Christopher Ward: Are they really worth it?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Christopher Ward is a brand that gets a lot of praise these days. They've made a name for themselves by being this affordable, honest watchmaker that has the skills to make in house movements, moonphases and chiming mechanisms for a fraction of what other brands charge.
But is it just marketing, smoke and mirrors or are CW worth it? Those are the question I aim to get to the bottom of in this video.
If you enjoyed this video (or others as well), then please subscribe. It helps out the channel immensely.
Cheers! 😀😀
For inquiries and collabs: twtw.mike@gmail.com
If an item isn't faulty nobody has the right to return it in 14 days. I am a retired retailer and have extensive retail law training. I own four CW watches, and they are indeed excellent, however, I wouldn't describe them as cheap
Inside the EU that is not correct.
Anything bought online in the EU, you can return, no questions asked within fourteen days.
Since CW is online only, anything bought from their store can legally be returned, no questions asked in the first fourteen days (if you are in the EU)
europa.eu/youreurope/business/dealing-with-customers/consumer-contracts-guarantees/consumer-guarantees/indexamp_en.htm
The law also applies in the UK. After Brexit the UK chose to continue with the same rule.
www.gov.uk/accepting-returns-and-giving-refunds#:~:text=You%20must%20offer%20a%20refund,have%20to%20provide%20a%20reason.
Aagghh, online you are indeed correct, unless it is a private sale. Incidentally, CW have a shop.@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch
You really haven't kept up with the law then. You are completely wrong
I don't live within the EU, thank God!@@nielslarsen1693
In the UK anything bought online, that is not custom made for you has a 14 day cooling period during which you have the right to return it.
I just can’t say it enough. You’re content is really good; I mean really good. With your analytic skills and product development knowledge, no brand can hide behind their watch. Keep up the amazing work.
Will try my best. Thanks a ton 😃😃
Thanks so much
It's really good. I listen to his channel when I want to learn things I can't come to with on my own and when I want a soothing British voice to fall asleep.
Many thanks
Re: "soothing British voice" 😂 Btw, I wonder if he's British or Danish?@@EricBishard
I have a Sealander C63 and it's damn impressive. Don't care where the components come from. A great watch is a great watch, and I want to see them succeed. I just think they need to get fancier with their dials every once in a while. Suggestions for them would be the teak dial like an Aqua Terra, some metoerite dials or more exotic stones outside of the whacky moonphase pieces. They are slowly getting there. I think they have a bright future.
So you are ok to buy a watch with a movment that cost 80$ for 1500$ LOL
@@TheRealHawKing You’re saying the sum of the parts are $80. Lmao.
@@TheRealHawKing you think a COSC-certified SW-200 costs $80? Derp
It is not cheep the others are expensive
You give the most clinical, analytical commentaries on watches I've ever seen! It's really refreshing to see watches from this perspective and you know I'm gonna be watching all your videos now 👍🏻👍🏻
Glad you like them! 😀😀
Thanks! Your analysis, content and production values are simply exceptional. Please keep up the good work.
Wow!!!!! Thank you. That's a first for me. I will do my very best.
Cheers 😃❤️
I've owned 4 CW watches, a C60, C63, C65 and a Twelve. They've all been brilliant.
Right on 😃😃
Followed Hodinkee from birth to recent "grave" and never experienced this amount of objective and fair minded perspective on watches from Ben & Co.
Amazing knowledge 🙂Thank you!
Thanks from me 😃😃
I am fortunate to own about 13 watches, none for investment, simply purchased because I like the product, I have two CW and think they represent excellent value against the Middle price brands, the Swiss made analysis is spot on, but if the product looks and feels right on the wrist and you feel it’s good value....❤❤
Great video. I personnaly own the BelCanto Azzurro and the bespoke C65 Royal Marines Commando. I really love this watches. BUT...I tend to think that building their watches with Sellita Sws is becoming irrelevant while theirs prices are up. There start to be a kind of discrepancy between the technical aspects of the watches and their design (which is great but my willingness to pay for a better finishing is not on par with the huge increase of their prices). To be said bluntly, the new CW watches look beautiful but the movements and horological aspects are not on par with the brand desire to be positionned at a luxury level. And there are more and more microbrands manufactured in China which are able to offer amazing industrial finishing. Hence the competitive advantage of CW will decline if they do not keep on innovating either on the design part or on the technical aspects. As far as I am concerned. I will never buy again any watch with a poor non-COSC SW200-1 at more than 800€ stand point.
