The ABSOLUTE BEST Watch Under $5,000 That Crushes The Competition!

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Created to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their own movement, the Calibre SH21, and 20 years of Christopher Ward, The Twelve X (Ti) is a very special watch that perfectly captures the spirit of the brand. And at a price point just under $5k, it definitely brings the heat! Today, Christian sits down and analyzes everything about that watch that makes it so special, and why no other watch at the same price point compares.
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NOTE: there are NO giveaways in the comments section of this video

[@shilvock22]

I want to like Christopher Ward, but I can't help thinking that the name just sounds like a department store and it is hard for me to get over. I wish I was different

[@johnswick7108]

It’s more the excessive use of that stupid trident second hand I can’t get over. I get using it sometimes but it seems like every watch besides the twelve has it.

[@jkware500]

Same

[@heiner71]

Ah, Montgomery Ward.

[@shilvock22]

@@heiner71 100%, I think that's my issue

[@ofb7212]

It is the watch and not the name that really counts.As CWcontinues to kill wth their newer designs the name will become an asset. If you just want a name buy a Rolex or Omega at their amazingly high prices and impress avg people. If you want a great watch at a reasonable price CW is it. The trend is up on the name and its recognition. We will see what happens if they get into precious metals in the future. That would be a game changer.

[@ChrizzLau69]

They need to make the hour hands, second hand, and rotor either rose gold or blue steel to contrast for legibility.

[@michaelcozens7537]

Compare this to the dogs dinner that Chopard did with the Alpine Eagle skeleton dial which they charge $25k. Quite incredible.

[@fabulousfab_ffm]

Fully agree! That Alpine Eagle is totally overhyped while absolutely hideous.

[@toddallgier914]

Never been a fan of a skeleton watch. From my perspective there to busy and at a quick glance it's harder to tell the time. On the other hand I do enjoy seeing a crystal case back and looking at a beautiful movement.

[@john-paulsilke893]

Same with me. But as a piece of jewelry I will wear one, (I don’t own any though) or an open heart, (which I own two).

[@videogamesare1]

same, I think mall watch when I see skeleton

[@woodrowwilder481]

Cartier has some nice skeletons but other than that I agree.

[@sinesaii]

I always hated them until I handled a nice one (Chronoswiss). Now I am sold. I handled an AP (crazy price), and it was breathtaking, like a great painting. These can grow on you. The Cartier Santos skeleton is another impressive one. I am genuinely considering selling most of my collection to buy one in precious metal.

[@jimlittle5769]

When you mentioned under 5k and Christopher Ward, I thought you'd say Bel Canto.

[@skylineuk1485]

Me too but I’m basis as I own one lol.

[@joeblackwolf17]

Beautiful watch by a beautiful brand ❤glad you gave the watch the attention it deserved

[@seancatacombs]

A couple years ago I would've never thought Christopher Ward would be able to move upmarket successfully. They used to be considered beneath Monta and Farer, never mind Oris. Frankly a big part of upmarket transitions is just surviving long enough that a majority of the consumer base forgets that you were once the guy putting out $500 Seamaster Pro homages.

[@notenoughtime7274]

Now give me this in rose gold or black ceramic for 10-12k (ok maybe in fairness on the rubber strap) and you’ve got a deal! And save over 70k on a double barrel openwork. Think this is the first CW where I’d like to see a precious metal version for the contrast against the skeleton.

[@scottrafferty6305]

The challenge I have with it is that for close to the same price I can buy a secondary market Zenith Defy Skeleton, which for me is the benchmark for all skeleton watches. But huge CW fan. Love the Bel Canto.

[@arkachatterjee5179]

You think the Defy Skeleton is THE benchmark for skeleton watches? I love Zenith but how many skeleton watches have you seen or handled before you named the Defy as the benchmark in the category?

[@tacomn]

@@arkachatterjee5179I mean this CW is taking ALOT from the design from the Zenith. Trust me CW is not hiding it. I think you need to learn more about Zenith, they def should have your respect.

[@Psysso]

@@arkachatterjee5179 The defy is miles better than this CW.

