As Good As They Say? | Christopher Ward Twelve

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Introducing the Christopher Ward Twelve watch, a true masterpiece of timekeeping elegance and innovation. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this exceptional timepiece blends classic integrated sports watch design elements with cutting-edge technology, offering a truly unique experience for watch enthusiasts. But is it as good as we expected?
Interview with Mike: • LAUNCH DAY INTERVIEW: ...
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[@jackmcclary2136]

CW certainly earns it's flowers. The Twelve objectively delivers much more than others similarly priced and I'm a hands on fan. I might have to raid my watch fund for this one.

[@Tonysoprano497]

Make no mistake this is an absolutely fantastic effort . The most comfortable well balanced watch I own . I do own some big hitters so think it’s a great accolade. I have the glacier blue and l don’t love how it reacts to light sometimes has a washed out vibe I’m sure the darker colour dials would be more consistent in different lighting conditions . Nonetheless it dosent detract from the fact as a watch it’s superb . Think I will add the titanium in purple too, I like it that much .

[@markwheeler4417]

They certainly turned the dial and indices up to twelve. I'd prefer a plain gloss black dial in the titanium case. They could call it "the Twelve: Midnight" and I'd beg them to take my money. Great review, Sam.

[@watchrolling]

Great video Sam. The bracelet really shines in your photography and videography.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Cheers Jason!

[@WatchChris]

Dude thanks so much for the shout out! Appreciate it!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Your comparison was awesome, anytone interested in the Twelve should check it out!

[@joemyers9893]

Another great video Sam,beautiful watch,looks like another CW on the shopping list

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Cheers Joe!

[@jeremyrice3719]

I love the watch with one big cavet - I only saw the watch at Wind Up. So while I ordered the purple Ti I don’t have it in hand as of yet. Coming in June … Obviously, Sam, you’ve had infinitely more hands on with it than my measly 10-15 minutes. I love the dial, the hand set, and the bezel. CW offering a titanium version was really what pushed me over the edge. We’ll see if my initial affection for the watch holds up.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Jeremy, I think the Ti dials well be really cool.

[@jomni]

mirrored edges on the bracelet is reminiscent of the Royal Oak. Dial texture is interesting.

[@williammei3335]

Love the dial. I wish they would consider a magnifier over the date. As I get older I find my eye sight getting worse

[@Mark..P]

Personally, I would say this is more like the Czapek, but a good review non the less.

[@Masterpsflood]

They've got a common designer

[@Mark..P]

@@Masterpsflood Very true. But in my humble opinion, they transferred too many of the design points over to CW. It feels too close.

[@Masterpsflood]

@@Mark..P ya I'm not into it, the Czapek is much more refined. I find the CW to be very clunky, no restraint in the design

[@phillevin6651]

Ummmm, the Czapek is like 20X the price. The Czapek designer now works for Christoper Ward. I wish they would’ve accentuated the dodecahedron even more, but still very impressed.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Sorry missed this conversation, this watch is not chicly at all, actually very refined. The PRX actually is a lot more of a chunk. I was amazed by how good the case, thinness was and wearability.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Nice review of a well executed watch for sure. CW has been one of a handful of brands that I recommend to friends and family. ❤❤❤❤

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep me too!

[@jimbean4945]

Just wish they didn't come on the integrated bracelet! Congrats on hitting 35k subscribers, working you way up there now!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Jim, you can get a rubber strap also?

[@Furniture121]

I dislike bracelets, but I think a purple titanium version on rubber would be fun. I bet a custom strap maker could do a great leather option as well.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Definitely gives me a vibe of a Czapek. Gorgeous watch nonetheless. Above that, the quality of CW is next to none for the price

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep 100%

[@phillevin6651]

And the Czapek is what, $20k? Having the same designer it’s certainly understandable.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Nice review! But I didn't quite understand: What did you not like about this dial? The texture and color didn't work well together, or you're just not a fan of this color? I saw these in person in SF and loved the Blue Titanium one. Thanks!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes that right the colour I was not a fan of, not enough contrast with all the other high polishing

[@zacharyparish6230]

Where did you see it in person in SF?

[@MrZanzibar123]

@@zacharyparish6230 watch windup fair. Supercool.

[@tikkathreebarrels]

The dial pattern being a combination of the "British and Swiss flags"? Given that the English flag is a cross like the Swiss flag I'm guessing that's what you meant to say. This is a stunning watch to own and wear on a daily basis.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes thats what I meant, it was just a slip of the tongue.

[@datdudeinred]

I've heard that CW prices their watches 3x the production cost & every other swiss brand prices their 32x the production cost.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Your right about the CW part. They actually are very open about it, take a look at their website,

[@alteki]

The Christopher Ward Twelve is a master timepiece.

