastic, and I would buy one, but CW produce incredible watches for almost half the price
I have a C65 Dune Bronze COSC I saw some reviews one on line as at the time was considering a Tudor Black Bay bronze. Given the price tag I was prepared to take a risk on ordering on line. I wouldn't normally buy without trying it on but I am so glad I did. It more than holds it's own against my Cartier Tank, Tag, Omega and Date Just. I have my eye on a Bel Canto and a 12 titanium but would want to try to them on, to check dial and strap colour etc before buying the higher end CW
I like the CW designs, their watches seem well made enough that I purchased a 12 and may purchase more but you’re correct in saying they don’t hit Tudors quality levels but then again Tudors run about 3 to 5 times more expensive for most models. I strongly believe CW is very good value at their price point.
I have 3 Christopher Ward watches, the only one that never gets worn is the one without a date complication. They put a date on the new model & i will buy one!
I love CW, and I love the success they are having. I've owned 20+, they are fantastic watches but there is something a teeny bit clinical/formulaic about them these days. Most of the models share similar specs, case and and hand designs. New releases tend to be existing watches in new colours or sizes. I guess you would expect this from a company that's making moves to become a major brand. I guess the word that might sum it all up for me is 'sensible'. You make an excellent point about Tudor. as much as I love CW, the is no denying the power of Tudor's brand and heritage. Wearing my Tudors is much more emotive, you can't just create that overnight.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I just got it delivered tonight and it’s extremely light weight and beautiful to look at, even though it’s preowned. It’s very thin and wraps around the wrist nicely but it’s not too tight. I was a fan of CW aesthetically before I bought this watch and I feel like my choice was correct and I can safety buy more from them because I know the quality will be good. I missed out on getting a blue ice cream 12 but this makes up for it!
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch it’s been two weeks and it hasn’t come off my wrist! Needless to say I’m very happy with it, it’s comfortable, lightweight and I intend to buy more CW watches such as the C60 in the future!
I love my Tudor Black Bay and Christopher Ward Trident GMT. The packaging for the latter is more impressive though. CW has the vision and the technical expertise to compete with Tudor and the other big boys.
i love my twelve but i had to polish the underside edges of the bracelet and the clasp. now its very comfortable :) and it looks very premium to my other more expensive watches.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatchI look forward to your take. Love your videos - so relaxing and without sensation. I don’t suppose you could “lose” it and send it my way? 😅
CW is solidly a competitor for something like Longines right now, and is definitely doing more than just about anybody in that price range. That said, I still have an old Trident with the "Chr Ward" logo and I haven't been convinced I need to upgrade yet!
I have bought two CW's, a C60 Trident for myself and a Twelve for my wife. I really like the brand for their watches in combination with their price is 3x the cost principle (if it is true....) and the relative good value for money they provide IMHO. I hope they will bring out more watches with their in-house movement. That will also help them to increase their perceived value as a brand, I would expect.
The CW trident line comes in THREE case sizes. I’d buy an Omega Seamaster in their vinty 60’s diver throwback design if they sold one that fit me. So I’m buying a CW Hommage to the Omega Seamaster dive watch. I’m pretty sure I’ll be completely satisfied and save some $$$ st the same time. Bravo, CW!
Another great analysis Mike 👌 We all know about CW now. What your thoughts on comparable microbrands like: Farer, Nivada Grenchen, Squale or Isotope? Thanks
Would also appreciate similar insight into Farer, another British brand. Trying to decide whether they are substantial or just superficial garish colourschemes. Happy with my CW Selander by the way. Solid watch for not too much £'s. But yeah totally getting sucked into thr higher end pieced though 😂
Buying a watch online (without actually touching it until you actually buy it) requires and excellent web presentation, with luring pictures and videos, and CW is very, very good at that
The funny thing about CW is the insane amount of hate that it gets. Very few of their models inspire me to go get one, but the heat that it attracts from the worst sort of watch people is very entertaining.
I bought a couple of C60 watches from CW in 2021 as I was I impressed with the design and prices. When the bel canto came out I also put in an order for one of those as it was out the ordinary and a beautiful design. I'm interested in what CW will produce in the $5,000 to $10,000 price space as this will clearly show the long term intent for the brand.
Essentially, a watch is an instrument that measures time as accurately as possible. I own a submariner which has an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds a day. I was tempted to buy a Bel Canto because it looked cool , but changed my my mind when I saw their accuracy of +/- 20 seconds a day. Also, the only color that interested me was the blue dial, which they discontinued. CW is an assembler of watches and not a manufacturer of anything. Nothing in their catalog is compelling enough to me at any price.
CW are definitely making nice watches - my favorite is the C65 Aquitaine Bronze. For the price they are hard to pass up - remember don’t compare them to Tudor, Omega or the big boys, stick with comparable price ranges like Longines, Hamilton etc. They are right with them or soon will bypass them. I think people shoot for the top too much and don’t give these brands much thought but they should.
You make some good points. I don't own a CW currently. However, I do see them releasing something in the near future that I'll stick in the collection. They're some currently I'd gladly wear if someone were to gift one to me.