[@sinesaii]

@@arkachatterjee5179Chronoswiss has some killer used models for $5,000. Cartier has better, but they are significantly higher. A royal Oak skeleton would be my idea of perfection, but they cost as much as a house.

[@BigJeezie]

Seriously? It feels expensive. I already own a Ti Tweleve and love that. I'm a newbie so maybe I'm wrong.

[@aaronmauer7225]

Definitely feels expensive and puts them into a price bracket with a lot of better watch brands

[@ande5460]

It is expensive for Christopher Ward. But if someone is looking for a titanium skeleton watch, this is probably as inexpensive as they get.

[@gclip9883]

It depends on how much you like skeletonized watches, i guess. If that isn't something you value, then you can get much more prestigious brands for that pricepoint. Or just way more iconic pieces. And then there are watches like the Zenith Defy, which is also skeletonized and looks way better in my opinion. The Defy can be had for around $5000 if you go used.

[@nate2188764]

I’d encourage looking closely at the pics on the website. The movement is incredibly well finished in my opinion. I’m not a skeleton guy, but it’s undeniably a great product at this price or really at a higher price.

[@VinceLeFeu]

The movement is what drives the price up. It is not a Sellita like the standard twelve.

[@rickfowler3710]

prefer the Oris

[@kevco01010]

Totally agree to the beauty of the watch and what CW are doing, but feel this piece is priced slightly off. CW may have done much better at say 1k less around $3799 and this would fly off the shelves. Especially when you can get a awesome complication like their Bel Canto for around 4k. Assuming the cost of manufacturing this new movement im sure played a factor in the pricing, however alot of other heavy hitter options for around the $5k mark.

[@thepartrain]

Genuinely curious, as a Tudor owner, tell me what CW brand means to you as a CW owner? I can’t fathom dropping 4.5K on a micro brand vs. Tudor

[@Psysso]

Id drop 5k on a micro , just not a CW, terrible brandname.

[@bipennate]

CW has been around for 20 years and sold something around $45-50 million last year. I think that it's fair to call them an "independent" and also fair to say that they aren't likely going anywhere anytime soon. Spending money on a CW is hardly a risk in terms of company stability.

[@naydenyotsov6624]

Will you bring back Michael?

[@aaronmauer7225]

I hope so. He balances the channel so well

[@m.e.p.r]

No, it’s been confirmed that he has left Theo & Harris to concentrate on the Iron Snail

[@lordshittington135]

@@m.e.p.r That's unfortunate. I'm getting a little tired of Ratso Rizzo by himself.

[@aaronmauer7225]

@@m.e.p.r wish they would have just said something about it. Seems like they are friends and why not wish him luck on his other thing and not have people just keep asking where he is

[@Sabrermk42]

@@aaronmauer7225 He's mentioned it in the comment section many times

[@r1pperuk]

if im dropping £3K+ on a CW...im getting the Belcanto.

[@jessebechtold2973]

Not much of an integrated bracelet guy but this very much makes a case for it.

[@rwolfhaus1234]

I think you hit the nail on the head by asking whether one likes a skeleton or not. Unsure the yeas would win an election but would be interesting to know. Now asking if having an OP & 1.2k less in my pocket is worth this CW. Everything considered, I'd have to say yes, the Rolex is the better buy, at least it would be my vote. Good topic and food for thought! I now need a cool thermometer.

[@generalpatton272]

Tudor 39 pelagos and black bay 58gmt, are both wayyyyyy better imo

[@brynroberts9880]

Parody?

[@aaronmauer7225]

I think these will struggle to sell. The titanium 12 is selling for $1800 and to be more than 2 times the price for a skeleton dial is going to be hard to convince everyone the added value

[@v0llm1lch]

It's not just a skeleton dial its also their in-house 120 hrs chronometer movement that's increasing the price

[@aaronmauer7225]

@@v0llm1lch I thought it was a modified movement off the shelf not an in house movement

[@RichKovars]

It is their in house SH21 movement.