[@severnsea3924]

I know very little about watches and have never spent more than £300. I only own a couple; I don't see the point in buying any more but I have been looking for a new one for ages but nothing quite fits the bill, until I saw this. I just have to buy this. My only complaint is I like the gradient blue but it's only available on the titanium model, but I guess the Nordic blue is close enough. I like the glacier but it will be harder to read in certain circumstances so it makes no sense to go for that one. Oddly, I've seen a few reviews from those who buy high end watches who don't seem to rate CW at all and say they're expensive, which doesn't make sense to me. What more do you get from a watch that costs 10x as much? A little more finesse perhaps, higher end materials and so on. I get that, but not if you're going to call this expensive!

[@undercovermc]

What are your thoughts if you ended up buying it?

[@benclarke2599]

​@undercovermc I bought mine from their headquaters today through their buying experience. With every CW watch laid our on the table the glacier blue twelve jumped out at me and I bought it in 40mm. I have small wrists but I found as they are so slim they wear small and the 36mm feels smaller than my other 36mm watch. I also liked the navy blue but the glacier interacts with the light a lot more. The blue titanium was the best looking out of the TI versions but I didn't think they looked much better than the steel for the extra money. Really happy with the finish and the look of the watch, i would go for it.

[@undercovermc]

@@benclarke2599 I'll probably book a slot at their HQ when I'm ready to buy one. I'm not keen on the fumé dials and titanium scratches easily so I'll be going for a steel one too. Glacier Blue looks like the coolest colour - I just wonder if there's enough contrast to tell the time at a glance. I'm mostly interested in it for the aesthetics rather than timekeeping so maybe that doesn't even matter. I'm glad the 40mm wears well on small wrists. My wrist is 16.25cm and I’d prefer to wear the larger version. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you enjoy your new watch!

[@severnsea3924]

@@undercovermc I've decided to hold back a while, other priorities at the moment. Had they done the darker blue on the steel one in the same way they do on the TI, I might have purchased by now. I like the glacier blue too, I think it really suits the dial but I have the same reservations, I'm not sure how easy it would be to read. There again, does anybody really buy a watch to tell the time? You can do that for a lot less, but these days everything has a clock on it, from your phone and computer to your car, oven, microwave, heating timer and so on so it's not the essential often that it once was.

[@riojimatsuoka]

It looks like the very first GP Laureato

[@1fox3]

I would not mind a no pattern dial. I am not a big fan of the PRX tapisserie either.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I think different dial options would be cool also!

[@A_Noid]

CW has probably the best value proposition in the industry around the $1000 mark.

[@dooginator2008tx]

All these new CW12 glacier blues coming in…..ugh. Mine has a ship date of late June. Soon enough!

[@v0llm1lch]

Same here

[@benclarke2599]

I was lucky that I live in driving distance of their headquaters so was able to get one in person

[@bonglover]

​@@benclarke2599 did you get the glacier blue? I'm thinking of buying one!

[@fastdays_1]

What's the size of your wrist?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

7.2 inch!

[@spankyharland9845]

it sure looks like a Tissot PRX 80.

[@divertiti]

Tissot PRX is a cheap copy of the Royal Oak, and it feels cheap. This should be much more premium

[@thegorn]

I want to see The Ten with a decagon

[@CasualWatchReviews]

My lucky number is 11, so I would like to see one called that!

[@omar10213245]

G'day, mate

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Do you think I’m Australian?

[@omar10213245]

@@CasualWatchReviews lol no, I was just being a goof

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

Like it or hate it CW delivered a great looking watch people want and can afford.

[@jaer.6540]

The simple answer is....yes. It is. And then some

[@ProCelestialEmpire]

I thought it's a czapek...

[@marcusrawlinson5024]

A good review, thanks. I'm going to point out a couple of mistakes, your pronounciation of ingenieure needs reviewing and the Christopher Ward logo comprises the Swiss and English flags. Keep up the good work!

[@TheDerisavi]

It's not fair to compare this watch to a PRX, in case of quality of finishing you can compare it to a Longines or a Tudor, and I'm glad they used an easy to service, rugulate and adjust movement in this watch.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Why is it not fair? Have you had hands on with both watches?

[@TheDerisavi]

@@CasualWatchReviews yes I have both. The Twelve is far superior.

[@khazelnut]

It's nice but $1225 a bit difficult to pull the trigger. went through their catalog and a lot of watches just look like copied other big brands with things changed up a bit. I'd rather get something that is unique than a homage with a twist.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I actually totally disagree with you, the only one that looks remotely like another watch is the sealander GMT... looking like a Rolex explorer II. This is the best value watch brand out there. I'm not paid by them and have never received a free watch from them despite reviewing numerous models and interviewing Mike the CEO at leats 6 times. I would challenge you to find a watch around $1,255 that comes even remotely close in quality to this.