Very good points.👍👍👍
As brands like Tudor, Longines and others up their game in terms of specs, I do agree that CW will have to pick up the pace in terms of delivering on specs. Sw-220 may be fine for some now, but 1-2 years down the line it likely won’t cut it
😀Thanks for sharing 😀
A straight forward, zero BS discussion. Really well done, sir. I've asked exactly the same questions. In the end, for the price it seems that you do get an honest product with pleasant design, good finishing, and a movement that is easily serviced. I find it a refreshing break from the befuddling douchebaggery common in the industry.
C. Ward is definitely doing a lot more and better value than a Bremont is 🤦♂️
I own the CW Sapphire 60 & its a fantastic watch, its 40mm but it wears smaller which is nice. Their catalog has a really nice selection & I like that you can pick your strap when buying too. Not many places offer that option. The only thing I didn't like was paying a $100 customs duty on top of shipping. 😂
Got both the blue and orange dials. They are my favourite watches
I've got a blue C63 Sealander on a bracelet. I absolutely love it, so legible and nicely finished. I find myself wearing more than my Seamaster 300m and Planet Ocean. I had considered an Aqua Terra but find myself wondering how to justify it now
That’s what I was thinking. If a CW makes me smile when looking at the watch every day, I’ll forego chasing an Aqua Terra (already have an SMP).
That’s the thing. You may find a watch from someone like Omega. It will likely be better but the proof is in what you end up wearing
Thanks for sharing 😀
Great video, I have three Christopher Ward watches along with other high brand ones and I must say they really do give the more expensive watches a good run for the money!!
Exactly 😃
I only care about one thing is how good at time keeping is ,any watch that cant keep 2 seconds a day is not acceptable to me rolex/omerga /AP over priced fashion over substance .
I decided to take the risk and dive into the world of CW. It was hard to do as I didn’t like the idea of buying without seeing it in the flesh. The decision was a good one the Sealander C65 is a well made, finished and well priced watch. It’s a great watch, one that wears well and ends up getting good amount of wrist time.
Love my Sealander as well. Wear it in good health and enjoy putting every dent and scratch in it.
Exactly. Good watches 😀😀
There's just the name.... Sounds like a hairdressers product line.
Just to point out, it is not always true that the Marketing cost, is always adjusted by a higher markup. The whole point of marketing is to increase sales, so companies can and often do keep the same markup but get higher profits just by getting increased volume in sales even though fixed costs have increased. On the other hand, marketing does improve brand image which allows companies to charge a higher markup because the perceived brand value of an object has increased, but that mostly works well for the upper echelon or the luxury tier of any segment, sadly where CW doesn't currently belong in the watch industry.
True and good point. Even CW markets and they are very consistent that they don't want to lead to a much more expensive watch 😃😃
Excellent video essay - currently have a couple of CWs in my collection and impressed by both. Like the fact you called BS on their spiel. At the end of the day they are in business to make a few quid just like any other watch manufacturer and seem to be doing a pretty good job at it at the moment. Not a big fan of the Twelve but more than happy it has quietened down some of that PRX noise a bit.
Glad you enjoyed it 😀😀
Agreed, there's a popular watch channel who run a shop and theyre always banging on about CW and the PRX.
I am convinced.they are being paid to constantly talk about them.
@@bluesh0es no, it's watchfinder. Fair enough if they just like the watch but this is TH-cam and people take money to promote things. It's not clear if this was the case with them but I am suspicious.
Begs the question, why are we being charged (and willing to pay) thousands of dollars for watches that are perceived to be just, but not substantially, above in quality level and are functionally equivalent? Am I totally off base? Didn’t Rolex have similar beginnings? Have had many a hurdle in proposing and quoting new equipment and even retooling efforts; weighing initial investment, labor, and quality control, technical gaps when considering integration vice contracting vendors.