[@georged822]

The 12 titanium is a SW300…. This movement alone is far far far above it, not to mention in house, and beautifully done for this skeleton. This will trade over MSRP, no doubt about it and is basically the front runner for watch of the year at this point.

[@georged822]

@@aaronmauer7225 some CW SH21 watches fetch over 2500 used. This skeleton is far beyond anything CW has ever done, it will trade way higher than $2500 used..

[@MrBlahBlah1234]

Nice to be able to see what the CW guys can do with a little more runway to play with

[@johnmonachelli5256]

4k plus on a c ward type people are buying bel canto that will be the hurdle

[@astrostl]

I love the idea behind the Bel Canto but I find it illegible and don't like the spacing. The 12X is far better for me.

[@skylineuk1485]

@@astrostlit is actually very easy to read which was my worry too. I own one and it easy to read with no issues and my eyes are like Mr Magoo. It’s much thicker than expected which is an issue under a dress shirt and the case back feels very rough so I kept the sticker on lol

[@Masterpsflood]

This looks a million times better than the regular one. This dial or lack of a dial fits the look way better

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

It also looks less like an homage to AP in case and GS in dial.

[@Masterpsflood]

@Judah.Rosenthal or a full out homage copy of a Czapek

[@comomuchopan1807]

@@Masterpsfloodthe same designer designed both watches

[@Masterpsflood]

@@comomuchopan1807 so he pretty much just repeated his design

[@extremejoy]

I just found my next watch! 😍 Thank you! ❤

[@Stealther]

Hoping the micro adjust bracelet makes its way to The Twelve.

[@titaniumcrayon3090]

They have done it again, this will catapult the twelve into the spotlight for everyone. I think I’m going to pre order this now… I have a small wrist and the lug to lug actually fits me. I just can’t believe it.

[@gs2162]

Indices are too small, but it's a great piece

[@AndreaDoesYoga]

Incredible watch! Definitely on my wishlist now. 💎👌

[@Pr4mer]

Looks like a bad copy of a Zenith Defy. Would have been nice if they accentuated or even placed normal sized dial markers in it. Not impressed. I love my C65 Dune and my Bel Canto but wish they would have done better on their skeletal. Shame. I just don't but into artificial hype.

[@TheJohnnyViewer]

The only interesting thing in this watch is a movement with twin barrel and 5 days PR. We have CW Antarctique and now CW Defy, great. Do more things like Bell Canto

[@nielslarsen1693]

People whine about the price but compare it to watches half the quality at double the price. Christopher Ward is the absolut nr. 1 innovative watch brand in the world right setting the standard for everyone else. People dont get that sure few will be first movers on 5k Chr ward watches but they are setting their bar higher and higher which raises the value of their brand and affects their lower tier watches.

[@user-ph2xo7vj7w]

When you reviewed the 12, you asked what could CW do for $5000. Now you know.

[@Futurama10000]

Where is Harris?

[@JuanLopez-rx6sx]

Nobodies going to spend that kind of money on a CW…

[@georged822]

You’re actually clueless if you think this. This will trade over 5k in America.

[@JuanLopez-rx6sx]

@@georged822 hope you prove me wrong there bud

[@Psysso]

Nobody smart atleast xD

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

This is a hero model. They do t need nor intend to sell a ton. But everyone is talking about it and when their overall prices increase, nobody will notice or care. They’ve already done it more than once.

[@astrostl]

"Thank you for placing a deposit which has successfully secured your Twelve X." I just spent that kind of money on this CW 🤷‍♂

[@ComicBookVeteran]

That CW is a magnificent marvel of engineering, but for sub $5k and I would take a Vintage Rolex Datejust all day long. But that’s me…

[@RadixRill]

This is a better made watch than a similarly valued vintage rolex. Not even close

[@JoyDiv757]

Where is the other dude?

[@josevasquez1781]

I sold my first CW over a decade ago it was a C series diver it was just okay as a beater to my Omega sea master bond version and others. I see these trading for less as skeleton design will eventually fade soon enough. There's a reason why Rolex Sub, JLC, Cartier, etc are best sellers and sought after even preowned.

