Christopher Ward is stepping their watchmaking up a level.
Christopher Ward has solidified themselves as a respected brand producing desirable watches. If you read my posts on WatchCrunch you will know that I have a love/hate relationship with the company. I love their watches but hate paying taxes on them, lol. So when I walked in the door of the Wind Up Watch Fair in NY and Christopher Ward had the closest spot to the front door, I just had to start my day their. I said hello to the sales people I had met in Chicago and struck up a conversation with one of their principals who also heads their design and development. When I got around to asking him when they intend to build me a minute repeater, his face lit up. He said I have a prototype to show you and retrieved a padded case from a colleague. Upon opening it up, he handed me an hour chiming Sonata(Sonneries) watch with the hammer and chime located between the dial and crystal where it can easily be viewed while wearing the watch. I was instructed that I could not photograph it since it has not yet been released to the public. A limited edition of 250 pieces are intended to be produced and because I am a friend of the company (at least the sales department) I was offered an opportunity to buy watch #4 of the series which I agreed to.
The real news in my mind is that Christopher Ward has designed and is building an advanced complication movement in house. This is a step into a higher tier of horological significance. What do you think?
Watch shown is not the new release but shares many of the same details. No logo is intended to be visible on the face of the watch in order to not disturb the symmetry.
My name is Rich and I am building a collection of unique complications. I know it sounds more like the way you start a watch museum and not a personal collection. So far I have a Tourbillion, Retrogra...
Thanks for sharing, what will it retail for?
Thanks for sharing, what will it retail for?
I believe they said to prepare to part with $3000.00
I believe they said to prepare to part with $3000.00
Well that would be pretty incredible...
It will absolutely be an exciting release.
A minute repeater for 3K? Where do I sign up? Anyone have Christopher's personal cell?
On one hand, congratulations on getting #4, I guess you were either the first/early Joe Public to get an in (#1-3 probably goes to someone in the company).
On the other hand, the Asian in me is cringing at the number. #4? Aiyaa, bely bely bad feng shui maa.
I have the new C60 Trident Pro 300 in 38mm from them, although the bracelet had to be sent back for repair the actual watch is stunning - seriously considering getting one of there military watches as a field watch(Nuts to think that I could save a little more then a Khaki Field mechanical and end up with a COSC certified field watch). Fantastic detail on the watch and some of the best customer service I have received with regards to the bracelet.
I love my CW. I consider buying another... I will have to wait until April for the windup in SF if I want to avoid those taxes. Looking for a sealander I think.
Definitely calls to mind, the Nivrel 5 minute repeater which goes for about 5k,and utilizes an ETA movement.
My eyes just lit up reading this post. That's awesome! I never experienced a minute repeater in person. And to be offered #4 of 250, I would have asked someone to pinch me. I wouldn't tell them why though, so it would be an awkward moment. Can't wait to see the press release and your future post.
A minute repeater for 3K? Where do I sign up? Anyone have Christopher's personal cell?
Not a minute repeater just a chime on the hour.
On one hand, congratulations on getting #4, I guess you were either the first/early Joe Public to get an in (#1-3 probably goes to someone in the company).
On the other hand, the Asian in me is cringing at the number. #4? Aiyaa, bely bely bad feng shui maa.
It was so funny when they asked me if I wanted to reserve a certain number. Not having a favorite number, my first thought was #69 but my wife already thinks I am juvenile so I said they lowest number available please.
Definitely calls to mind, the Nivrel 5 minute repeater which goes for about 5k,and utilizes an ETA movement.
I have had my eye on that watch too.
Not a minute repeater just a chime on the hour.
ahhh, yes. I see that now. Reading is fundamental. My fundamentals deteriorate after midnight! Thanks for clarifying! :-)
Look forward to it :) 3k in a small classy case and a cool dial and hands will help
What a scoop!
You‘ve made a great connection and with that timely comment to the right person. you’re in for a single digit number on a super limited piece!!!
I confess to cluelessness about CW and I’m not sure if a minute repeater is a complication that need..
But - I love the absurd complexity and mechanical Gordian knot that it represents
https://youtu.be/8SStSzrtOJ8
Can’t wait to see it in person and then I’ll probably wish I could get one. 🙄
BTW - not sure what taxes ya’ll are upset about.. I thought the US tax/duty was low?
if that watch is 3k USD, it’s about 4100 CAN, which gets 17% tax and duty - about +740 dollars if I want it. So almost 4900 Can.
my last almost purchase I had to rule out once I added in the extra grand of taxes. And don’t get me started on income tax (37%) 😑
What a scoop!
You‘ve made a great connection and with that timely comment to the right person. you’re in for a single digit number on a super limited piece!!!
I confess to cluelessness about CW and I’m not sure if a minute repeater is a complication that need..
