LAUNCH DAY INTERVIEW: Christopher Ward Twelve

[@jackmcclary2136]

The honesty in acknowledging the source of some of the most common design inspirations in contemporary watchmaking is refreshing. The trick is to do it well while being true to your brand’s ethos. CW deserves all the praise it gets from enthusiasts.

[@alexcs1102]

This design is so unoriginal that it would be absolutely insane if he wasn’t honest, though….lmao imagine he claimed that the design here was original to CW. He acknowledged the obvious; bravo.

[@tophorable]

He admitted taking inspirations from other watches, which is natural. However, there was a nervous pause when Sam mentioned Czapek's Antarctique 2020. If you compare the new CW XII blue with blue Czapek's Antarctique 2020 with index markers at 12 o'clock, you'll see that this "inspiration" has been perhaps too strong 🤣

[@jackmcclary2136]

@@tophorable wow that’s a very keen observation on your part. Having been to two different watch events in less than a week my experience is that many watchmakers don’t acknowledge even their obvious design inspirations anywhere near Mike France’s level but there is always room for improvement. For example they will mention being inspired by racing, space exploration, architecture or a back catalog piece rather than mention the giants upon whose shoulders they stand. To paraphrase Mike France “…much in this industry is opaque”.

[@kbarnbrook4993]

​​​@@tophorableIsn't the Antarctique a round face watch?

[@richardattridge3182]

Really like what Christopher ward is doing at the moment with the quality of there watches, and designs. I bought a super compressor, and absolutely love it. It turned heads in a very well respected jewellers. I think the (12) in purple looks absolutely stunning, and the quality of the finishing looks unmatched at anywhere near the price. I have a bel canto in Nero on order, but I could see the 12 in purple joining it. People who love watches need not spend a fortune to get quality. Christopher ward is up there with my favourite other brands as in Grand Seiko and JLC.

[@natusMCMII]

I don't know how else to put it, the brand of Christopher Ward to the watch industry to me is what Keanu Reeves is to Hollywood. The nicest guy around, humble, listening to the fans and beloved by everyone! And Mike France is the perfect guy to embody the awesomeness of CW.

[@a.j.e4349]

... A very honest interview from a very true gentleman! Thankyou Mike for my C65 Dune GMT LTD Edition. 👏👏👏👏

[@aminreviews2311]

Congrats on what appears to be another excellent launch! Interesting to see the titanium model get the more premium movement, thinner case, and chronometer designation.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hopefully getting at least one of the versions in for review!

[@werozen]

I noticed the "patching the dial with automatic" it's one of the first things I check when inspecting a watch, I'm so glad Chistopher Ward did it the correct way :)

[@spektrograf]

Love what CW is doing. They were driving value laden designs since the beginning. Really enjoying them stepping outside of the "standard" designs of the typical styles with designs like their Moonphase, Colchester, and now with the Twelve. Bel Canto, of course, is where they've caught the attention of many in the watch industry, including people who work in the bigs. I've been a fan since the beginning, but what they're doing over the last 2-3 years, they exceeded any of my previous expectations.

[@VMIyanks04]

Great interview, thank you! I love The Twelve and can’t wait to get it in blue! Christopher Ward has been on a role this past year!!!

[@silvoslaf]

Crazy nice watch, will def buy one! Wish it had a white / silver dial with titanium too, only remark. :)

[@ajmarion]

Always great to see Mike, and a really cool release from CW!

[@donaldmaclean7337]

Just placed my order, hopefully successful, simply a wonderfully beautiful quality well priced watch.

[@BollocksThreeofThem]

Fantastic interview. If CW is listening, I would be veeeeeery interested in a Fume Forest Green dial Titanium version. ❤

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I would love to see a green!