[@sinesaii]

The new ones are dramatically better quality, and JLC prices are stupid. Rolex has been a shit experience to buy for years, and Cartier, yes, they are still good. Their prices are honest and the offer Quartz (I like quartz). Cartier still makes sense, but I am done with Rolex and JLC. Do check out modern Chris Ward. They are not Cartier level, but they are better than most recent vintage luxury watches. Seiko is also making some great watches in that $1800 to $3,500 (street price), albeit with crude movements. Formex and Monta are two other brands to watch. I wear my Formex Essence more than my Aqua Terra.

[@Geniusclicks]

It’s the testing that makes Tudor better… at the end of the day it’s about keeping time. Tudor’s are -2/+4 seconds at day that’s a 6 second differential… their master chronometers are 5 seconds. And Rolex is 4 seconds. Then add the silicone hairspings… lets see that with Christopher Ward

[@yousefgeorge3060]

was waiting when youd post about this! very quick great job!

[@ethanmeiers5529]

Surely you have a personal watch collection video coming soon?

[@TimeConsumingWatches]

Only skeleton I have liked so far, but im still not sure I'd buy it. Maybe after handling it in person. Also, what shirt are you wearing?! I love it

[@alextryan]

PREACH this all needed to be said. Everyone is comparing them to "similar" watches but those watches are FLAT UGLY. This X is the first beautiful skeleton watch ever made.

[@patekphilippetimepiece]

So you buying one?

[@wristopia4101]

The C60 Concept version movement looked better IMO, as did the whole watch.

[@FluhanFauci]

i dunno how youtubers are getting away with the blatant lies about cward reworking their movement for the twelve x, when they literally copied the exact same blueprint as the c60 concept

[@Ouroboros67]

This beats the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton IMHO

[@Psysso]

Doesnt even come close

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Love this watch!

[@ofb7212]

Luv my prx but it is not in the same league as the CW. You can debate the value but the movement and the quality do make it a debate

[@alfieakaronaldog]

If it’s a $5,000 watch that’s better than any $10,000 watch……… I guess you have ordered one right? 😂

[@johnholkham2420]

Definitely a watch makers watch, owning the 40mm Twelve has been a joy because of the design , slimness , wearability. This model is more an enthusiasts watch fantastic engineering but not for me. Also the increased size looses the original charm. That said Christopher Ward are moving up the ladder while still providing affordable watches.

[@michaeldemarco899]

It’s a nice looking integrated sports watch. No doubt. No question. But it does have a lot of characteristics of an ETA 6974 that looks modded and decorated yes…but that movement is $500 USD off the shelf. I’m not saying that this watch as an overall package isn’t nice but I think CW is losing some of its initial charm IMHO. Would I buy and wear this watch? Yes. But I also have a larger budget than most of CW clients I would imagine. And that isn’t me being arrogant. I have several CW pieces.

[@siphotchala5202]

What about that skeleton zenith defy?

[@weezkidtube]

The IWC on your wrist is so much better than the CW. Too big too thick.

[@jesseGfragrance]

I’m kinda like the ti 12 with the gradient dial better

[@kevinpinball]

That was great. I hope you two talk again.

[@user-vv1qm5dj9c]

Great watch brand. Mediocre roll out imo. Don’t think CW laid the foundation for a jump to this price point notwithstanding the excellent design. Maybe it doesn’t matter because the X is effectively a special edition. The Tudor comparison didn’t make sense to me because Tudor doesn’t offer a skeleton Black Bay.

[@franklucente3517]

“OMG is that a Czapek?” “No, BUT CLOSE! It’s a Christopher Ward!” 😂😂😂No.😂😂

[@evano8312]

Have you handled either watch

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

@@evano8312I have. The CW isn’t worth it because it’s not an original design and relies on others too much. The Czapek because it’s just too expensive and the design is also a bit too on the nose (though the bracelet is well made).

[@astrostl]

Adrian Buchmann was second designer on the Antarctique and now head of product for CW.