Pricing is what pricing is these days unfortunately 😀😀
Unbeatable for the price imo.
In my collection of 16 I have 5 CWs. They all get wrist time even though I have many high end watches. A Twelve is next on my list, what a superb piece it is.
Who cares!?.... buy a watch if you like it ...dont buy if you dont.... the rest is meaningless subjective bitching
This is practical and very useful content. No bells and whistles. Just facts. Thank you
Happy you found it worthy of your time 😃😃
Well I love my Bel Canto…blue dial on titanium bracelet
congrats! how long did it take to get yours?
@@rodsalvador3608 ordered January, delivered October
It’s a cool watch - just not for me. Good you enjoy it 😀😀😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I also think the ‘twelve’ range are great value especially the COSC certified, having a breather buying anymore tho, 😂
I am a value collector, and Christopher Ward has caught my eye with the Bel Canto and its latest aventurine dial moon phase watch. I am always leery of independents, which are mainly start-ups, but am very impressed with the founder Michael France's interviews on TH-cam. Being Swiss Made, having a 5 year warranty, 60 day return policy, and reading the overwhelming positive reviews from owners, makes Christopher Ward stand out from the crowd! I am definitely considering adding a Christopher Ward to my collection in 2024.
The thing I like about CW's marketing is this very apparently "honest" approach. I don't buy into small independents talking about "artists of italy" or "style of paris" or "heritage of detroit". The brands that lean to hard into heritage before they actually have heritage turns me off... CW may be a bit bland for some, but they don't lie about what you get. 😃😃
I’ve just bought the Atoll in Reef Blue…..I can’t wait!
excellent video, mike. someone who understands business from an enterprise level. you speak like a cfo (and i mean that in a good way.) i'd never watch a 17 min video on cw but you made it interesesting wire to wire.
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it.
But don’t call me a CFO. I’m boring, but not that boring 😂😂😂😂
At this time, I considered CW more a formal brand (although small), yes, they use wording games in their publicity but to be honest, they find their niche and almost get the perfect formula. But I found some of their latest watches more gimmicky, but again, they already found their niche.
Thank you for the video.
You're welcome. Glad you found it worthy of your time 😃😃
The bel canto is definitely worth it. I have a large collection of watches and most are worth more than a Christopher Ward. However, the bel canto is currently one of the top 3 favorite watches in my collection (I travel constantly so the sky-dweller is my current everyday watch), it might even be my favorite right now in my collection. When I'm home I'm almost always wearing my bel canto and I have a second one on order for a different color.
Good for you. It is a very nice watch, just not one that speaks to me personally, but I understand why so many appreciate it 😃😃😃
I have a white face Sealander GMT. It's great. Very comfortable. A really good case design. The movement was very accurate. I like the handset design a lot. If you don't need a fancy brand name to show off, it’s a great watch aesthetically and practically. This video did a great job of explaining how the company operates in a business sense.
Thanks for sharing - Good perspectives 😃😃
I don't care wtf anyone have to say but myself. I love CW and will buy more from them.
That's the right attitude 😀😀
Impressive analysis. 👍
I find the point about ambassadors an interesting one. It’s certainly very expensive and CW may not have the budget anyway, but it nonetheless has a point about the big Swiss brands being addicted to this form of marketing. But for me the question is whether this is effective, especially given the high cost.
When a brand like Rolex can sell every watch it makes several times over (even allowing for current market tightening) why does it bother keeping Roger Federer, Jackie Stewart, et al, in the fabulously wealthy lifestyle they already enjoy? For Rolex surely it can’t be about brand awareness, or association with success, or is Rolex so insecure it feels the need to ensure no-one can forget for a second about sporting greats sporting its watches? I find puzzling, verging on the totally illogical - an utter waste of money. And in any case what is it suppose to suggest to the buyer; you too can be (or at least be like) a Wimbledon champion or F1 World Champion if you wear a Rolex? 🤔 Obviously not, so I don’t get it.
