Christopher Ward: Are they really worth it?

[@watchalot919]

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

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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.

[@watchalot919]

Aagghh, online you are indeed correct, unless it is a private sale. Incidentally, CW have a shop.@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch

[@nielslarsen1693]

You really haven't kept up with the law then. You are completely wrong

[@watchalot919]

I don't live within the EU, thank God!@@nielslarsen1693

[@jurgasbielinis2130]

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.

[@VmanStudioz]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Will try my best. Thanks a ton 😃😃

[@watchalot919]

Thanks so much

[@EricBishard]

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.

[@watchalot919]

Many thanks

[@thomasreuter1968]

Re: "soothing British voice" 😂​ Btw, I wonder if he's British or Danish?@@EricBishard

[@thegorn]

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.

[@TheRealHawKing]

So you are ok to buy a watch with a movment that cost 80$ for 1500$ LOL

[@Charlie-go6eb]

@@TheRealHawKing You’re saying the sum of the parts are $80. Lmao.

[@Doggo-frencton]

@@TheRealHawKing you think a COSC-certified SW-200 costs $80? Derp

[@charliethang7066]

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 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Glad you like them! 😀😀

[@alanwayte432]

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....❤❤

[@PeterZandorff]

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!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks from me 😃😃

[@dannysimenauer5745]

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 KZbin. 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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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. 😃😃

[@lordcharfield]

I’ve just bought the Atoll in Reef Blue…..I can’t wait!

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

I've owned 4 CW watches, a C60, C63, C65 and a Twelve. They've all been brilliant.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Right on 😃😃

[@kamelthorn]

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.

[@thatguy6111]

Love my Sealander as well. Wear it in good health and enjoy putting every dent and scratch in it.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Exactly. Good watches 😀😀

[@boatdetective]

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.

[@MichaelM49757]

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 .

[@jmlaso]

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.

[@vipnetworker]

Where do they have showrooms? I thought they were online only?

[@MichaelM49757]

@@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.

[@MichaelM49757]

@@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...

[@MichaelM49757]

@@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.

[@christopherstombaugh6004]

Thanks! Your analysis, content and production values are simply exceptional. Please keep up the good work.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Wow!!!!! Thank you. That's a first for me. I will do my very best. Cheers 😃❤️

[@bloomsburgarts]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for sharing - Good perspectives 😃😃

[@steveb4012]

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

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

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).

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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 😀

[@thomasballenger1158]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

There you go ! 😀😀

[@bogrot69]

Diid you buy the Bronze Ombre?

[@odyssey37]

It is not cheep the others are expensive

[@toddw14]

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. 😂

[@Franckie121]

Got both the blue and orange dials. They are my favourite watches

[@stigg333]

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!!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Exactly 😃

[@travlishallingquest5719]

Thanks! This was incredibly informative not only on watch manufacturing, but also on outsourcing and procurement in general.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks a ton - This is so unbelievably kind of you. Thanks!!!! 😃😃😃

[@douglascheesman]

I purchased a C65 Acquitaine in January. The watches are exceptional. I just bought my wife a 12 in 36mm.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good choice 😊

[@FunkyVader]

C65 is sexy as hell, to me this looks much more expensive than it actually is.

[@arpitagarwal5565]

This is practical and very useful content. No bells and whistles. Just facts. Thank you

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Happy you found it worthy of your time 😃😃

[@2011blueman]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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 😃😃😃

[@jorge23483]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

You're welcome. Glad you found it worthy of your time 😃😃

[@martinjc9699]

I have VC, Patek, Rolex, JLC in my little collection but will definitely consider a CW next. The C60 tide# looks an excellent item. Thanks for opening my eyes and I enjoyed the style of your presentation. Thank you!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Right on 😀

[@simonmcguire4290]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀😀

[@sky37blue]

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.

[@sky37blue]

@@bluesh0es no, it's watchfinder. Fair enough if they just like the watch but this is KZbin and people take money to promote things. It's not clear if this was the case with them but I am suspicious.

[@jonassteinberg2177]

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.

[@gjonno]

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.