I have watched this video twice now, it's fantastic, but I'd like to add one more strategy CW is using; that of the "white label." I was at a Safari show and one of the bespoke gun makers from the UK, Rigby, had several accessories for those that don't necessarily want to spend $100k+ on a rifle, and that included a Rigby branded CW 65 Sandhurst. It was a beautiful watch but at $3k quite the markup!
I ordered the Trident Bronze just to experience it firsthand. It was attractive, but it fell short of my hopes and expectations, so I returned it. I anticipated more heft and frankly, more gravitas.
I love CW. Their quality really is quite good, and their designs are compelling, but their main sticking point (for me) is the customer service. It's either phenomenal or horrible. I have experienced both, and it's frustrating being asked to spend thousands on a watch, that if there's an issue, it might be difficult to get service. I dont think they can truly step up into the price bracket they're aiming for until they nail CS down. Its too inconsistent for me to want to drop more money into their watches. I say this as an owner of 4 CWs, including a Bel Canto.
I thought about buying a 12 but went to the shop I like and tried on a PRX. The look is very similar for half the cost. If I were to buy a CW I think I would get the Moonphase if anything. Everything else they sell there are slightly more expensive things I'd rather have.
I do however like the waffle dial better, and it has a bit of shine to it. .. and it has slightly better movement. But finishing wise, the CW wins hands down
Having handled both, I'd say there's a noticeable quality difference. Finishing, weight, balance, dial clarity. The Twelve is better. Having said that the PRX is still a massively good value for money watch 😊😊
@@javahaxxor Doesn't the movement have plastic components? Nonetheless, I'd say the PRX is more distinctive and cohesive in terms of design, which makes it more appealing than the CW for many. The CW is undeniably superior in case and dial finishing etc.
Im in the middle of an incredibly frustrating customer service situation with CW. If they don't make it right, I'm going to sell my watch and replace it with a Formex or Yema. I haven't even worn my Dune since the issue started, as it makes me furious to look at my wrist and be reminded of the issue.
I hate to be the honest guy here. There are a ton of us that genuinely like watches, have a passion for the history, but will never be rich enough to afford royal oaks and Daytonas and the like. Maybe we have enough to afford a submariner or something as our nice watch, but we also wanna own a royal oak because of the genta history and all that. We also don’t wanna wear a nock off. So we look at CW as a way to kinda sorta come close. I think also post Covid prices have pushed a lot of watch enthusiasts that can’t afford the prices but still want quality and to be able to collect watches to look more at CW and tissot and Oris and stuff that’s around those prices. I dunno maybe I’m wrong.
I brought a luxury brand (Breitling) watch 35 years ago, and it was a beautiful timepiece. But I selected from the logo outward looking for the 'prestige.' I know a collector who says 'if it doesn't slap me in the face, I'm not buying it." That's my MO now as well, and I have many watches that move me more than the Breitling (some at as little as a tenth of the cost). I've learned that someone is always going to be setting a bar, raising that bar, and then requiring that people clear that bar. I guess everyone has to pick how/what 'defines' them. Happy hunting!
But why make mass produced fashion brands your grail? The obsession with Rolex and AP is like interest in SUPREME and Gucci. The submariner doesn't cost 1,000 to build, and yet they sell it for %1,000 profit. There are genuine high horology brands out there that get no notice because they don't advertise themselves on the sides of sports stadiums. You can get Breguets and Blancpains for the price of rolexes or less, and these are handmade precious metal watches with deep histories. Or, if you just want mass-market rolex-level quality, you can get a Longines for 1/5th the price.
Love my C Ward which I wear more than my Rolex. Click bait title for a video producer I never watch through to the end
i agree w you
@@markk2453 you're not wrong. 99.9% of all people can't afford more than one luxury watch, so we're looking at nice watches, like CW for instance. My problem with that is that I feel like I'm spending a bucket of money on a shiny trinket that holds no residual value. Over 2 grand for a CW .. Yes it's nice, and it's titanium but it's like choosing a new Citroen over a boring BMW
I own two Tridents and really like them. I think it’s great that CW are introducing higher spec watches to increase profits and not just putting ALL of their prices up like other brands. The 60 day trial period and 5 year warranty are a big plus for me
As always the most thoughtful , well researched & eloquent watch channel around , keep em coming !
Thanks, will do 🙂🙂🙂
The C63 Sealander GMT was my first “real” watch, and I absolutely love it! The textured green dial, orange GMT hand, it’s gorgeous. My only complaint is I got into the brand JUST before the logo switch. Mine has the full name on it, just too big
Same, 36mm here (with the new logo). Fantastic piece.
The twin flags went from printed to applied logo. Unfortunately I got my c63 Sealander with printed instead of applied twin flags. Applied looks much nicer.
I have the Sealander C63. Just wish the 36mm was out when I bought mine. Although still pleased with my purchase.
the full name is shit, the logo is even shittier, gorgeous watch but will never buy anything from this brand as long as they have that shit logo
I just pre-ordered that same watch with the nice swiss logo. Im beyond excited
Strategy + innovation + quality + good hires = CW success today ….I think your analysis of the phased evolution is spot on Mike
It's a perspective at least 🙂
I have two CW’s, a Twelve and Bel Canto. I enjoy both and look forward to more from them. I am happy with the quality, looks and value. I’m not out to impress anyone. What more is there.