I totally agree with you and I believe that is exactly what CW is not going to go down the Rolex route as they are aware and are targeting the watch enthusiasts around the world that are already well aware of the watch quality and hype. As Mike broken it down clearly, they would rather focus and spend on making good quality watches for the masses and keeping ‘unnecessary’ costs down. I think is a very sound strategy and one that eventually will propel them to greater heights.
Rolex know the game brilliantly well. I remember a long time back now, reading an article in a sales journal on the genius of their marketing. It’s about aspirational wishes of people so Rolex didn’t advertise in magazines and places where people already had the money to afford one but instead aimed lower down so they chose magazines that had an aspirational readership but not necessarily the money to splash out on one expect for a very special event. For aspiration to work they need to keep themselves in that focus hence the ambassadors and sporting events where Rolex gets seen in the background like a subliminal message. You don’t get 100% brand recognition by being stupid or indeed wasting money. Not a Swiss Franc will be wasted.
Good question - There's an old adage that a marketing budget consist of 50% that works and 50% costs that don't cost and the problem is noone knows which 50% is working.... 😃😃
Great video thanks. I have a (non-COSC) C60 Trident 600, keeps +/- 1 sec a day and looks awesome - would definitely buy another CW. Having worked in brand distribution, three times cost seems reasonable - many things for sale in stores may be several times cost, that’s just how retail and distribution works. Personally I would like to see an affordable true GMT from CW, that would be popular I reckon
You are probably right about the GMT.
Thanks for the feedback 😃😃
CW have worked with a football brand, to your point about marketing. They are the ‘official timekeeping partner’ of Everton football club.
This is the best watch channel.
Thanks for that
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch You are very welcome. Your perspective as a business man cuts through the fog and hype and offers a clear look into the watch industry.
Thanks! This was incredibly informative not only on watch manufacturing, but also on outsourcing and procurement in general.
Thanks a ton - This is so unbelievably kind of you. Thanks!!!! 😃😃😃
a world timer from cw will be of interest to me as well. as long as they lose the trident seconds hand and refrain from writing 'christopher ward' anywhere on the watch.
Trident hands. Forgot about those. I’m curious if they’ll be there in ten years
Thanks for sharing 😀😀😀
Why won't you every buy the Bel Canto? I love the looks of the dial!
I like the watches and the look, but "Christopher Ward" as a brand name is really uninspired and feels like a department store watch. I think they addressed that a little by changing the branding on the dial to the logo.
u want the man to change his name? lmao how is it any different than FP journe?
Well I'm sure people probably said the same thing about patek Philippe. Or vacheron and Constantine. The name only becomes synonymous with quality and history the longer it's been around.
@@vvvhhhhhbbExactly
Perhaps Christopher Ward sounded English unlike others sounded Swiss which makes a world of difference. Perception will think CW is like another Daniel Wellington
I wonder of people thought “Rolex” was a silly name back in 1910? Time changes perceptions….
Thanks for sharing 😀
CW is great, but the price point for their 'The Twelve' series, the movement is a little outdated. 38 hours of power reserve. I rather pick up a Seiko SPB167
The thing that drives me bonkers is that watch brands have been copying each other for 100 years but everyone online acts like CW are the only brand ever to do this. My C63 is a top 5 watch for me , and I have around 50 watches.
Lol. True 😂
I went to the CW showroom yesterday with the intention to get the dragonfly gmt for me. Instead I fell for the bronze and the exceptional tide watch but bought the moonphase for my wife. I can not expess how beautiful and simple this watch is photos do not come close to representing this watch. Stunning .
What got you off from the Dragonfly? I'm really on that watch but impossible for me to see it in real life. Would love to know your thoughts.
Where do they have showrooms? I thought they were online only?
@@jmlaso stunning watchs all of them, but the tide 60 and bronze trident stood out more and the moon phase was another level all together . They like Omegas The photos don't do them justice and you see different things in real light.
@@vipnetworker yes in maidenhead lovely guys Oliver was my guy amazingly helpful with a clam non sales approach with some great support. Its so much nicer than any watch boutique where it's a very odd paradigm of people not earning much judging people that can buy the items they are selling they can't afford. Or is that just Rolex ADs and WOS...
