Thursday, August 24, 2017

CW moves forward with the C50 Malvern Chronometer

Not only is Christopher Ward a legendary British watchmaker, they’re also one of the more forward thinking – developing new movements, interesting complications, and being one of the first luxury watchmakers to offer exclusive online-only retail sales. The C50 Malvern Chronometer marks another milestone in the watchmaker’s history, as one of the final pieces to use the Mk II Malvern design, showing off the ETA 2836 movement under a sapphire crystal caseback.

Lineage

British Watchmaker Christopher Ward has been making luxury watches in London since only 2004 – however in that short time, they’ve made a distinct name for themselves – they were the first online-only direct to consumer sales model, they’ve forged interesting partnerships such as with the Bluebird speed record team, and have created the Challenger Programme, to support young talent with world class potential.

Construction

A COSC-certified ETA 2836 movement powers the chronometer, giving it a purported -4/+6 seconds/day accuracy. ETA movements are common, but renowned for their reliability, serviceability, and sourceability.

On The Wrist

I especially love the lustre of the dial, and pronounced, square-ish crown, giving the rounded lines a bit of a distinct focal point. Additionally, the shell cordovan strap goes great with the deep blue of the dial. As an everyday wear, the C50 Malvern is understated, classic, and seems to go with just about anything you pair it with. Additionally, the day-date setup gives the watch just enough utility to serve dutifully as a daily wear, and the £850 makes it an even easier daily wear.

Who it’s for

Wearing a suit everyday and need a smart, classic watch to pair on a daily basis? This could be your watch. Looking to support a new breed of innovative watchmaking, classic good looks, and an accessible price tag? This could be your watch. Looking for low-maintenance, low cost, daily beater to take to the gym? Nope, not this one – it’s an automatic so needs to be worn to run, and will need to be reset every once in awhile to stay accurate.

Final Thoughts

So many watchmakers rely on their hundreds of years of history to sell watches. Christopher Ward has only been around since 2004, and so in the absence of those hundreds of years of history, they’re thinking up new and interesting designs, efficient business models, and accessible constructions. I’m a fan.

Technical Specs

Features

RRP £850
Straps available; camel shell cordovan with bader buckle, brown shell cordovan with bader buckle, black shell cordovan with bader buckle, blue shell cordovan with bader buckle.
Swiss made
50-piece limited edition
25 jewel COSC-certified chronometer
316L stainless steel case
Screw-in exhibition caseback with engraved serial number
5 ATM water resistance
Push-down crown
Sunray finish dial
Polished day date window
Anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal
Applied polished indexes
Shell Cordovan strap with Bader Buckle
Luxurious presentation case and owner’s handbook