[@alasterjordan1197]

Mike French is a huge Everton fan, and they are now an Everton FC sponsor. That's a huge premiership club, ans CW's name is on the pitchside digital hoardings during televised games. So they are definitely moving into mainstream marketing. I've found their support and shipping services impeccable, and I live in the USA, they even paid entirely for shipping costs and repair on a watch that my step son smashed in a skateboard crash...

[@robbroome5933]

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

[@BAF605]

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.

[@manofelan]

Cheapskate!

[@LymanPhillips]

I was at a stoplight the other day and glanced at my CW vintage diver on my wrist and admired how the bracelet smoothly transitioned from the case to wrap around my wrist, how the indices sparkled in the sunlight and how the lightcatcher case added a certain lightness to the whole package. I fell in love with it again. Plus I got it on a sale for cheap!

[@marcusorme261]

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

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

You are probably right about the GMT. Thanks for the feedback 😃😃

[@lordcharfield]

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!

[@pompeylad1977]

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 👍🏻

[@lordcharfield]

@@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! 👍

[@gyges5495]

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!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good choice, for sure 😃😃

[@FunkyVader]

Yes, I'm drooling over this watch too!

[@iliastsiphlidis4607]

I bought my first CW over a decade ago, I still wear them. At the time, they were a true bargain, nowadays it’s ok in terms of value and very good still in terms of quality.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Fair point - Times have changed when it comes to pricing 😀😀

[@anibalismo]

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

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol.... Thanks a ton - glad you found it worth all that time 😀😀😀

[@iangibson6871]

Great video!!! The turning point for me was when they took the name Christopher Ward off the dial with the new logo. They have taking this further again by not having the logo on the bel canto dial!! I have the bel canto and the hourly strike brings me so much joy!! Im keen to own more and love the new release of the moon phase, this is likely to be my next CW but the 12 is very much in my thoughts too!!!!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you 😀

[@prathikshirolkar5936]

I like this guy's no bullshit attitude. Quite refreshing honestly.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - I try to be fairly straight forward 🙂

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΘεοδώρου-ι8ρ]

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.

[@moptopbaku6022]

Excellent video, as always. Your presentation is faultless and you put across your knowledge of watches so well. Keep up the good work.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

doing my best, thanks 😊😊

[@themightysquid]

I own 3 CW’s C60 600 divers of different generations and have always been impressed with their style and quality. They definitely punch above their weight and get a lot of wrist time from my collection.

[@darrenhojnacki6636]

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

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I do want to get through some other brands over time... Keep your eyes peeled .😀😀

[@สมชายใหญ่เสมอ-ฝ2ฤ]

Was going to Treat myself to a starter Rolex but you've actually convinced me on a Bronze CW with a Green or Blue face.Brilliant Chanel and subscribed.Cheaper watch rather than Rolex but can't even get on AD waiting listing for what would have been a Brand new Rolex.Cheers and appreciate your professionalism and Advice.💯✅🌏

[@styraxopoponax8294]

Thank you algorithm gods for suggesting this video. Truly intelligent discussion.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you for sticking around 😊

[@darrenl8290]

I have had my Bel Canto on order for a very long time now, but still very much looking forward to getting my hands on it. I only just received a C60 300, caught it in a sale with 25% off, not sure how that worked out, but the watch is lovely and I am very happy with it. I don't think I will be keeping a close eye on them as I will have two of their watches just as soon as they deliver the BC. But no doubt one of their advertising emails will have me taking a peek at something new in the future.

[@mariuslastname7563]

This is the only channel that talks about what i find interesting about watches. wow good job

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - very kind of you 😊

[@albundy3929]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it. But don’t call me a CFO. I’m boring, but not that boring 😂😂😂😂

[@roamy3605]

A CW World Timer? Yes, Please! World timers are under-appreciated and offer so much, but are hard to get just right (busy dials, large size, etc.) Nothing better than looking at your wrist, and at a glance, be able to see the time in all the major cities. And being able to track the suns movement throughout the day/night was always fun when I owned one. Please CW, make it so!