I have the exact same 2. CW have done well to get to where they are now
Spot on with the sentiment 😊
Thank you for another pragmatic and exceptionally insightful discussion. As a resident of Colchester, CT (USA), the CW C63 Colchester Parachute Regiment model caught my eye with its molded carbon fiber case & dial, retracting crown and COSC certified movement. I think it is a well made and unique timepiece, which are 2 attributes that I value.
Very good topic and take Mike. CW is the one watch brand that I genuinely wish I could invest in and not via watches but as equity. They have a very likeable business ethic with solid products that of a very good quality. I find their 1x to 3x pricing multiple a great value proposition and of a likeable and fair business spirit and not pushing the pedal too hard on the Veblen good principle. I see them working on a strong chronograph that they would flex with soon. In a world of boring annual upgrades I like this solid excitement of new products.
Also, has been quite some time since I have seen a detailed watch review digging in to the crown and hands and all aspects from you Mike. Craving for one. Thank you!
I never looked at Christopher Ward. Purchased a Bel Canto. Very impressed. Have seen whole line in person at U.S. watch events. Pretty impressive at their price points.
What events are you talking about? Anything besides windup?
@@rushilsaraogi3917 watchfest 2024
Bel canto is their best watch
Agree
@@rushilsaraogi3917 watchfest 2024
I think that CW will go on to achieve whatever goal Mike France has set for the company. When you look at the man's career & what he's already achieved it's hard to bet against him. To come out of retirement, with millions already in the bank, tells you that this is a man that works for the challenge & achievement of building a successful company. It's fair to say he hasn't put much of a foot wrong thus far.
I agree. He knows what he is doing and they are definitely going in the right direction.
Won’t be worth $500 in 2 years. I’m willing to put money on it
@@shamelessplace11 Wow, you'd put money on it. Well that must mean you're right then.
@@tiffer67 it means I stand by my statement. Unlike some who seem to think snark comments are the flavor of the day. If you like this great. I don’t at all. Thanks for stopping by
@@shamelessplace11 I’m happy you feel validated by your boast of staking imaginary money on your opinion being fact. Perhaps backing up your opinion with reason might have earned a genuine wow.
This is the most real, level headed, fair, and reasonable take on CW that I've ever heard.
I think you absolutely nailed it. Well done!
I tried to give a perspective at least. Thank you 😀😀
A big compliment for the exciting thoughts on brands and models beyond the same old reviews. Your videos are inspiring and always give me new points of view, also with regard to my passion for collecting, which has already lasted 20 years. Thank you very much! 👍
Thanks for watching 😊😊
Eloquent, thoughtful and insightful as always. I guess that you purposely make it look like you just casually slipped down into your livingroom chair to have a quick talk with us about something that crossed your mind, but in reality you've thought everything you say through with great care. And what a great mind that was used in that thinking process! I absolutely love listening to your reasonings. If you had a daily 15 min sitdown like this, I'd be there. But given the run up needed to make them I understand that this wont happen, so I will cherish the times it does. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Exactly.
Same feeling here
Nah a lot of time he’s way off but fools people with a slick delivery.
Very kind - I'm just a nerd who spends too much time on his hobby. My wife still thinks my videos are "elevated mansplaining", so, there's that perspective too 😂😂😂
As for you thegorn? You've been around for ages on my channel and I appreciate that, but you have always been quite the grouch. You've always given off "shotgun and get off my lawn" vibes.
Cheers 😊
Always been a fan and collector of CW. The spearhead of British watchmaking at the moment. Fantastic watches!
I think the turning point for CW was the introduction of the light catcher case. Another major event occurred when Christopher Ward (the man) left Christopher Ward the company to start a new company with his 3 sons called Tribus which ended up failing in large part to do with Covid.
Agree - Also something the really kicked in around 2014-2015 ish.
Up until now I had just assumed that Christopher Ward was an invented brand name (and had no issue with that. I think their products look great). It sounded more understated and British than a name like 'Bremont'. Is there a watchmaker named Daniel Wellington out there somewhere?
Some of the most intelligent watch content available anywhere. Thank you!
Very kind of you, thanks 😊
Absolutely love the brand and the fact that lately they ha e been dropping hits like every month this year. Makes it more fun to follow. The quality for the watches I have procured is excellent and they are good everyday watches and quite a conversation starter
New stuff is always fun 😊😊😊
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch true
Wow, what a great video! I'm always impressed with your analytical approach. 👏
Cheers,
Richard
Thanks - Cheers 🙂🙂🙂
I always have great respect for people that can admit that they were wrong. I salute you, Sir.
That beiing said, CW doesn’t move me emotionally, personally I’m saving for the Sinn 3006, for some reason it just connects.
Go Bokke! Greetings from Belgium and thanks for your content.
I'm wrong often. That's something I can say with my usual 100% certainty and confidence 🙂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch As am I. Again, as always, thank you for everything.