[@clivemcquire7686]

Well done Mike, another great release 👏🏻

[@TomRauhe]

Just got me the titanium purple one. Always wanted a beautiful purple watch, closest was a Carrera one, but this tipped me way over the edge of getting me the most beautiful and intricate one

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Mike's microphone quality has greatly improved. His previous interviews did not have the best audio. Really appreciate him upgrading that!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep, I worked with them a bit on it, also used some extra software tools to really dial it in.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

@@CasualWatchReviews Thank you!

[@watchrolling]

Excellent interview and a beautful piece!

[@lordcharfield]

Excellent and really interesting interview. I’m becoming a customer asap. Many thanks.

[@pilotstyle123]

I respect a man who can admit that they flew too close to the iwc ingenieur. I think this honesty is also a quality we see everywhere in the brand. CW is cool in my book.

[@irawolf]

Great interviews with watch designers have become the biggest factor in my watch purchasing decisions, especially when their motivations and attention to detail are revealed. Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, Richard Benc, and even John Mayer have all influenced me. Mike France is my newest influencer. Thank you for the great interview!!

[@Eric_Nielsen]

Great interview Sam. If you have the budget I think the purple dial titanium on a bracelet is the way to go.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Cheers Eric!

[@andrewrice8706]

Great interview with Mike as usual and always refreshing to hear his enthusiasm for the brand. Ordered the blue in steel already and have a GP Laureato in my collection, which I love for comparison, although it is a bit larger at 42mm.

[@cedarcanoe]

Christopher Ward really is delivering. What a great watch

[@aaronswatches]

This is stunning. So many of this style popping up right now. So popular. Like the Nivada Gretchen F77 released on 4/7 that immediately sold out. Crazy. - Aaron

[@jackmcclary2136]

I got to chat with Mike a bit today and handle the watch at WindUp San Francisco and I took the opportunity to tell him directly how much I enjoyed his interview with Sam.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Cheers Jack!

[@chrisfogarty9775]

Seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on the Ti

[@tophorable]

Maybe it's better to buy the original Czapek Antarctique 2020.

[@markwheeler4417]

It's always a pleasure to hear Mike France talk about CW watches. "The Twelve" looks amazing. Thanks, Sam.

[@TheDerisavi]

He touched my heart when he said don't buy a Christopher Ward because of the price!

[@raymondrichardson6061]

Great looking pieces, again from CW. I find myself wondering if they may be on the wish list of Swatch or Richemont ?

[@markplayford5836]

First time I have watched this channel, but I am a CW fan boy now so the interview with Mike France was too good to miss. As usual quality matters not the price point, you should buy a watch because YOU love it. I own a white Sealander and it’s lovely the finishes are top drawer, I can only assume the 12 is even better. Cannot wait to see one. 👌

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Mark! Welcome to the channel! Tell your friends 😂

[@Iuckylukey]

I must admit this is a fantastic watch. My preference goes to the Nebula purple.

[@MichaelDavis-pq6ei]

Nice one Sam Mike keep it up. We love what you do. 😊

[@ansar957]

Looks like czapek antarztique

[@davidstephens106]

I think they are creating a strong positioning pushing the value equation as high as it can.

[@kaypee1972]

Beautiful! I really wished the Ti were also available in the more subtle dial colors.

[@gs2162]

I like Mike France, and I have one of these on order. But he keeps using the word 'trope' incorrectly and it's bothering me.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I think he had audio hooks he uses to cement things in peoples minds, like saying Henta as opposed to how we normally hear it as Genta, or the ‘platine’ for the bel canto referring to the dial. My speculation anyway after interviewing him a number it times now.

[@timepeacelove5837]

Great interview! Those look amazing

[@terencecreed]

Thanks for your review.It looks better on your video than the CW images. I always consider CW but have never bought one - just not liking their dials with the exception of the Sealander. I may be buying an Oris or Longines today but who knows it might be a Sealander!