[@voidifremoved]

I own a CWard C1 Grand Malvern Worldtimer. Fantastic watch, not sure if its what you are looking for, everyone's taste is different. Its the real deal with a rotating cities of the world disk and in typical CWard fashion a fascinating complication that allows you to spot light one city with a transparent orange marker. I believe they then released a similar version in black that had much better lume, I however prefer the blue previous version. It is on the larger size as typical worldtimers need the real estate to have legible city text at a glance. Check it out, they dont go for very much money either. I would love to see them release a new World Timer but my guess is they would ask for a lot more money now.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I think it would be cool if they did, that's for sure.... 😃😃😃

[@andrewfrost9127]

I am a proud owner of a Trident Pro. The one that came with an orange leather strap. I learned my lesson that leather is not for swimming and had to replace the strap with a stainless bracelet. I was excited to see the new straps made from ocean plastic waste and that there was an orange version that would go so nicely on my watch and be waterproof. I then discovered these were only available in 20 mm not the 22 mm I needed for my watch. I contacted CW to be told they would not be making the orange version I required. A bit crap I thought and I got the impression they were only there to sell new watches and not support existing customers. Before all you righteous idiots out there tell me to get over myself and this is just business let me remind you a good quality time piece should last for generations and the owner is likely to cherish it immensely as I do. I now have a non CW orange leather strap and a non CW orange rubber strap for holidays so my trusty Trident can enjoy the ocean as much as I do.

[@guzz95]

righteous idiot! 😂😂

[@bearasma]

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.

[@GRAAL21]

You just can’t beat the quality of a trident pro 300 at 1000 eur. Very pleased with it.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

As you should be 😃😃

[@Intelligence3]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol. True 😂

[@MrChippinator]

Your content is great. I will say one thing that impressed me about Christopher Ward as a company. Mike France, the CEO, has admitted in interviews that many of their components come from Asia. Basically said it was impossible to build a watch without sourcing from there and that many other brands do too. I was really impressed when I read that. I have owned 3 CWs though and have sold them all. I find, over time, that their watches don’t get the wrist time of others I own. Don’t know why that is but they are really well made.

[@ultimatedouchebag6760]

I don't care wtf anyone have to say but myself. I love CW and will buy more from them.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

That's the right attitude 😀😀

[@FightGenius98]

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

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Glad I could help 😀

[@johanvandersandt8904]

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!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

What’s not to like ? 😂😂😂

[@X11CHASE]

Get over it bozo… it’s funny how you noted marketing as a negative aspect

[@dska2294]

I just want to say thank you. You’re doing a really great job.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

So nice of you, thanks 😀😀

[@Mr.JohnnyVLD]

Great reviewer! Just became my favorite! Binged almost all your vids.

[@AndrasMenyo]

So much more than a review of the brand. I learnt a lot about the watch industry while still finding it entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I appreciate that 😃

[@avikmukherjee2987]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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 😃😃

[@KeithBeacham]

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.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

If they open themselves to retail, their prices will go up. Watch enthusiasts will lose.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Fair point. It is quite a leap to take 😀

[@albundy3929]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Trident hands. Forgot about those. I’m curious if they’ll be there in ten years Thanks for sharing 😀😀😀

[@1SaG]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with CW. IT's helpful for others that stop by the comments 😃

[@dakistle]

This is the best watch channel.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for that

[@dakistle]

@@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.

[@Scan_Speak]

I just purchased the C65 Sandhurst Series 2 as my everyday watch. COSC certified & robust, It’s exactly what I was looking for without the branding and heritage bs.

[@darrellzayac3441]

What an exceptionally well done perspective. I can see in an instant the amount of research and thought that was involved. Bravo!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you - glad you found it worth your time 😀😀

[@EricBishard]

Wait so the things they advertise are just clever marketing? BYW, I loved this video. This is one of my favorite watch companies for the people. And just to let you know, i have already taken my bucket of salt this morning.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol 😂😂 Yes. Just makes for a really brief video when you phrase it that way 😂

[@russellmercer1586]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for sharing! 😀😀

[@GS-vb3zn]

Great work and amazing analysis. I own a couple CWs and I like them very much. But the one thing I've been hoping, for years now, is that they'd make is an HAQ watch. I have loads of watches but I find myself wearing my Grand Seiko quartz and Citizen Cronomaster more than the rest the past few years. It's an easy analysis as to why - great looking watches that are grab and go. And I've never bought into the "mechanical watches have a soul and quartz is evil" nonsense that Watch World tends to perpetuate.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