I’m a fan of the brand specifically after visiting their Maidenhead show room last year. Own a Trident 300 and a Twelve. Will definitely order a BelCanto if and when the waiting time comes down.
Never been to maidenhead... Maybe some day
I purchased a BC. After a year I received it. However, the BC did not chime on the hour. I sent it back explaining that it was not chiming on the hour. CW technicans said that there was not a problem and sent it back to me. When I recieved it again, I had the same issue. I asked CW to exchange the watch. Instead, they said that they would refund my money. Sadly, I am not with the CW BC but CW seems to be covering up something. A failed BC is not what CW wants others to hear about.
Christopher Ward = The watch of the chronically online
Ooh interesting take
Wait a minute!! That’s…uhh….ummm…. That’s fair
lol 😂😂😂
Rolex = The watch of the chronically in line (for the waiting list)
You got me
Ironically, only chronically online people have takes like that. The rest of us are out enjoying the real world with whatever watches we like.
This is so interesting. I’m learning so much about these other lesser known watch brands. Thank You
So many people are missing the point. This is a business case study with CW as the case study focus. This about the decisions a small up & comer brand made along the way.
All the comments about "I like/don't like this one" or "I don't like the logo" are entirely missing the point that this video is about:
It's a story about how a small, relatively new company executed a multifaceted strategy to achieve name/brand recognition within a niche community of nerds around the world.
Well, here's hoping the strategy includes improving the sh!te logo then
Yes. It's not a "they are good vs. they are bad" video. Just a - How did they get here and why are they doing so (relatively) well? video... 🙂
Around the world? Go to any capital in South America, talk to a bankster and ask him.about this brand😂
You’re overestimating the intelligence of the average individual watching this video. The click bait title doesn’t help though
@@Slapdash1then feel free to move on. Plenty of people like the watches and the logo. That's fine too
Your ideas surrounding the upgrade path are illuminating, interesting, and more than plausible. Good take. I appreciate the insight.
Fell in love with the Bel Canto Classic... ordered!
Let me know how you end up feeling about it
Thought provoking... that's why I like your channel. Very well done, sir. Thanks.
Precisely what I'm trying to achieve 🙂🙂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch should have said "one of" the reasons I like your channel.
Bought the C60 Trident Pro 300 white dial. Really good quality for the price. I think CW will grow up to be a brand that will be recognized.
Have been looking at the same, but pondering 38 or 40mm for my 6.5" wrist. Want it discreet but not too small. Any thoughts?
I have a 7.3 wrists and I went for the 42. The case is slim so you can go a bit larger. I like my watches to be discreet but not too small either. With your size wrist you can get away with the 40mm (personally I think the 38mm is to small) I hope this helps
@@Z-u-m-a The 40mm white dial will look great. My wrist is 6.75 inches and I went for the 40 with no regrets. With the curved lugs it wears really well and I felt the 38mm would be too small. New Tridents on the bracelet have the smaller clasp now which is 9 or 10 m shorter than the old clasp. This is a great upgrade for those with smaller wrist sizes plus you still get 6mm of micro adjust.
OMG, I took at look at some Christopher Ward watches.............I'm hooked, my next acquisition will be a Trident.
Tell me how you feel about it once you get it 😀
I have become quite a CW fan in the past year and I embody many of you points. I currently own 8 CWs (although 2 are for sale), including the new Dragonfly Blue Bel Canto, a Twelve (Glacier Blue), and a Moonphase. I also have 2 of their COSC Tridents (Bronze & #Tide), so I do lean toward the upper end of thei catalog.
Their design language speaks to me and fit nicely in my collection: below the Tudors (x4), Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, & Grand Seiko; on par with the Oris, Longines, Doxa, Junghans, & Sinn; and above the Hamiltons, Shinola, & Mondaine.
It’s nice to have variety and to appreciate each for what they are.
I have a C65 GMT 38mm and I love it on a nato. I wear it more often than my Omega or Longines these days
Interesting video looking into the business aspects of watchmaking. I also liked your transitions and your animated texts. Would you mind sharing the plug-in you use, or do you do that manually? I’ve been looking for something like that…
I bought the base C63 Sealander to me it was the cleanest. Also if ordered in GBP and using the military discount it was under $800 USD and I didn’t have to pay an import tax.
CW are moving away from being an alternative choice at a price, to a first choice watch maker. Absolutely agree, filling a gap left by Tudor’s journey. They’re doing everything right that Bremont is doing wrong.
Longines is already where Tudor has left. CW is facing an uphill battle.
Yes exactly right. Bremont tried to market their way to success at the higher end of the price list. CW are building their way to success through good business and genuine watch innovation. I am excited to see where they go next. The interesting thing is though, that despite being a Brit and wanting to support British Industry, I currently would find it hard to purchase a CW over a Sinn. Sinn do it for me, whereas CW aren't quite their yet. However, if I'd had the money at the time, I would have snapped up a Bel Canto. Fabulous thing.