[@evano8312]

@@Judah.Rosenthal I’m talking about the new skeleton

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

@@astrostl Well then that answers that. Same as when Jerome Lambert left JLC and all of a sudden Montblanc started to look like MUTs.

[@KurtGodel432]

You should do one for watches under 20k.

[@christianellopm]

I'll take the OP

[@TheUntitledMisc]

CALLING ALL MODIFIERS!! please somebody frost this watch and maybe even diamond set the bezel 😍😍

[@eahmhelmoa]

1- compare it to czapek antractique revelation, it is a copy paste... 2- where is Michael?

[@chrispap1964]

ok "hold your horses" , you sound like a second-hand car dealer......i appreciate CW, but picking this over a Rolex, good luck....it looks like a $5K watch and probably is the best in that price range IF YOU ARE INTO SKELETON WATCHES.....and if a CW has build a reputation for excellent watches ranging from 1k-5k, there is no way he is going to be able to move up into luxury category, because his customer base will not be able to afford the prices and the next customer base will not choose a brand associated with a lower price tag.

[@loo9407]

Beautiful piece!!! But at $2500 I would pick this up. Priced way to close to a Speed Master and Santos

[@Psysso]

Bad take this time, get a Defy or an Omega for that much cash. To expensive and looks terrible.

[@donotreply703]

He loves to avoid addressing the Michael situation. He definitely got rid of him....sucks

[@patekphilippetimepiece]

I liked it when Anna was on here…

[@Mare14lj]

Zenith Defy prev gen?

[@consumidorbrasileiro222]

great video again

[@jinfromnyc]

Wait, this is not the zenith?

[@vipnetworker]

I’d rather have The Twelve or the Bel Canto.

[@TheRacerRich]

I think to praise the value of CW you have to consider its comparison point is other mostly Chinese made watches

[@tonyl7000]

What are you smoking? There are a few good Chinese brands, but the majority are pretty trash despite what a bunch of KZbinrs say... $100 chinese watches are used for cheap content.

[@TheRacerRich]

@@tonyl7000 Ok, but when you remember how much of a CW is Chinese it stops seeming like such a great deal. Is it really any better than Atelier Wen?

[@Psysso]

@@tonyl7000 He meant as CW is made mostly by chinese components and in chinese factories.

[@tonyl7000]

@@Psysso Correct me if I am wrong, but Swiss Made on the dial means a minimum of 60% of a watch's value is made in Switzerland.

[@tonyl7000]

@@Psysso And Chinese made doesn't automatically mean poor quality. They are pretty transparent in their quality gradings. Did a Chinese company not just win a GPHG?

[@jtorrebl]

Did they improve the titanium grade?

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

The case and bracelet is still grade 2 and the bezel is grade 5. Their reason stated is that grade 5 polishes and grade 2 is harder.

[@skylineuk1485]

@@Judah.RosenthalIt’s actually great they are doing what is considered correct for the look over some marketing bs with metals used.

[@micaljimenez7381]

Me too i would like to like but i dont know why..something make me hermetic to the brand,perhaps because she looks a little too much at a prx...

[@songoku-jx3cb]

I think the bel canto is the best watch of christopher ward

[@satvik888]

Where is Michael? T&H is incomplete without him.

[@josips4281]

It's ugly and way overpriced for microbrand. Not for me.

[@michaeladams9744]

1:00 and 13:32 that is not Christopher Ward it is Gerald Charles.

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

Christopher Ward is an expensive homage. That alone is a deal breaker.

[@ryanjofre]

I’m extremely bias against skeletons…they’re usually way to big and look cheap A.F. The Oris is 100% a better looking skeleton and the power reserve is breathtaking but the size is a huge fail(44mm)!!! This watch has awesome power reserve, it doesn’t look cheap, the Lume looks intense and most importantly it has a good size(41mm, they say it wears 42mm). The only problem is the CW signature on the rotor looks AWFUL…..100% tacky A.F.😱😱😱

[@INTERNETDWARF]

I like oris at max $2000-$2500 Even their in house aquis is way overpriced to me in the 4s.