The feedback is appreciated. Thanks. And completely agree - anti-quartz is just silly 😀😀

[@ogramail]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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 😀

[@RichKovars]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Interesting. Was not aware of this. Looking forward to that 😀😀

[@michaelwf3893]

I recently purchased the Sandhurst series 2 a month ago and I have to say it’s a great timepiece for the price fit and finish is fantastic…

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Great to hear!😀😀

[@santorini8423]

Well I love my Bel Canto…blue dial on titanium bracelet

[@rodsalvador3608]

congrats! how long did it take to get yours?

[@santorini8423]

@@rodsalvador3608 ordered January, delivered October

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

It’s a cool watch - just not for me. Good you enjoy it 😀😀😀

[@santorini8423]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I also think the ‘twelve’ range are great value especially the COSC certified, having a breather buying anymore tho, 😂

[@billpemberton6304]

While this may be a bit late as a comment I would like to say I am very appreciative of your videos. I feel you make a nice balanced and informative video. I look forward to your postings.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you very much! 😃😃😃

[@DFlemming]

I always thought Christopher ward was like Daniel wellington and other full names of people. Now after your video I'll certainly learn more about them and look at their watches. Good informative video as always. Thanks.

[@nwest6451]

Never watched one of these videos before but will absolutely do so again. Great insights.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Awesome, thank you! 😀😀

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great analysis. Agree - they’ve hired some great supply chain veterans who expertly decided on ‘make vs buy’ AND chose partners who count hit QE/cost/schedule targets. Their GMT variant that shares the Rolex Exp II Polar look is on my radar; maybe the ice blue 12. PS - one HIGE change the made was getting rid of ‘Christopher Ward’ spelled out on their dial and subbing in the small logo.

[@alamohamed8485]

Nice, informative and enlightening. Thank you. I own the moonglow for the last 3 years. I had picked it out of 20+ candidates at various price points. Since I track religious events on a lunar calendar, the big moon phase and minute markers are quite functional for me. Never had an issue with the watch.

[@mickyp3357]

This was so intersting and factual. I've actually been considering buying a CW GMT, but the juries still out!

[@nicksmith4361]

My daily wearer is a CW Trident Elite 1000 titanium and I love it. I’ve owned many Rolex, Omega and Zenith watches, mostly of a diver/sports type and my CW is an equal to those.

[@DrBob0910]

Excellent review! Thank you for sharing that valuable information on C.W.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for watching!😃

[@WatchDanReviews]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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 😊😊

[@89emeza]

The Atoll is what got me… it looks so good!!! And will most likely be my first expensive (to me) watch

[@miguela.velazquez5027]

Agree with your comments and analysis. Great brand. Amazing value for money. Own a Twelve, a Trident 300, and plan to order a Bel Canto Nero soon!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for taking the time to share 😃😃

[@jaredstephenson6468]

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.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Great perspective !!! 😃😃

[@yvelf]

great vid! i recently bought the Twelve X! I've read too many good things about it! i believe CW will be big in the future. they will gain market share and pump up the prices

[@paulburns6110]

Your helpful in depth analysis has made me sit up - to the extent it has made me subscribe. Thank you.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Much appreciated. Glad to have you onboard 😀😀

[@davidc5191]

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.

[@neilabc8167]

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

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

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 😃😃

[@Pwj579]

I love my C65 Trident GMT Retro Diver 41mm with Pepsi Bezel (Red/Blue).