Good point on Tudor also moving on... Very much agree. As for Bremont? Also agree ... They haven't quiet found the answer to the question they asked themselves 😊
@@fhujf Perhaps in North America, but worldwide Longines sells more than 6 times the amount of watches that Tudor does globally.
Difference between CW and Bremont is CW shows consumers value. Bremont is out there imagining up prices for nothing special.
I did a military watch project with CW--so very easy to do, easy for our soldiers to get via their web system and 0% finance, good prices... and from the start excellent support in the design project. For the cost, the quality of the watch is excellent, especially, as you note, the bracelet.
What I appreciate about CW is that they offer a range of sizes for their models. i was in the market for a medium sized diver and ended up with the 38mm trident pro in my collection. I was cross shopping the trident pro with the black bay 58 and the CW's lightcatcher case was ultimately more ergonomic and suited for my wrist vs. the slab case of the BB 58, I also found the rivetless bracelet on the CW much more appealing. So yea, they are directly competing with Tudor and in my personal case they beat Tudor for me. Also the fact that they're at least 1/3 the cost made my wallet happy. What's also cool is that you can add your own engraving on the caseback, something Tudor does not offer.
Im similar, was looking trident pro 38 vs bb58 vs bb54. Went with the CW for all the reasons you mentioned
Another very useful video! I have been looking at the Omega Planet Ocean for some time (and will probably get one at some point), but then I came across the CW C60 Lumiere and was immediately wowed by it! I have had a good experience with a CW Twelve which I have owned for months now and thus have a good deal of confidence in the brand, despite not being impressed with the box they come in, which is pure snobbery😁. Bottom line, I pressed the button on the C60 Lumiere a couple of days ago, so that pushes any purchase of an Omega planet ocean back a few months!
Have you got the Lumiere? Opinions?
I took delivery of my sky blue Bel Canto on a steel bracelet about a month ago and I love it. CW then sent me a complimentary sky blue leather strap which I was a bit dubious about, but I tried it and it is brilliant. The sky blue of the strap really brings out the stunning sky blue of the dial - there is no other watch like this. The Bel Canto has replaced my Omega Speedmaster Pro White Dial as my favourite watch on my wrist, which is something as the Omega cost double the price of the CW. My next watch may well be the CW Bronze. I think CW are growing into a watch brand of quality and reputation. I like the English/Swiss link, which harks back to early Rolex. I hope to be in a position to support CW going forward and I hope they get very much more support.
Finally sane reviewers and very good perspective.
Thanks 😀
This is a spot on analysis - and I love this analysis! And as a case study of CW, this is a very nice showcase of a very nice watch brand. And yes, I'm seeing CW put some thought into their step up watches. They deliver still on value, but also delivering on value at the "price up" - I have yet to buy CW, but it is constantly on my list because it has a look that I think is fantastic, movement that delivers... but, as you note, CW is still a niche play, not Tudor (until CW is acquired - then CW will explode).
I really appreciate your channel finding a niche in the watch TH-cam market with business analysis applied to the industry/brands.
Happy to hear it and thrilled your sticking around 🙂
Excellent and interesting video. I love my CW C60 38mm trident pro. I hope the Lumiere will also come in a 38-39mm size….. As a woman I appreciate that they make watches with a slightly smaller case (36-38mm) that women can easily appreciate. The watch industry is missing out on a huge market, that of women!There are now many more high earning women who don’t want some puny bejewelled, pink, or beige, boring quartz watch. Look at all these brightly coloured, often effeminate, dials that are 42mm! As a professional woman I want a statement watch that I can wear with pride and appreciation. CW does this. So does Farer. Most brands just seem to have a token “ladies watches” department that is really quite pathetic. Men are not the only watch wearers.
Agree. At least in the west there's a massive underservicing of watches for women. Sure there's always a cartier but more functional, practical traditionally masculine watches that are proportioned for women are still few and far between (and filled with quartz) 🙂
Very sound reasoning on the numbers. Appreciated.
thanks for watching 😀😀
Really enjoyed watching this. Thanks for the upload. Earned a subscriber as well :)
Welcome aboard. Appreciated 😀😀
I like CW as a first time "real" watch buyer. Good specs, nice finishing and overall good looking, to me. As a novice, I'm not going to spend 10k on a watch, at last not yet. For now, they're in the running.
I'm a fan of field and pilot watches for the fact most I can wear anywhere. So, the Dune with the sand dial fit my pretty much what I was looking for and about a grand seemed reasonable for now.
A week or so ago I commented I was going to pull the trigger after I got my December bonus. Well, I got it. The day before, I added that watch to my cart. The next day I tried to purchase, but it wasn't on the site. They had the GMT Dune but that's not what I was looking for. So I reached out to customer service.
They replied to me yesterday and told me it was discontinued. After months of going back and forth 😂.
So the search continues. The main problem is my budget keeps increasing.😊
Now I'm leaning towards a Stowa. Same moment in the CW, nicer and flatter than the Laco, and there's history for a about $400 more, then the Laco, but the same as the CW.