@@bluesh0es pass I didnt check which type of GMT it has. I have an agnostic view on these things same with +/- timings I don't really care because if the watch skips in time it's a great opportunity to take it off and play with while in boring meetings.
Interesting thoughts.
I’ve just bought the Atoll in Reef Blue. I would like to have had a ‘no date’ version, but I can’t wait for it to arrive in any case 😀
Generally, I dislike the extra complication of a GMT, so I would rather see non GMT options on more of CW watches - the cleaner the face, the better as far as I’m concerned!
The Atoll in reef blue is fantastic, I haven’t got one but the dial looks incredible, it so looks like the sea in a tropical paradise it really does, I don’t know if you’ve got the watch yet but enjoy it mate 👍🏻
@@pompeylad1977Thanks very much mate. I’ve had it for several months now and have sold almost all of my other watches on eBay! I’ve just got no use for any other watch now! My daughter got married last weekend and even though I bought a nice matching Pagani dress watch, to go with the suit and tie, I still ended up wearing this CW! 👍
Nothing on the market at the same price point can even get close to CW. I’ve tried almost all of them. So they run a successful business and marketing plan-good for them. I’ll eat it up if it means I get what feels a good product and I get enjoyment out of it.
Great perspective !!! 😃😃
I've got to admit I've been very tempted. As someone looking to start my Automatic watch journey they seem an ideal jumping in point
I have a Trident C60 in bronze and think it's a fantastic watch. Five years and it still looks and performs as if it's much more expensive than it was. CW is an excellent value and I'll be buying more.
There you go ! 😀😀
Diid you buy the Bronze Ombre?
They are just a really great value for money. They don't act as if they want to persuade you to buy them instead of Omega or Tudor. They just offer their goods, it's up to you if you want to buy them or not.
Very happy w my CW12.
From a far like a Czapek.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Same designer on both design teams.... (honestly: Same guy) 😀😀😀
I have owned three CW watches. Excellent quality and great design. Value is outstanding. Imagine what Rolex spends for marketing as does Omega and Breitling. The new Omega and Breitling boutiques which are multiplying likes rabbits are costly. They only sell at full retail price.
CWs direct sale prices gives consumers excellent value.
As always your analysis is spot on.
I purchased a C65 Acquitaine in January. The watches are exceptional. I just bought my wife a 12 in 36mm.
Good choice 😊
C65 is sexy as hell, to me this looks much more expensive than it actually is.
Just hate their logo ... I know its a detail ... But it really bugs me enough not to consider buying ...
Many have that feeling but it’s still better than when they had the full name on the dial 😀😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Patek Philippe (Antoni Patek and later Adrien Philippe), Audemars Piguet (Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet), Breguet (Abraham-Louis Breguet), Cartier (Louis-François Cartier), Panerai (Giovanni Panerai), and so many other luxury watch brands market the founders name. CWard is no where near that level but the name is earning respect more and more every year. I subscribed btw, excellent analysis and being a CWard fanboy I think it was a fair assessment.
I liked the video... but the question of if it's worth it is obvious. Hell Yes. CW watches are well worth it.
Thanks. and yes, yes they are 😃😃
For some reason, the brand just doesn't excite me. Probably the design language.
Fair enough. To each their own 😃😃
I latched on to CW quite early and bought their first watch using the in house sh21 movement in a sale for £600. Their success has seen the end of the "sign up" discount of £100 available on all purchases above £500, and I've seen no sign of the mid and year end sales in 2023 which offered some exceptional deals in the past. They're less of a value proposition than they were, as mainstream brands are fighting for sales with huge discounts at present. I own four of their watches all bought at discount in the past so I'm reluctant to pay their present prices.
Cheapskate!
$1500 aint cheap😭🤧😂I love my CW Sealander GMT. I wouldn't trade it for anything
Funnily I hate the brand name no thanks
To each his own 👍👍
Perhaps because I am from the republic of Ireland @@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch
First of all, those watches are NOT so cheap anymore...