[@Paidonthedaily]

Mike's cool. I like how they got rid of the Trident. But, it's grown on me. If u guys are watching CW, I wouod like a non homage watch, Can we get a 39mm, top hat crystal, GMT, except, like the dune gmt, not with a rotatable bezel, but with a movable bezel. So like you have the bezel in case, that can be turned. That would be great. I also think you should keep the gmt border split from the 9 to the 3 so at a glance you can see if it's am or pm. Like on the dune, unlike the aquataine. I guess I'd like a aquataine, blended with a dune gmt. That is also bad ass looking. But still classy. I like the non Trident seconds direction also. I really think the sandhurst has the nicest second hand with the red tip. Maybe do one of those with different accents for legibility depending on the dial. I really like the new CW logo. I'd like to see it in different styles, applied and non applied. Maybe some numerical. I also think lose the bronze watches and instead go for titanium. Just my opinion. And lastly I really want to see a pvd or bead blasted tool watch. Something rugged, for the edc community. That's all. Please and thankyou. Great watch releases btw 👍

[@jacksats6991]

I wonder was there any discussion on including the trident to the counter weight on the second hand maybe in a different more striking color . I’m curious how that would look

[@williamsmith9561]

Christopher Ward is a brand punching miles above their price point. They may be a little late to this party, but they have produced a watch that is an absolute gem for the price. If you compare what you are getting for the money with the new IWC Ingenieur, you can see what a great proposition this is.

[@richt4472]

Just the logo on the bracelet clasp please 👍

[@drwindsurf]

Great interview Sam! This is a very nice watch. I can't wait to see your review when you get to hold one in the metal.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep, it may be a few weeks yet. They are taking the press ones to WindUp on San Fran

[@donotreadthis26]

Is it known what company makes the cases of the twelve?

[@philiphudgens4726]

Lovely design & quality looks great. Very much resembles the GP Laureato. I would buy one but am very disappointed that there is no limited edition version offered.

[@hobokenarts]

Did you find out what grade titanium they used? I am assuming it’s grade 2 because of the price however, many people think you need grade 5 to polish the metal… Don’t think that’s exactly true. Thanks for a great interview!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

A few people have said it’s grade 2. I thought that you needed grade 5 for a polish but a few people have corrected me

[@ramanuj_g]

lovely watch... but is it available in 36-37-38 mm in the future??

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I think it will be!

[@JD-773]

For the watch snobs. Who cares if its homage they look great! No watchmaker on Earth is currently doing anything that's truly innovative design wise at an affordable price allowing the average everyday person to purchase. These are straight up homeruns.

[@alexcs1102]

Is a watch snob anyone who disagrees with you? Lmao because I love watches of all price points from f-91w up but I don’t like CW or their watches. Apparently that makes someone a snob lol sure

[@Ace-Brigade]

If only they offered the chronometer in the dial I want!

[@tomasz5274]

I do agree, I'd like to see more color options for SW-300 Ti version including glacial blue, ocean blue and white. Current dial colors of Ti versions are not blending so well with hour indicies to my eye.

Looks very nice. I've gone to an AD to buy a PRX 3 times, but I gave up after trying it again and again. This watch fixes all the things I did not liked about PRX. The bezel and the sleeker case narrower at lugs. Unfortunately it is not sold in my country and it is impossible to import. So, I will buy it when I visit Germany I think.

[@davidr2802]

It's great how CW can sell a Czapek at such a massive discount. Do they know?

[@scytherind8928]

Probably. They kinda have to to sell it for 11x less

[@The-Splat]

@@scytherind8928 They share a watch designer: Adrian Buchmann was the designer involved with this CW and the Czapek 😉

[@scytherind8928]

@@The-Splat Granted, but even then it's pretty much a 1:1 visually

[@alexcs1102]

@@The-Splat lmao so the designer did his job once at Czapek then didn’t have to do anything else 😂

[@thedaveaftertomorrow]

Does the rubber strap come with a buckle or deployant? The latter would be a nice touch on this style of watch

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep it doesn’t show that on the site?