Or maybe that Sinn. 😂😂😂
Presenting CW sitting around the house in your underwear could not be more appropriate. You really are the best!
lol 😂
I had to return my bel canto this week because the AR coating was spotting off. I hope they can fix the issue. I still love that watch and have great respect for the brand, but their QC is not up to shape.
Was this an initial issue with your model or is this a general issue?
@@DerSnipOr I haven't found others complaining about this specific issue, but there have been a decent amount of people who had to send their watch back for other reasons.
@@Yamayamauchiman sorry to hear that after waiting so long for the delivery. Hope that they can fix it. Which color did you order? I miss the dark blue limited dial - others just don’t seem right.
@@DerSnipOr Viola. It's honestly perfect for a watch like that, but the sky blue is great too. I just think if I'm every getting a outspoken colour like that it'll be on the Bel Canto.
Bad QC? Wow, they really are going after Tudor!
Love CW!!! I have a C60 diver and the quality is fantastic. The comfort and finishing is leagues above other brands I’ve tried on and their entry divers and highly technical models all offer amazing value. Love to see more Lumière coverage in hand.
I’ve got a C60 too and it is a very comfortable watch. I usually wear it on rubber
I just found and love your channel, but we all know that the Springboks will never lose anything ever again.
Of course not. And we'll clone Rassie for future generations 😀😀
I love my CW c60 sapphire had it a while now looks like new, my longines never gets worn, waiting to see what CW does next before I buy my next CW, great brand
Interesting episode. It sounds like executing an excellent business plan. Hiring talented creative people in key positions, identifying your target market and delivering a consistently high quality product are the starting point. Then creatively expanding your market upwards while maintaining consistency and quality follows. It’s true most things that go up come down and it’s difficult to maintain that initial success as volume increases but brands like Rolex have been up for almost my entire lifetime. Good job in a challenging time CW.
The Bel Canto is still one of my all time favorite watches. The originality in design language, the creativity in use of complication, and the quality are unmatched for the price. If Rolex made that watch, it wouldn't be a nickel under $20k.
Interesting. I like highly readable watches. Something like the Bel Canto does nothing for me. But I'm very interested in the Trident Lumiere. I'd be interested in some of their other models if they did no-date versions.
Totally agree, they have definitely have done great in the past 3 years.
I think they are to be compared with Oris, Tissot and Longines rather than Tudor.
Great analysis of CW's journey. Really enjoyed it. However, I still picked up a 128gb iPad, and enjoyed it with my basic burger and fries this past summer from CW
Nothing wrong with an entry ipad 😊😊
MBA lessons with a touch of watch sauce. I love that channel.
I appreciate that
Very informative and interesting takes. Have my subscription.
Thanks and welcome aboard 🙂🙂
The C65 Aquitane in orca black is the best looking watch I've seen in years. They are on a roll at the moment..
It really impressed me the impact watches like The Twelve have had in putting CW in the serious watchmaker zeitgeist with consumers.
I’d often show watches to my non watch enthusiast friends who wanted a nice watch for work or formal occasions. Most watches from Hamilton and Oris were often met with a yawn or a shrug, The Twelve was always met with a “lemme have a closer look at that” usually followed up with a few questions about the brand.
They definitely have struck a cord with people, just looking at social media interest in the brand over the last few years, they really have exploded.
Couldn't agree more 👍
The twelve definitely changed something for them in peoples perception. From "just another small brand" to someone a lot of people take notice of 😊
Which Twelve do you have?
in the metal the twelve really pops. My son bought himself a mango twelve and the face and case catches the light beautifully. for the money i think it is an absolute bargain
I have the C60 Trident and the Super Compressor Elite, and love both. Your analysis makes sense, but for me it comes down to what you said at the end of the video: just enjoy it. I definitely am.
Spot on. Analysis doesn't wake emotions 🙂🙂
Great analysis. Keep up the great work.
Will try at least 😊
CW offer amazing specs for the price. I have the elite 1000, titanium case, COSC movement, helium escape valve, 1000m rated. It is a strap monster and isn't about showing off to others. It's a IYKYK watch
I have a Bel Canto and a C65 Dune Auto. I am currently saving up for anOrdain Model 3 Method Lichen. Can't wait for the anOrdain, it lives rent free in my head.
Got a C60 300 pool blue & consort recently. Love it! A dodecagon will be my next CW. I find their current lineup and prices very attractive.
I think its part hype, part value, part innovation and their ability to adapt to market demands. Oh and the Springboks are the best hahahaha!
Oh…this comment was going so well, then ruined it at the end 😂
@@GentlemensWatchServices 🤣🤣🤣
So true. Back to back world cups. Four victories in a row over NZ. Greatest team of the modern era 😀😀😀
Fairly new to researching watches over the last year. I stumbled upon CW about a week or so ago. And in newbie layman terms, CW’s look super cool.