Excellent video, as always. Your presentation is faultless and you put across your knowledge of watches so well. Keep up the good work.
doing my best, thanks 😊😊
Hey, cool video, thank you for your analysis. You have mentioned a Worldtimer potentially coming up. What makes you think that? I was trying to pursue them to make one fee years back based on the C60 model and unfortunately, I got a rejection.
At this time there is not a sports worldtimer other then the Omega AT WT, which will set you back between 7,5-9K 😢
My solution is to purchase Nomos
Hopefully they've made up their mind as to what logo they plan to use instead of changing it every few years...
Lol. Maybe. 😂😂
I just want to say thank you. You’re doing a really great job.
So nice of you, thanks 😀😀
I'm admittedly not very invested in CW, but I still have to see any watch from CW where I don't think Ohh they copied that design on this one. You show the C65 and I think Skipper. I didn't know the CW number/name and simple googled CW + Skipper and there it was. Is Imitation the sincerest form of flattery? I don't think so.
I'm an owner. They are ok. Marketing has gone into overdrive. The very twee copywriting is getting a bit annoying, but is clearly working for them. They have a lot of competition at these price points, and below, from quite a few microbrands (Baltic, Wyse, Farer, Formex, etc). Customer service I found to be very good tbf - there's that to factor-in when buying. The watches do feel a bit too lightweight for my tastes, and I will probably sell-up. The logo, like all things CW, tries too hard to be too clever and too meaningful. But, the brand is going places, and the final arbiter of success is the volume they sell. A clever business model, and the watches are decent. The Bel Canto is clearly a big achievement, but where does one wear that? To the Opera?
(My money is going to the real underdogs, Ball, who have yet to discover the art of marketing, but build better, more substantial watches imo (if a bit weird sometimes) for a little more cash. Let's keep them under the radar😂)
Ball engineer for me 😃😃
I love my C65 Trident GMT Retro Diver 41mm with Pepsi Bezel (Red/Blue).
Actually, the SH21 is between design iterations. They just sold off the last of the SH21s earlier this year in a couple of C63 LEs and are getting ready to release the SH21.2 next year. You will see a load of watches with this new movement in 2024. The SH21.2 will hopefully be smaller and thinner allowing its use in a broader range of watches.
Interesting. Was not aware of this. Looking forward to that 😀😀
They are overpriced garbage, and good luck with customer service. I’ll never buy anything from them again!!!
Great video! I'm amazed at the 'wriggle room' available to watchmakers regarding the 'made in Switzerland' parameters! Having said that I for one have been seduced by Christopher Ward and currently have a Sealander GMT on order awaiting delivery. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing! 😀😀
I don't know what it is but just browsing the CW website, there's not really anything that speaks to me (this has nothing to do with the quality, I'm sure they're as good as everybody says they are). Pure visually, I find their watches nice but nothing about them actually incites me to order one. As they only sell online, I cannot try on their watches or actually see them in person... which might change my mind about buying one if I could. I am currently selling two watches from my collection because I never wear them, both Swatch Group brands. Watches you can easily get at your local AD, but I took the chance of buying them online, solely on the basis of an online picture. And sure enough, they weren't what I had expected.
Long story short : except for my G-Shock, I will never buy a watch online again.
Well of course they do their marketing well. If they didn't they wouldn't be as popular AND successful at the same time. I've accepted that if you want to sell something, you can't tell the whole truth, but lying is another thing.
Smoke and mirrors 😀
Great video. Hope you continue this as a series to other watch brands. Maen, Nivada Grenchen, Farer and even the big boys Rolex, Omega etc
I do want to get through some other brands over time... Keep your eyes peeled .😀😀
I really wanted a Bel Canto until I saw so many people receiving copies with the screws on the face absolutely butchered. Just tacky even at this price point.
Pass
I really like the C65 Aquitaine Bronze - something about the large sapphire crystal, blue bezel and bronze it looks awesome- Christopher Ward is my next watch!
Good choice, for sure 😃😃
Yes, I'm drooling over this watch too!
Been thinking about CW. I like the look of the watches but feel nothing. Generic Chinese made (let’s be realistic) movement, no history, no innovation. If a mechanical watch doesn’t have history, innovation or superior craft what is it?
