New Christopher Ward Watches

[delays]

Just got the e-mail through from CW about the new diver's watch, called the C600 Tri-Tech Diver Elite, and as the name suggests its based upon the original CW diver, the C6. However, it's fitted with an auto movement, and it's got quite a lot of features usually associated with higher watches, such as Tritium tubes, a helium release valve and a 500m depth rating.

This goes with their recent impressive releases in the shape of the auto chrono C40, auto C60 and C70 with BRM-esque dials. Stunning watches, the lot of them. I've already got an original C4 but these new releases have me scrabbling down the back of the sofa!

Anyone else as impressed as I am with CW at the moment?

[Twit]

delays said:

Anyone else as impressed as I am with CW at the moment?

I'm afraid I am the complete reverse! CW used to be a bit qwerky and really good value, but all the recent ones seem very 'similar' to other more well known designs and the grand prix series are just horrible. Coupled with the ever increasing prices, some of them are pushing 400 - 500 quid now, I'd rather spend that money on something second hand.

I kind of think CW has lost sight of the market they were in. Also, it seems every week I am getting emails with sales and special codes to get the prices down. Just price them right in the first place and you don't have to worry with rubbish like that!

There is certainly nothing in the newer range that would tempt me!

[delays]

Twit said:

I'm afraid I am the complete reverse! CW used to be a bit qwerky and really good value, but all the recent ones seem very 'similar' to other more well known designs and the grand prix series are just horrible. Coupled with the ever increasing prices, some of them are pushing 400 - 500 quid now, I'd rather spend that money on something second hand.

Hmm, I agree the pricing of the C40 was a bit of a shock, but considering its movement is the genuine Swiss Valjoux 7750 I can see where the costs come from. Obviously these are passed on to the consumer. And the new diver has some pretty techy kit on it too. Before they were pretty basic quartz movements, and thus much cheaper to make.

It seems the market that they're listening to has demanded these new, more expensive improvements to the line-up. It will be interesting to see if they depart the £130-250 price range altogether.

[StevenJJ]

I think this is a response to the masses that said 'if only CWL did automatics'. The decorated chronographs were never going to be (edit, 'much') less than £500 in the real world. I like the watches and hope CWL do well with the expanded range.

Edited by StevenJJ on Thursday 27th August 19:55

[StevenJJ]

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Edited by StevenJJ on Thursday 27th August 19:54

[Frederick]

I will admit, I wanted a C3 Corax, was up for £175, but that then increased to £240 or so, which imho is a lot of money for a quartz watch.

I'm turning into a movement snob though, I'd find it very hard to pay more than £100 for a quartz watch personally, esp when Seiko do 'proper' automatics for less than that, and respected automatics (Monsters etc) for not much more.

[Beards]

I see it's been launched at the same price as the top end Traser & Nite watch name brands that offer the same Tritium tech.
Is CW trying to sell this C600 based on these other manufacturers?

[spaximus]

When you get hold of the CW watches you do see the value. I have two and my wife and daughter have one each and without doubt they represent good value for money. I get as many comments whist wearing these as I do my Tag and gold watch.
With the new movment they are still good value and I think look individual.