Christopher Ward Is The Latest Player In Sports Watches With An Integrated Bracelet
Christopher Ward may well be the last of the brands to enter the race for “sports” watches with an integrated bracelet, but one thing is certain, nobody takes away the label of having created something very special.
Inspired by the design of sports watches from the 1970s and the legacy of Geráld Genta, “The Twelve” is born, and although at first glance it may seem like just another watch with an integrated bracelet, after looking closely at it, we can say that “The Twelve ” is very different and full of refined distinct details.
But let’s go by parts and starting with the case, the watch comes in six variants, which four of them have a stainless steel case while the other two have a titanium case, the differences within each material are only in the tone of the dial and we will talk about them later.
Having clarified the different materials of the case, let’s now talk about its different designs. As it couldn’t be any other way, we have to start by talking about the ‘dodecagonal’ bezel, which comes with 12 sides and if there were any doubts, the “mystery” of the origin of the watch’s name is unravelled, which is not a debut since the same type bezel we can find on the Zenith Defy Skyline, however, “The Twelve” differs by adding a second layer round bezel (let’s call it that) that “prevents” the bezel from touching the case, and here things start to get interesting, as the same formula is applied on the back case with sapphire crystal. The screw-down crown at three o’clock comes with screw-on crown guards that are not excessive in size and give them a more retro look. The level of finish throughout the case is nothing short of exceptional as the brushed finish on most surfaces contrasts with the polished bevels that extend to all parts of the case, which includes the bezel, crown and crown guards, case back as well as all parts of the integrated bracelet.
In terms of dimensions, the case of “The Twelve” is 40mm in diameter and 9.95mm thick for the steel case and 8.95mm for the titanium case, since each one houses different movements. Another of the watch’s distinctive points compared to the competition is the way the case attaches the strap, using outer edges (what is called a male joint) instead of the usual inner edges (or female joint), many of you have wondered if it makes a difference, we can’t say yes but we think so, as it allows better articulation of the first link of the bracelet, although limited when normally the first link of the other integrated bracelets does not have any articulation. And since we are talking about the bracelet, it features all the links connected with screws, including 10 removable links, a tapered shape, a butterfly clasp and a quick-release mechanism. In addition to the option of an integrated bracelet in the same material as the case, there is also the option of a rubber strap available in black, dark blue or light blue.
Moving now to the dial, there are six colour options available, for the steel variant there are four options: Glacier Blue, Nordic Blue, Basalt Gray and Artic White. While the titanium variant comes with two options: Astral Blue or Nebula Purple and both with a fumé finish. But it is the textured pattern of the dial that makes the difference, which, like once again the Zenith Defy Skyline or the Czapek Antartique, presents a pattern with its logo multiplied, but which does not do it the easy way, ballooning its logo which combined with light generates a 3D visual effect. But the details don’t stop there, the date window at six o’clock comes with a disc in the exact hue of the dial and to complete applied logo, hour markers and hands all filled with luminescent material and with polish chamfers.
Inside and as already revealed, they play different instruments, while the steel variants receive the Sellita SW200 automatic movement that comes with an accuracy of +20/-20 seconds daily and a power reserve of 38 hours, the titanium variants come equipped with the Sellita SW300 which is COSC certified, featuring an accuracy of +6/-4 seconds daily and a power reserve of up to 56 hours.
On top of all that has been said is the price, starting at €1,095 and €1,350 for the steel options with rubber strap or steel bracelet respectively, and going up to €1,595 and €2,075 for the titanium variants with strap or bracelet.
Our Thoughts
If, after reading everything that has been said, you are not impressed, perhaps the sports watch with an integrated bracelet is not your type or perhaps you are satisfied with a more affordable option.
Many will also say that the price is far from cheap, and that’s true, but it’s also no less true that with such a high level of refinement and attention to detail, the asking price proves to be cheap and where the competition lags behind or claims a higher price.
Our opinion is that we liked it a lot, and if we had to choose one right now, it would be the Artic White, even though they are all beautiful.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Christopher Ward
Model: The Twelve
Reference: C12-40ADA1-S00W0-B0 (artic white on bracelet), C12-40ADA1-S00W0-RK (artic white on a black strap), C12-40ADA1-S00B1-B0 (glacier blue on bracelet), C12-40ADA1-S00B0-B0 (nordic blue on bracelet), C12-40ADA1-S00B0-RB (nordic blue on a blue strap), C12-40ADA1-S00K0-B0 (basalt grey on bracelet), C12-40ADA1-S00K0-RK (basalt grey on a black strap), C12-40ADC1-T00P0-B0 (nebula purple on bracelet), C12-40ADC1-T00P0-RK (nebula purple on a black strap), C12-40ADC1-T00B0-B0 (astral blue on bracelet), C12-40ADC1-T00B0-RK (astral blue on a black strap)
Dial: Glacier blue, nordic blue, basalt grey, artic white, astral blue, nebula purple
Case Material: Stainless steel, titanium
Case Dimensions: 40 mm diameter, 9.95 mm (steel) / 8.95 mm (titanium) thickness
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: See-through
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Integrated bracelet matching the case with a folding clasp, rubber strap
Caliber: Sellita SW200-1, Sellita SW300-1 COSC
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Winding: Automatic
Jewels: 26 (SW200), 25 (SW300)
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Power Reserve: 38 Hours, 56 hours
Price: € 1,095, € 1,350, € 1,595, € 2,075
Availability: May 2023 (pre-order)
Limited Edition: No