[@ulifluhme]

Aliexpress on steroids

[@franklucente3517]

“This $5k Christopher Ward is a no-brainer.” I think you mean a NO brainer.🙄 Sorry, I’m not paying $5k for any CW, and certainly not a Czapek homage. 😂 Sorry if that sounds a bit snobbish, but I wouldn’t spend that for a gold CW. 😂 🤷‍♂️ There are far too many better options to apply that $5k toward, even if it’s going toward a $15k+ model.

[@MrBlahBlah1234]

Czapek itself is a made up brand, basically

[@BabyJesus66]

Nobody talks about them, but the Swiss company Baillod or Ba1110d did a Swiss made skeleton tourbillon for under $5k. Not sure why they get zero recognition, then brands like this get tons. They even did price transparency even further than CW did.

[@andersonmcintosh7214]

CW is on a bit of a roll with the watches they are releasing of late.

[@parky5329]

Zenith Defy....... Really like CW but this appears to be yet another homage watch.

[@mimikatz]

It looks good but no reason to bring a Rolex OP into the convo. The extra $1200 is for prestige for sure, but not comparable as this is a skeleton watch, not as accurate (COSC). I can’t even figure the time at a glance on chronographs let alone this. These are two different watches.

[@astrostl]

"At the heart of The Twelve X (Ti) is Calibre SH21, Christopher Ward’s in-house chronometer movement. Not only does SH21 deliver COSC-certified timekeeping, but its twin-barrel construction ensures a power reserve of five days."

[@mimikatz]

@@astrostl not sure what this is in reference to?

[@astrostl]

@@mimikatz you said, "not as accurate (COSC)." If the implication is that only the OP is COSC certified, that isn't true. The 12X is as well.

[@mimikatz]

@@astrostl yeah it was a confusing post. The 12x has COSC but the OP is Superlative Chronometer, so METAS+ at -2\+2

[@astrostl]

@@mimikatz gotcha. It's still a COSC rather than a METAS *certification* with the delta coming in by way of them handholding it for a month ("Superlative Chronometer" being a Rolexism rather than an externally-validated standard). Both have the same cert. One promises to handhold, the other has said nothing. I would be surprised if CW *didn't* handhold theirs as well. Even crappy movements can be tuned really well given enough effort on a timegrapher.

[@ashraffaridharis5570]

These secret paid reviews be getting outta hand boys.

[@nicholasanderson9019]

Yeah I find it kind of suspect that all of a sudden everyone is talking about this brand

[@Psysso]

@@nicholasanderson9019 About this watch and they all love it.

[@ulifluhme]

Aliexpress on steroids

[@affegorilla1299]

Not bad!

[@oliverseymour7420]

Bring back Michael… period

[@alunjones2550]

It's not the prettiest movement to skeletonise. Sorry but this is about the only Christopher Ward I wouldn't buy.

[@Kaemart611]

Is this post sponsored by Christopher Ward? Because it feels like it.

[@oscarlopez-gc1pv]

Ps I will check out CHEF iQ😊

[@Bobventk]

It’s cringe how he always calls his own watches beautiful

[@almeladze]

So Sam didnt work out, Mike is gone to do a jeans podcast... So we're stuck with the pretentious gay guy?

[@Sumerdini]

Skeleton watches 👎

[@johncassol8855]

I don’t care that people like Christopher ward, I’ll never even look in their direction. Sorry

[@1984sebb]

It's an ugly looking shitter that costs 4k! It's ten times the price of a quartz PRX and the PRX is an infinitely better looking and better designed watch...

[@DrNitin14]

The only group more delusional that g shock fans are prx fans

[@cal.3861]

I hate these brands. This is a czapek antartique and gp laureato rip off. This is why I buy Rolex. You may be able to copy design but they can’t copy accuracy as all my Rolexes run under +/- 1seconds per day.

[@beerkegaard]

Christian wears Rolex and Patek but recommends Christopher Ward to us … like wtf 😂

[@yonchrr]

​@@beerkegaardhaha says it all really.