[@gazz501]

Great piece Mike. Insightful, maturely presented, enlightening. You are a sage of KZbin and have a gift for widening my perspective on the world of watches. My take on the reason for buying a CW would be reverse snobbery appeal. I.e. owning a CW and considering a higher or even a much higher priced and recognized alternative I would bask in the warm glow of value satisfaction and be smug with the thought of the fools with their APs and the like. I do have some fancy watches so I'm not going to risk a CW causing that type of dismay.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - Much, much appreciated. Just saying what I think and inviting conversation. Some people agree. Some don't. For me - I like CW. I also like Rolex, AP and others. For me it's not either or... 😃😃😃 See you around 😃👊

[@gazz501]

Agree that you can appreciate any watch; my thought was that once you embark on a particular collecting theme you may need to be wary of a watch that will compromise that theme. Hence my fear that a CW, even if just on value alone, would undermine my sentimental investment in my current collection. Then again, there's a theme - maintaining contradicting themes. Hmmm....Vanity of vanities, all is vanity! And, BTW no insult intended re AP owners, I meant "fool" in the personally associative sense as a Vacheron, among others, owner.

[@aDocandhisWatch]

Brilliant video as always!! I was just talking to 3 friends that are new to watches and CW come up in the conversation several times (I brought it up).. I bet this happens all the time since CW at their price tier 👍🏻

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

That is awesome! 😀😀

[@hlim431]

I am new here... your analysis is comprehensive, detailed, nuanced & highly expert, love your your ability to rattle of numbers like that. Well done and congratulations. With respect to CW who can dislike a company with a line called Bel Canto? Classical music was all important to get me here... I am looking for a suitable non-gouging watch company to create a watch used as "corporate & employee gifts" so thanks for this expose! Perhaps CW can create our "13 series".

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you - Really appreciated and welcome on board 😃😃😃

[@leonsaunders21]

They were right about do your research, I did and I brought the CW C63 Sealander GMT. It’s a great watch they are doing great things. More character than a mass made Tissot.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I would tend to agree 😃

[@IverKnackerov]

Trident Pro 300 and “12” owner here….both superb watches.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I "only" have a twelve, but it is immaculate 😀😀

[@Michael-4]

I had a 38mm diver with a ridiculous 500m depth rating, yet it wasn't a puck. Back then they were hidden gems for those in the know. Today however they compete with some very good micro brands if swiss movement doesn't mean much to you. I hope they develop a brand that moves them up a tier or two over time.

[@johannoren2787]

Thanks man, great video, great information, I would really like ti have a buzz for CW but cant get it on, gonna give it another chance, they do seem like amazing value.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Glad you found it worthwhile. Cheers 😃😃

[@willbrink]

Good vid. Other then the Bel Canto, none of their designs do anything for me, and I don't see myself ever wearing the Bel Canto. I don't love their logo either, but not a deal breaker if I see something I liked otherwise. With that, if I ever see a design that really "does it" for me, I will buy one.

[@geneteo7436]

Thanks for this, Mike. Agree with some of the earlier comments that you have presented a compelling analysis of the brand. Controlled and comprehensive. Would love to hear your take on something like the C63 Colchester. If, as you seem to suggest, CW is great a procuring, is this "injected-carbon" case kind of an advertising gimmick? And how reliable tis the "pop-up crown"?

[@jirskyrjenkins1959]

My CW C60 Abyss (42 mm) was the first watch where I ever spent more than AUD 1,000. I had bought 13 cost-conscious watches prior to that. I was nervous to spend that much on a watch (back then) but the C60 design and finishing really spoke to me. I thought about it for many months. What I felt from the CW marketing was a sense of confidence - that they were a reliable company, the value proposition was good and the watch quality would be there on receipt. The Abyss exceeded my expectations. I now have 3 CWs - a C60 orange sapphire 40 mm and a limited-edition C63 Highlander. All great watches. But most importantly, I am really really reluctant to spend more than AUD 2,000 on a watch (currently equal to GBP 1,050 or USD 1,320). In that price point CW are very competitive. I have watches from Doxa, Ball, Damasko, Seiko, Oris, Tissot and CW can easily compete with them on a cost vs quality level. CW designs are sufficiently novel to differentiate from the competition and I always find the quality and wear great; they always feel like rugged reliable watches. My only issue now is the newer models where CW are taking more risks - the costs are skyrocketing. I feel CW are using their brand recognition to cash in, literally, with higher-priced models. I'd love a Bel Canto but I am not spending AUD 5,000 to get one; that's the cost of a Tudor BB 58.

[@Summervibes12-t5z]

CW have worked with a football brand, to your point about marketing. They are the ‘official timekeeping partner’ of Everton football club.