But - I love the absurd complexity and mechanical Gordian knot that it represents
https://youtu.be/8SStSzrtOJ8
Can’t wait to see it in person and then I’ll probably wish I could get one. 🙄
BTW - not sure what taxes ya’ll are upset about.. I thought the US tax/duty was low?
if that watch is 3k USD, it’s about 4100 CAN, which gets 17% tax and duty - about +740 dollars if I want it. So almost 4900 Can.
my last almost purchase I had to rule out once I added in the extra grand of taxes. And don’t get me started on income tax (37%) 😑
I'm crying about 6 5/8% state tax while they are beating you up something awful. I am so into watches that make sounds and the movements for allowing it to happen.
I'm crying about 6 5/8% state tax while they are beating you up something awful. I am so into watches that make sounds and the movements for allowing it to happen.
Automatics designed to make sound - so cool - and putting the hammers on the dial side is brilliant. I hope the caseback is open so you can see what craziness is going on each time it chimes
What a scoop!
You‘ve made a great connection and with that timely comment to the right person. you’re in for a single digit number on a super limited piece!!!
I confess to cluelessness about CW and I’m not sure if a minute repeater is a complication that need..
But - I love the absurd complexity and mechanical Gordian knot that it represents
https://youtu.be/8SStSzrtOJ8
Can’t wait to see it in person and then I’ll probably wish I could get one. 🙄
BTW - not sure what taxes ya’ll are upset about.. I thought the US tax/duty was low?
if that watch is 3k USD, it’s about 4100 CAN, which gets 17% tax and duty - about +740 dollars if I want it. So almost 4900 Can.
my last almost purchase I had to rule out once I added in the extra grand of taxes. And don’t get me started on income tax (37%) 😑
The price for free/delayed healthcare. I agree though import tax to canada is nuts. I think in usa watches under 800 no taxes. In canada u buy a 300 usd seiko and add up 100 more for taxes. Ridiculous.
If this is not a minute repeater, why are people saying it is? It's just an hour chime. They ok'd my order, but I am thinking of canceling now. You can get the same for less, no? Also, is it a Sellita base?
I think the people calling it a minute repeater are mistaken or don't realize the difference. It was explained to me as a watch that chimes on the hour. The room was so noisy that I could not hear the tone when they wound it past the hour. I am not certain of the movement but it has modifications to make the hammer hit the gong. I can't think of any less expensive watches that make sounds except quartz watches.
My intention is not to sell watches for Christopher Ward, they do fine without my help. I was just impressed that they were introducing a watch with a more advanced complication and wanted to hear what the WatchCrunchers have to say.
So you're the one who got #4! I just requested it but was told it was reserved. I also saw it at Wind Up and was very impressed.
I think the people calling it a minute repeater are mistaken or don't realize the difference. It was explained to me as a watch that chimes on the hour. The room was so noisy that I could not hear the tone when they wound it past the hour. I am not certain of the movement but it has modifications to make the hammer hit the gong. I can't think of any less expensive watches that make sounds except quartz watches.
My intention is not to sell watches for Christopher Ward, they do fine without my help. I was just impressed that they were introducing a watch with a more advanced complication and wanted to hear what the WatchCrunchers have to say.
I understand. I put my order in. But I'm still looking for something comparable in the price range. It was a bit thick. And if it only chimes once does that even classify it as a Sonnerie?
I thinking value in 5 years.
I understand. I put my order in. But I'm still looking for something comparable in the price range. It was a bit thick. And if it only chimes once does that even classify it as a Sonnerie?
I thinking value in 5 years.
The technical term is Sonnerie au Passage. If you actually collect for craftsmanship then value in 5 years shouldn't matter.
The technical term is Sonnerie au Passage. If you actually collect for craftsmanship then value in 5 years shouldn't matter.
I do collect for craftsmanship....which is why I'm choosing not to spend 3500 on a modified eta.
I do collect for craftsmanship....which is why I'm choosing not to spend 3500 on a modified eta.
You've obviously haven't seen it yet otherwise you'd understand it's goes well beyond a modified Sellita SW201. I'd like to see your picks for a well crafted watch for $3.5k and if you say anything with a Kenissi movement I'm gonna laugh at you.
Ha. Never. I'd probably find a used GS, Nomos we're nice when they were less expensive. For a chime I would have to dig to find a Vulcain. It's not that a sonnerie can be found for less, but I'm struggling with the value prop itself. I just canceled my order. Doubt I'll regret it. I'm Shure some will love it.
Honestly, everything I want now is zenith el primero price and above. If I have to go under, Il just get a Seiko. Lol
So, are we going to buy? Will it be worth the same in 5 years?!
I sent my money. Read the explanation of the watch at: https://www.christopherward.com/int/loupe-magazine/article?cid=c1-bel-canto-the-chime-is-now
I think it is priced very low for the complication and therefore it should be the same of higher in five years unless the Chinese make something similar and sell it for $600.00