[@thedaveaftertomorrow]

@@CasualWatchReviews no pictures of it but it’s described as a “dress clasp” on the separate strap spec 🤷‍♂️

[@Svevid]

such a beautiful watch, shame the titanium ones have the black part, I feel like it cheapens the look. the white and light blue ones are just stunning.

[@tomasz5274]

The compromise may be to take steel watch with prefered dial color and Ti bracelet (colors do match nicely) to take away most of the weight. It won't be COSC certified SW-300 but the final price is few hundreds schmuckles less :)

[@mirza3646]

I want to buy one but I would like to see in person all colors and try it on my hand, I am scared it might be too big/small and i might not like color or ill like other color more :(

[@TattedTroyGuy]

Would love to see the Twelve stainless steel or Titanium grade 5 with a COSC movement, probably in a 36 mm. The purple and blue seem too loud. Would I buy the watch I propose, yes. Would I buy the PRX, no.

[@joemyers9893]

I've fallen in love with the CW brand,no compromise on quality but fantastic price for what you get,the bigger watch companies need to take a long hard look at themselves with their prices.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Joe, check out the second part of the interview. It’s the upload after this one.

[@joemyers9893]

Yes I will,love to hear Mike France talking about the brand

[@joemyers9893]

Just watched the 2nd part,real eye opener,just shows what larger companies are charging for their watches.

[@TheBadGuy1974]

You're on the list Sam you're on the list. 13:34 classic

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep… just at the bottom 😂😂 no nepotism at CW like LVMH.

[@janihellberg6911]

Because we are watch enthusiasts we can't be pleased. Could I have the shimmer of the steel with the thickness of the titanium.😊 A great watch. Waiting for my Bel canto, really temped by this.

[@Davnatandale]

Loving the design of this watch! Mike, if you read this please give us 37mm variants with all the same dial and strap options. I would buy them all!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

He did hint to that when I spoke to him after the interview. I will release the full thing as a podcast

[@Davnatandale]

Nice one mate! Have you a link to the podcast?

[@arnaldorodrigues5556]

Watches with an integrated metal bracelet and textured dial are very popular nowadays. It seems that companies have discovered that many people want the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Patek Philippe Nautilus but are unable or unwilling to pay for them. There are a lot of models available, but many of them too expensive for most people. One of the big releases from Watches in Wonders this year was the IWC Ingenieur, which unfortunately arrived costing a small fortune. Nivada Grenchen recently released the F77 and it sold out in a few days. It is good that microbrands offer more and more options.

[@markharrison2484]

I’d love to see that dial on a sealander.

[@jensonob7729]

Which is better to get? PRX or Twelve?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I can probably mention that in the review because I have reviewed a PRX in the channel before. So when I get my hands on the Twelve I will let you know.

[@jensonob7729]

@@CasualWatchReviews that would be brilliant thanks

[@cardanoStacker]

At first I thought it was a zenith defy clone or something. Then I realized it is a czapek clone😂

[@tomasz5274]

It's the same designer which worked on Czapek Antarctique and CW The Twelve so similarities are not so surprising. Although The Twelve seem to take inspiration from at least few other watches coming with kind of CW vision/mix. Nice and light watch (I've tried Ti version). I'd like to see more classic color options for Ti and I hope CW plan to introduce Ti grade 5 in their future offers.

[@gregnatividad8345]

I’m waiting for the 36mm for September release. Crossing my fingers it’s a no date

[@denisdaly1708]

38 would be perfect I think

[@bravo154cm]

Fantastic looking watch, however a couple of points that would of made me buy are missing 1 Movement not a in house with 5 day power reserve 2 No mention of a micro adjust on the braclet 3 Type 2 titanium and not type 5! Fantastic starter watch but has a way to go to make it perfect!!!!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Simon, there is no micro adjustment. Mike mentioned that in the upload. Where did you see it’s grade 2, I think it’s 5 because it’s taking a polish although I can’t find it exactly

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Also the in-house movements is too thick for this type of watch.