[@khazelnut]

@@CasualWatchReviews fair enough, but from my point of view I do see the design elements are being taken from many other brands and then mixed and put together as some Frankenstein design that targets people who wants the original but buys them as value alternatives. I'm just gonna put down what I think they look like and people can draw their own conclusions if they are similar or not. You might not agree and that's ok. To each their own. The Twelve = Czapek Antarctique / PRX C63 sealander = Rolex OP / Omega aquaterra C65 Aquitaine GMT = zodiac super sea wolf C63 Sealander GMT = Rolex explorer II C65 Dune = Tudor black bay 41 C1 Moonglow = ball trainmaster moonphase

[@Teelo99]

Can't keep reinventing the wheel now... yes new designs would be great but with design/innovation , then prices increase as well.. He took what worked well in other brands and pieced them into stunning piece that would appeal to many that can't afford the heavy hitters.. Frankenstein or not, value for the money and ascetics CW nailed it

[@khazelnut]

@@Teelo99 For me, only original watches should ever demand a luxury price, otherwise it goes into the homage pile and should be 1/5th the price they're currently asking. I think a good alternative would be to get the yema urban traveller at $890

[@_SBRacing]

Looks nice and all but thats alot of money for a SW-200 with 38hr reserve

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Interested to know what you’re basing that observation on? A few brands use this movement like Oris. For the fit and finish of this watch I actually think they could charge more.

[@_SBRacing]

@@CasualWatchReviews Having the extra power reserve in the PRX 80hr ETA based movement is just objectively better. Especially at half the cost of the CW-12. I don't doubt the quality of the finishing, but really that's where most of the money is going. Theres nothing wrong with that of course, but to say the watch is a bargain or under priced would be a stretch in my opinion.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I thought the PRX used the much criticized powermatic 80? I have reviewed both the PRX and the CW and, I personally think the CW is worth the extra. I would actually go quartz on the PRX any day if the week.

[@slayerfan545]

I wish it was 44mm

[@TheKhazar]

Instead of comparing it to a PRX compare it to Zenith Defy Skyline ... PRX may be closer in price but not in flesh.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Do you have a zenith defy I can borrow to do the comparison?

[@TheKhazar]

@@CasualWatchReviewsgood one. I wish! Have seen them both in a shop.

[@donaldspaulding6973]

At double the cost of the PRX, I can't say it's worth it.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

So will you be sending your Twelve back then, what one did you go for the titanium or steel?

[@donaldspaulding6973]

@@CasualWatchReviews I went with the PRX. I wasn't impressed enough with the videos to buy one. If I do, it will be the titanium version with upgraded movement.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Ok I got it, I thought you had hands on with both and made that decision, I have reviewed both and honestly the CW is a real step up from the PRX more on par with a high end luxury watch. But the PRX is also a good watch it’s just more of a standard feel to it. I compared it to a $99 Casio and I would say the PRX is closer to that, than it is to the CW. That video is live on the channel!

[@donaldspaulding6973]

@@CasualWatchReviews I enjoyed watching your review! That helped me the choice. Yes, the PRX may be closer to a $99 Casio, but I still think that it is fairly priced. Many grey market dealers in the US sell them for about $400. The CW, while being a higher end, is $1,000 more. Apparently, with fees and taxes the cost of the CW about $1,400. My other watches are Longines and still enjoy wearing the PRX.

[@sage9743]

Wear with a suit?

[@jamesblonde2271]

To be fair Tissot sells the sameish watch with a better brand name and costs £500 . Its very pretty, looks exactly like the Antartique, which was designed by a guy who now works for CW😂 But thats Oak money, no one who wants that is gonna buy this. Also im really irritated by their new tagline "Do your research" Well my research has revealed this space is overcrowded with genuine re issues from the likes of Nivada (F77) @£1000 & Tissot . Its a weird price too, I know were supposed to be getting a £5/7 g watch competitor but those watches have actual public brand recognition. Its kinda a homage , weird, I cant imagine who might buy this.

[@yootaobe5536]

I have the Tissot PRX automatic in ice blue. The twelve came out a few weeks after i bought it, i kind of wished i'd waited, the twelve looks more luxurious

[@emphasis20]

If you want to stay under $1k though, the PRX is a heavy hitter. I think the PRX, Twelve, and Czapek all have their own appeal as they're in very different price segments.

[@rwyo83]

@@yootaobe5536 A fossil FS5822 looks better than a Tissot prx

[@sakar5127]

And 850$ is the fairy price.

[@khazelnut]

Direnzo is in that ballpark. I'd prefer that and the prx is better spec at half the price.