It's a well made watch with little to no storytelling. If storytelling means nothing to a person, then it's really good .😀😀
CW is killing it as an independent microbrand and not just having an amazing offering but really innovating. The Bel Canto, aventurine and dune collabos are recent bangers. Their achilles heal has always been their branding and logo event if the new itireation is better its not great. All the details like trident etc are great but their best looking doals have no logos.
They have some beautifully made watches, but the designs haven’t been compelling enough to make my wish list.
Fair enough. Never buy if it doesn't speak to you 😃
Came at the perfect time , I just can't find one in person to handle so i can see the quality first hand. Thank you
Glad I could help 😀
Rexhep Rexhepi correct pronunciation... "xh" is pronounced like the letter "g" in "George.
Christopher Ward watches are overpriced and outdated, imho.
Other manufacturers can produce similar or better quality for a fraction of the price.
Thank you algorithm gods for suggesting this video. Truly intelligent discussion.
Thank you for sticking around 😊
This is your first video I see. Such great content. I took me 45 minutes to watch, since I kept pausing and googling stuf. Such great content. I learned a lot. Thanks
Lol.... Thanks a ton - glad you found it worth all that time 😀😀😀
Nice video! I get the feeling a lot of Chris Wards watch parts are made in China. Then again I think a ton of brands are as well. That’s why I like Rolex, Grand Seiko, Tudor, H. Moser…even though they’re much higher priced (except GS Quartz, bargain of the century). But it is what it is! Thanks for explaining all this! Edit: I really like CW watches and have owned one in the past. It was well made and high quality.
Probably - but CW do comply with the swiss made regulations fully like the rest of the swiss, so at worst they're just using china "as much" as the rest of them 😊😊
How they make watches so cheap? How about: MAKING WATCHES IS CHEAP. How much do you think making a stainless steel Submariner cost? I would say $1000 MAXIMUM, and most probably couple of hundred cheaper. Just throwing it out there.
Wouldn’t go that low myself, but there is very likely quite a significant markup in the core production and material costs… 😀
Christopher ward is the everyman's F.P. Journe. Well made, well priced and as future powerhouse if this continues. That being said... I did not know there is so much marketing BS. I still like them though. Have a great one Mike!
What’s not to like ? 😂😂😂
Get over it bozo… it’s funny how you noted marketing as a negative aspect
It's hard to choose among the plethora of cheap watches from china, Japan and else including this CW brand... British designed swiss made!! sounds like a blender or pot. I would not waste a grand and never 2 grand of my hard earned cash on wishy washy brands. A couple of thousand may seem easy risk but do add up in the end better save up for the real thing!!
if ur talking new, ur gonna have to save up more than twice as much. I understand what you are saying but clearly there is a niche they are filling in price here. You cant compare this to cheap chinese watches nor can you compare them to the likes of omega/rolex. They really are unique in the sense that they are very high quality products that dont bare the expensive mark up for marketing, retailing, and straight up brand recognition.
there is nothing wrong with a tissot prx either, yet you can make the same argument against them as you are making vs CW. Why spend $500 on a prx when u can get a nice chinese automatic for half or less?
im a clone enjoyer btw just to give u an idea of my total mindset. I buy affordable chinese watches that are of insanely good quality but i did by a CW also and see the value in their products.
if your are happy go ahead enjoy it, not me!@@Megatraum504
I love the belcanto, but their movements are garbage. There are copies of the old e, t, a, but they're not made like an e. T. A
I have owned 4 CW watches (and my wife has one, from when they were producing a ladies’ range) over the last 12 years, sold two at a profit and my C60 Trident and C70 LE in Green are keepers. I love both watches, but in recent years, I have lost interest in the brand. Their USP was Swiss quality, classic designs at affordable prices, but the latter have drifted up and up and the designs to my eyes, have become too fussy. Still high quality but if I were in charge, I would take them back to basics.
I am generally impressed with CW's offerings. I would like to see them open up to retail distribution. I have purchased watches off the internet, but they were under the $500 price point. I need to try more expensive watches on before I commit my money.