They are I think 😃😃
Outstanding commentary.
thanks 😊😊
Great video. I really like the Lumiere and the upgraded CW’s. I do mostly agree with your points but I still think they are releasing compelling 1k watches. For instance, they came out with a 36mm Twelve with all the dial colors and then gave them unique upgrade options. They absolutely want you to buy titanium, and I feel next the SH21 movement, but coming out with a “basic” model (in all but unique pieces like the Moon or Canto) give them great market at the lower end. I came very close to buying a CW for my mom, but I found an excellent deal on a Certina that’s even smaller and a tool watch, if I hadn’t I would have paid twice as much for the CW. Down the road, CW will likely be my buy for her for other watches. For her it’s a great product, not paying for a name, solid movement, well constructed, several options… which comes to your last point. Their catalog is incomplete. But I do think it will go basic/titanium/sh21 movement in the upgrade tier. It won’t be about competing against anyone, it’ll be about projecting a solid brand for watches 1k to 5k. Many micros do similar things with upgrades on their lines. Should Tudor/Longines be worried? No. Should Bremont and other mid-tiered brands that are struggling… yes… CW is coming for their lunch money.
their popular because they have features no other brands have, is the reason why I bought two of them so far. Two years in, never been happier with my purchase. Its a smart buy, not sure why you wouldn't get them, well made, great color options, band options etc, no wait times, I want a watch, I buy it. simple.
I actually chose CW over a Rolex, Tudor or Omega, they lost me as a buyer, almost bit the bullet twice to order, but backed out, just didn't feel like I was getting good value.
I think, the key to success of CW, beside the high quality and good design of their products are 1. the popular trends and 2. the fact that CW is a British company.
Realistic perspective on CW watches. Even though I understand how far CW is from Tudor's game, I feel compelled to have at least one of them in my collection, before I move in with a Tudor. And I speak from a journey that at some point, I had a Rolex datejustand an Omega Speeedy. These days I really enjoy pieces like my Mido, Glycine GMT, Tissot (3 of them) Hammies, one specially close to my heart the blue dial Intramatic with a reliable Valjoux movement. I guess in this watch world we will never get bored, not even for a minute. 😅
I love CW. I have a C60 Atoll 300, which is absolutely amazing and a Longines Masters Collection Blue Dial, also amazing, but here am I coming back for another CW! Yes, they are THAT good and I don’t consider myself to be a “fanboy”! I’m only loyal to myself and will always go for the best quality at the best value - Formex watches look fantastic, and I would buy one, but CW produce incredible watches for almost half the price
I have a C65 Dune Bronze COSC I saw some reviews one on line as at the time was considering a Tudor Black Bay bronze. Given the price tag I was prepared to take a risk on ordering on line. I wouldn't normally buy without trying it on but I am so glad I did. It more than holds it's own against my Cartier Tank, Tag, Omega and Date Just. I have my eye on a Bel Canto and a 12 titanium but would want to try to them on, to check dial and strap colour etc before buying the higher end CW
I like the CW designs, their watches seem well made enough that I purchased a 12 and may purchase more but you’re correct in saying they don’t hit Tudors quality levels but then again Tudors run about 3 to 5 times more expensive for most models. I strongly believe CW is very good value at their price point.
I have 3 Christopher Ward watches, the only one that never gets worn is the one without a date complication. They put a date on the new model & i will buy one!
I love CW, and I love the success they are having. I've owned 20+, they are fantastic watches but there is something a teeny bit clinical/formulaic about them these days. Most of the models share similar specs, case and and hand designs. New releases tend to be existing watches in new colours or sizes. I guess you would expect this from a company that's making moves to become a major brand. I guess the word that might sum it all up for me is 'sensible'. You make an excellent point about Tudor. as much as I love CW, the is no denying the power of Tudor's brand and heritage. Wearing my Tudors is much more emotive, you can't just create that overnight.
I have a 12 ti on the way and I’m very excited for it!
Let me know how you experience it 🙂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I just got it delivered tonight and it’s extremely light weight and beautiful to look at, even though it’s preowned. It’s very thin and wraps around the wrist nicely but it’s not too tight. I was a fan of CW aesthetically before I bought this watch and I feel like my choice was correct and I can safety buy more from them because I know the quality will be good. I missed out on getting a blue ice cream 12 but this makes up for it!
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch it’s been two weeks and it hasn’t come off my wrist! Needless to say I’m very happy with it, it’s comfortable, lightweight and I intend to buy more CW watches such as the C60 in the future!
I love my Tudor Black Bay and Christopher Ward Trident GMT. The packaging for the latter is more impressive though. CW has the vision and the technical expertise to compete with Tudor and the other big boys.
i love my twelve but i had to polish the underside edges of the bracelet and the clasp. now its very comfortable :) and it looks very premium to my other more expensive watches.
Thanks for sharing
Previously couldn't have given two hoots about CW but that Lumiére... is stunning.
I just received it on loan for review - It is quite good 😊
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatchI look forward to your take. Love your videos - so relaxing and without sensation. I don’t suppose you could “lose” it and send it my way? 😅
CW is solidly a competitor for something like Longines right now, and is definitely doing more than just about anybody in that price range. That said, I still have an old Trident with the "Chr Ward" logo and I haven't been convinced I need to upgrade yet!
I have bought two CW's, a C60 Trident for myself and a Twelve for my wife. I really like the brand for their watches in combination with their price is 3x the cost principle (if it is true....) and the relative good value for money they provide IMHO. I hope they will bring out more watches with their in-house movement. That will also help them to increase their perceived value as a brand, I would expect.