[@mountain_del1863]

Some of CW's watches are superb......this is one of them. IMHO however, the approach this watch company has taken to its logos/branding in the past and even just now is as disasterous as it is bewildering, which is a shame for me on a personal level. I guess its all subjective.

[@Mysteryboy0007]

Such a pretty watch... if only they change that ugly asss tetris logo into something classy and prestige looking like a crown or shield.

[@akinigiri]

Expecting to keep a review watch is ....... a red alert as a reviewer imo

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Most companies send watches in for review for the reviewer to keep. There is no reviewer you watch on KZbin , (unless they are just starting out) that has not received a watch as a gift from a brand. I mentioned it on Christopher Ward because no matter how good we tell people they are there are always people who pick on silly things about the brand or watch. And I don’t want that to be because I received the watch for free. How do you think we can run these channels without selling watches we receive from brand? The camera equipment alone is a small fortune.

[@akinigiri]

@@CasualWatchReviews TGV comes to mind when thinking of good review ethics. The Mad Watch Collectors gives out cheaper watches to his audience when he can. People run their channels, from what I understand, through sponsorships and ads. Selling them for money was an even bigger blow than I thought. Most watch companies do not send watches to keep, but to be sent back. A review piece. Maybe you mean "most" for microbrands? I think CW is beyond that.

[@andrewjackson8089]

Do you know what I hate….that brand logo! I’d buy it in a flash if it didn’t have that stupid logo…I know it would wind me up if I bought one🤦‍♂️

[@nicklegg61]

I don't own one,but the PRX blows it out the water.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

It doesn't.... not when you get hands on with them both.

[@fastdays_1]

PRX felt very cheap and uninspiring when I tried it on (also you feel sharp edges everywhere). Can't say the same for this. You actually can't compare these 2 watches at all.

[@itsacookie1]

"As good as they say" when will people wake up...if you get the watch as a loaner from the company or a pass around affiliated with the company it's not going to be a unbiased review.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi, thanks for watching. You’re missing that I put a question mark at the end, I’m showcasing the watch then you decide. I even ask at the end ‘let me know what you think’. It is a question, not a statement. Hope that clears it up a bit, I’m not telling you to buy it just giving my opinion on it. Also there are no affiliate links and I didn’t get this watch for free from them, it got sent back like all the other CW watches I have reviewed on the channel. I do happen to think CW is a fantastic watch company and I like reviewing them on the channel so it’s bias in that way but I never claimed otherwise, I just do this as a hobby not a business, I have a full time job that is not the channel.

[@itsacookie1]

@CasualWatchReviews I just hate the entire practice of pass around and watches provided by the brand. It forces reviewers to keep favor to keep getting more watches. Buy the watches you want to review and sell them after, all while keeping the most transparency when and why you decided to sell it.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

There is no other way of doing it unfortunately. I can’t possibly buy all the watches to review, KZbin algorithm forces consistency and quantity. I couldn’t buy 1-2 watches a week. It wouldn’t make sense to buy them financially. Also if you do buy and review your own watches I would say the ‘sunk cost fallacy’ is just as bad as having a bias. You won’t find another watch KZbinr of my size that doesn’t have to borrow watches from brands or be given them. I disclose and never tell people to buy the watches I’m not sure how mush more transparent I can be.

[@davidobrien9362]

Ooyy,not the British flag its the English flag.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I made a mistake!

[@BenNS1971]

It’s a PRX homage

[@Tonysoprano497]

So if that’s the case you can level the same argument to all integrated bracelet watches . Personally don’t agree with Sam apart from the integrated bracelet don’t think it looks like the prx at all

[@BenNS1971]

@@Tonysoprano497 yeah it does, but that’s fine.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I was trying to think of a watch is was closest to that I have had hands on with. I have not seen the IWC but have handled a number of royal oaks. Its more refined version of the PRX to me

[@BenNS1971]

@@CasualWatchReviews it’s almost a one for one of Czapek, I heard it was the same designer

[@CasualWatchReviews]

It is the same designer but if you look, they are different, the style of bracelet is different, the bezel, dial pattern and colour. I have a side-by-side in the review, maybe it flashed up too quick?

[@nicklegg61]

I'm afraid to bias.

[@trentthai]

The intro is too long. Get to review

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Your the only person out of thousands of people that have watched this to make a silly comment about the intro, do you have such a sort attention span you can’t you can’t wait 3 seconds to the first footage of the watch?

[@brinx8634]

Nice...but I don't fancy an integrated bracelet. Nothing to do with CW....but, when I paused the video 07:20 and compared watch designs, it struck me that one of the watches is a stodgy looking, old man's timepiece, made for a different generation, tone deaf, irrelevant and out of step.......and I'm 75 years old.