If they open themselves to retail, their prices will go up. Watch enthusiasts will lose.
Fair point. It is quite a leap to take 😀
Great reviewer! Just became my favorite! Binged almost all your vids.
I realllly like cw they have 4 models I like A LOT in multiple colors at that
Mike, you're so bl**dy good you've left me with nothing else to say apart from bravo🙏🏼 I love your analysis and deconstruction in your thought process. CW has been on my radar for around 5 years, I nearly pulled the trigger on a Trident, but didn't, though, these last 2 years have been amazing for them, and currently on the look out for a bronze watch, so I may soon be the owner of one of there's? Umm....What would I like CW to make next.....Lets go for a duo faced reverso!
Thanks a ton and as always - thanks for sticking around ❤️😀
Please show price in pounds for UK buyers. !!!!!
I recently bought their bronze chronometer "Sandhurst" which I think is shown at 2:08. I got it with the bronze bracelet which gives it an overall eye-catching look.
I've been on the fence about the same one. Only thing stopping me is the potential for discoloration on my skin because of the bracelet
It's a great watch... I'm not big on bronze because of the patina that develops, but the watch in general is very nice 😃😃
I only got into watches over the last year or so and it was the Bel Canto that did it! A TH-cam about it popped up on my feed and I thought it was really different and interesting. I have one in order and I’m really looking forward to getting it. I’ve subsequently started getting into the watch world much more and I’m really enjoying it. You can blame CW for sending another one down the rabbit hole! Before, I was happy to have a watch, any watch, it just needed to be aesthetically pleasing. Now, I need to know case size and material, lug width, movement details, etc, and the word ‘collection’ keeps popping into my head…….
Even though they did raise their prices since I bought my C63 (by discontinuing their rebate codes), I'd still rate CW pretty highly WRT value for money, quality and finish. I mean... I kinda knew what to expect from countless YT-videos I watched before I bought, but I was still pretty amazed at the level of quality and finish of the watch when I took it out of its box for the first time. The case is super interesting without drawing too much attention to itself, the dial, markers and hands look extremely well done, tolerances are very tight and the on-the-fly adjustable clasp is such a nice feature to have. Besides that, it's probably the thinnest watch I've owned in this depth-rating class and with an SW200/ETA 2824 in the back.
All in all I'm very impressed with the brand and I'm thinking about selling a few of my cheaper Swiss stuff to grab me a Trident 300 - although I'm slightly put off by the fact that it has an exhibition case-back, which is a bit of a no-no for me on a diver. Oh, and yes: They could also put a bit more effort into regulation. I've owned a few Steinharts and they all ran better than +5s/d while my CW was more like +18s/d from the factory.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with CW. IT's helpful for others that stop by the comments 😃
It would be interesting to see CW's marketing budget now vs when they started out. Both in actual value but also as a percentage of revenue. Why? Because contrary what was said in the video CW do actually sponsor a football team now (Everton), and some other events which can't be cheap. I do wonder if some of the recent price increases seen in CW watches are organic inflation or quality improvements, or rather due to the bloat of them moving from being a micro brand to something bigger. Their prices now are in some instances around 100% more than they were a decade ago.
CW is owned partially by private equity. They want to make a profit. CW hasn't really made consistent profits, but they have grown. There is no doubt to me that the Twelve X, the bel cantos and all those special watches are being produced to create hype and to overall slowly drive up the price point of all models - and It's going to be hard for them, I think, to stick with their whole "3X the manufacturing cost" pricing model. At some point I foresee them compromising on all their talk about "value".
Cheers 😃
I like quite a few of CW’s offerings, so far. Just a matter of time before I bite the bullet.
Teetering on the edge 😂😀😀
Excellent review! Thank you for sharing that valuable information on C.W.
Thanks for watching!😃
Grand Seiko!
None of their design actually interested me…. Too typical and yes…. Unremarkable….and beside, I hate hype! When everyone all the sudden “have” to have a CW, then I won’t like it or buy any of it, I have a brain, not a sheep!
Take a look at their previously sold jumping hour watches. I love them 😍
Reverse psychology on you it is then.... 😂😂