The CW trident line comes in THREE case sizes.
I’d buy an Omega Seamaster in their vinty 60’s diver throwback design if they sold one that fit me.
So I’m buying a CW Hommage to the Omega Seamaster dive watch. I’m pretty sure I’ll be completely satisfied and save some $$$ st the same time. Bravo, CW!
Another great analysis Mike 👌
We all know about CW now. What your thoughts on comparable microbrands like: Farer, Nivada Grenchen, Squale or Isotope?
Thanks
Would also appreciate similar insight into Farer, another British brand. Trying to decide whether they are substantial or just superficial garish colourschemes. Happy with my CW Selander by the way. Solid watch for not too much £'s. But yeah totally getting sucked into thr higher end pieced though 😂
Buying a watch online (without actually touching it until you actually buy it) requires and excellent web presentation, with luring pictures and videos, and CW is very, very good at that
The funny thing about CW is the insane amount of hate that it gets. Very few of their models inspire me to go get one, but the heat that it attracts from the worst sort of watch people is very entertaining.
Tribalism and cynicism. It happens to a lot of brands these days
I bought a couple of C60 watches from CW in 2021 as I was I impressed with the design and prices. When the bel canto came out I also put in an order for one of those as it was out the ordinary and a beautiful design. I'm interested in what CW will produce in the $5,000 to $10,000 price space as this will clearly show the long term intent for the brand.
I think they are starting to come into their own as far as uniqueness and identifiable traits, which make them desirable, I would want one!
Essentially, a watch is an instrument that measures time as accurately as possible. I own a submariner which has an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds a day. I was tempted to buy a Bel Canto because it looked cool , but changed my my mind when I saw their accuracy of +/- 20 seconds a day. Also, the only color that interested me was the blue dial, which they discontinued. CW is an assembler of watches and not a manufacturer of anything. Nothing in their catalog is compelling enough to me at any price.
Agree on the True GMT. I'll never go back to an Office GMT. But I also think a micro-rotor would really set them apart.
Baltic and many others have micro rotor at that price range
CW are definitely making nice watches - my favorite is the C65 Aquitaine Bronze. For the price they are hard to pass up - remember don’t compare them to Tudor, Omega or the big boys, stick with comparable price ranges like Longines, Hamilton etc. They are right with them or soon will bypass them. I think people shoot for the top too much and don’t give these brands much thought but they should.
You make some good points. I don't own a CW currently. However, I do see them releasing something in the near future that I'll stick in the collection. They're some currently I'd gladly wear if someone were to gift one to me.
Great take and video brother! Have to say though,never have I ever heard the porch referred to as a 9-one-one 😅. In any case,keep it up!
Yeah... Force of habit 😂
I have watched this video twice now, it's fantastic, but I'd like to add one more strategy CW is using; that of the "white label." I was at a Safari show and one of the bespoke gun makers from the UK, Rigby, had several accessories for those that don't necessarily want to spend $100k+ on a rifle, and that included a Rigby branded CW 65 Sandhurst. It was a beautiful watch but at $3k quite the markup!
I really need a Twelve or that Dune watch from Chris Ward. They are both impressive.
I ordered the Trident Bronze just to experience it firsthand. It was attractive, but it fell short of my hopes and expectations, so I returned it. I anticipated more heft and frankly, more gravitas.
I like CW. Practically their moon watches. Not in a hurry to get one, but have toyed with the idea.
I love CW. Their quality really is quite good, and their designs are compelling, but their main sticking point (for me) is the customer service. It's either phenomenal or horrible. I have experienced both, and it's frustrating being asked to spend thousands on a watch, that if there's an issue, it might be difficult to get service. I dont think they can truly step up into the price bracket they're aiming for until they nail CS down. Its too inconsistent for me to want to drop more money into their watches. I say this as an owner of 4 CWs, including a Bel Canto.
Got my 2015 trident pro with 600m depth for £300. What a bargain.
I thought about buying a 12 but went to the shop I like and tried on a PRX. The look is very similar for half the cost. If I were to buy a CW I think I would get the Moonphase if anything. Everything else they sell there are slightly more expensive things I'd rather have.
The PRX feels like a Chinese toy in comparison, trust me. Ive handled both
I do however like the waffle dial better, and it has a bit of shine to it. .. and it has slightly better movement. But finishing wise, the CW wins hands down
Having handled both, I'd say there's a noticeable quality difference. Finishing, weight, balance, dial clarity. The Twelve is better. Having said that the PRX is still a massively good value for money watch 😊😊
@@javahaxxor Doesn't the movement have plastic components? Nonetheless, I'd say the PRX is more distinctive and cohesive in terms of design, which makes it more appealing than the CW for many. The CW is undeniably superior in case and dial finishing etc.
Im in the middle of an incredibly frustrating customer service situation with CW. If they don't make it right, I'm going to sell my watch and replace it with a Formex or Yema. I haven't even worn my Dune since the issue started, as it makes me furious to look at my wrist and be reminded of the issue.