Things afoot at CW

[SlackBladder]

Wonder what the announcement could be?


http://www.christopherward.co.uk/2ndjuly.html?utm_...

[marcosgt]

I'd expect a bespoke movement with a claim like "The most significant announcement for a British Watchmaker in 50 years"...

If it is, don't expect it to come cheap!

The only other thing that might fit the bill would be buying another, known, brand or manufacturing operation.

M.

[acd80]

SlackBladder said:

Wonder what the announcement could be?


http://www.christopherward.co.uk/2ndjuly.html?utm_...

They're having a sale?

[gbbird]

Lots of debate about this over on the CW forum. A 10th Anniversary watch has been on the cards for some time, but exactly what it will be no-one knows. After viewing the vid, i too think it will be a in house movement perhaps with a moonphase

g

[SlackBladder]

gbbird said:

Lots of debate about this over on the CW forum. A 10th Anniversary watch has been on the cards for some time, but exactly what it will be no-one knows. After viewing the vid, i too think it will be a in house movement perhaps with a moonphase

g

Some one knows

[mrdemon]

they are going to make a watch which does not look like a Omega or Rolex or a Tag Carrera.

Would be a nice brand if they did there own designs.

[CAPP0]

Biggest clue has to be the Swiss road sign surely?

Moving to CH? Buying someone Swiss? Buying in a Swiss movement? Or simply stealing an(other) acknowledged Swiss design?

[Hoofy]

Toblerone for every customer?

[MrSimba]

mrdemon said:

they are going to make a watch which does not look like a Omega or Rolex or a Tag Carrera.

Would be a nice brand if they did there own designs.

BFOD!

& add Bell&Ross to the above list also...

[sad61t]

CAPP0 said:

Biggest clue has to be the Swiss road sign surely?

Moving to CH? Buying someone Swiss? Buying in a Swiss movement? Or simply stealing an(other) acknowledged Swiss design?

To be honest, that was the most disappointing aspect of the video. I'd hoped he was moving away from Swiss movements (I believe most of the models use an ETA or modified ETA movement) and to a bespoke UK design. To see Bulldog Bred at 6 o'clock instead of Swiss Made would be refreshing, Long term, given the tightening of the supply of ETA parts, he will have to do this. (For example, Nomos started with ETAs, then moved in-house and have recently developed their own escapement.)

At the moment there's only a handful of genuine English watchmaker - Roger Smith of course but few can afford that level of craftmanship. Robert Froomes in Stamford is close; they have sourced all the parts including hands and crystals from UK businesses. The only caveat is that they start from a 1950 Smiths movement - I'm not sure if they found a tray of NOS that they are enhancing or if they are now able to produce a pattern copy of that movement (which would allow them to continue long term). If CW were able to add themselves to this list, it would be great.

Regarding styling, the CW line-up reminds me of an early artist who learns by copying past masters but has not yet developed their own style. The Jumping Hour and monopush chrono are moves in that direction (I personally would like to see a better finish, in the English flat polish and bevelling style rather than the Swiss surface pattern style) and their development is probably supported by the larger sales volumes of the homages.