[@valebliz]

@@CasualWatchReviews it says on their own website it’s grade 2. The stuff about grade 2 ti being unable to polish is absolute nonsense, you can polish aluminium or even tin.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Ok I clearly was mistaken about that! Ok so grade 2

[@edwardgamberg1859]

Beware, I have purchased one of their watches and they absolutely do not back up their warranty policy.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I have reviewed many CW watches fan owned them. I know multiple CW owners also. This has not been my experience at all.

[@lakota_stu]

CW scored a homerun with this watch

[@tophorable]

It actually "scored" a close replica of Czapek Antarctique 2020, with some changes in the bezel.

[@Tonysoprano497]

This is a nice watch but wow it’s almost an exact replica of the czapek . Last three releases although decent have been heavy duty homages of established watches .. if they don’t watch they will be stepping into steinhart territory which is very disappointing.

[@mell3109]

Makes the GP seem expensive

[@jlyt18]

Fume brown in a 36 would be great Not many great brown dials out there

[@r3771-n2r]

All these watches need is a better movement. -20/+20 sec a day and 38 hours is horrible. I would pay 50% more for an inhouse movement with -5/+5 sec a day and 80 hours.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Russel, the titanium one has a longer reserve and is measured to COSC

[@alteregoestamicus]

Harold Henta

[@erdi9286]

I thought you didn’t like homage watches. This looks very similar to czapek.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey! My actual distain is for people calling watches that are complete copies of other ones (all but in name) ‘homages’ this is clearly a respectfully done homage as Mike actually says in the upload, I even used a Christopher Ward in my ‘why your lying to yourself about homage watches’ as and example of what a true homage is.

[@ajmarion]

Agree, CW does actual homages, and not clone homages. I’m all for a homage like this, not a direct ripoff with a different brand

[@johnmalone8790]

Put a grand deposit down on the bel canto a couple of months back . Still waiting for someone from customer services to get back to me .... Only left 3 voice messages so far asking to be called back .... What an absolute joke!!!

[@Iuckylukey]

Its a wonderful watch at a price thats incredible for the quality. But for the love of God, its pronounced Jenta and not Henta.

[@danryan4137]

Hard to believe the IWC ingenieur is the price that it is. Shame on there greed.

[@RockLobster223]

He keeps touching his nose....any body language expert will tell you that's a sign of somebody who is lying. So which bits of his constant marketing waffle are lies (or is it simply all of it?).

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching. None of it was lies, this watch was a massive success. Still is one of their most popular and most well reviewed watches if you do a quick google search or look on trust pilot.

[@RockLobster223]

I think you missed my point, I did not dispute that the watch wasn't selling or popular, or that it could even tell the time. I merely dislike the constant hyperbole that emanates from this chap at CW, unfortunately which you unfortunately seem to have been taken in by. @@CasualWatchReviews

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I like Mike a lot, he is actually the CEO of CW. I have worked with them doing reviews and interviews for over 4 years. I'm confident he is credible after years of knowing him and reviewing (and owing) multiple of their watches.

[@alexcs1102]

Typical overrated CW. completely unoriginal.

[@ajmarion]

Did you not listen to the video? He clearly explains that it’s not meant to be original, they’re creating their version of several iconic watches

[@richardattridge3182]

@@ajmarion You are absolutely bang on with that assessment. 👍

[@alexcs1102]

@@ajmarion right…which I don’t think is praise-worthy. Essentially “we’re copying other designs and making a bunch of homages”…wow, brilliant.

[@ajmarion]

@@alexcs1102 I’m not saying it’s praiseworthy or not praiseworthy, I’m just saying it’s not what you described

[@JD-773]

Who cares they look great! No watchmaker on Earth is currently doing anything that's truly innovative design wise at an affordable price allowing the average everyday person to purchase.

[@phantpwr]

Looks great but wonder if the word mark would look better on the dial vs the logo mark.