CW Model Numbers and Names - the "Rough Guide"

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Amor Vincit Omnia
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CW Model Numbers and Names - the "Rough Guide"

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

It occurs to me that perhaps members (especially newer ones) are not always conversant with the model numbers and names that we often refer to on the forum. I therefore thought of compiling a rough and ready guide based on the model numbers. This list is far from exhaustive; for example, I haven’t included any of the ladies’ collections. Therefore, do please feel free to comment and add others (in the General Discussion thread) as you see fit. Thanks to Kip and the Admin Team for their proof reading and invaluable suggestions and corrections.

A quick search of the Gallery and Reference Gallery will reveal photos of almost all models.

You will also find a spreadsheet containing a great deal of information about each individual model here in the Archives.

The letter C in the model numbers referred to the original cases, which were numbered. For most watches like the C3 and C7, the latest case is very different.

In addition, watches have always had codes referring to case material, dial, and strap/bracelet.
Examples: GWT = gold (plated) case, white or off-white dial, tan strap
SKK = steel case, black dial, black strap

OK, here goes...

The C1 originally was the “Russell”, a quartz dress watch based on a Thomas Russell pocket watch dial.
The new C1 is the “Grand Malvern”.
The C1 Russell was a specific model whereas the C1 Grand Malvern is now an elite series.

C2 (quartz) and C20 (automatic) - the “Lido” - a day/date dress watch with a centre lug. The C20 was FLE #2

C3 “Malvern” - 3 evolutions of quartz (dress) chronographs
C30 was the COSC version of Mk2
Mk3 - FLE #7

C4 “Peregrine” - sporty 42mm quartz chronograph with alarm
C40 “Speedhawk” - auto version, no alarm
These watches featured a Peregrine Falcon as the counterbalance on the seconds hand.

C5 “Malvern” - a family of dress watches that has included autos, quartz, Slimline and 595.
Also, C5A (Malvern Aviator) and BoB (Battle of Britain commemorative watch)
C50 was a COSC auto version of Mk2
Slimline - FLE #6 (MMXV)

C6 “Kingfisher” - this was CW’s first (quartz) diver. Very distinctive and sought after, in a range of colours.
C60 - originally I believe an auto version of the above, first used for the orange and yellow LEs (FLE #1) - this evolved into the Trident Pro auto.
C600 - “Tri-tech Elite” - Black PVD diver with HE valve and GTLS (Tritium) lume.

The C60 number was adopted for the Trident range (C65 models followed, without the external bezel) all of which have featured the Trident counterbalance on the seconds hand. (FLE #4 - “Blue Scooter” and “Red Jag” named after the members who supplied the winning designs).
C65 is also used (2018) for the 41mm Trident Diver, hand wound vintage style diver with external bezel.
The number 6 has always prefaced CW’s main dive collections.

C7 “Rapide” - motorsport themed quartz chronograph. This also gave us the Bluebird LE and Italian Racing Red LE.
C700 “Grande Rapide” - an automatic chronograph.
C70 - a series of motorsport themed quartz chronographs, original series in national racing colours:
GB - Brooklands
FR - Grande Epreuve
DE - Silver Arrows
BE - Ascari
IT - Rosso Corsa
US - Cunningham Stripe

The Monte Carlo and DBR1 (Le Mans 1959) were added, along with the Vanwall and Ecurie Ecosse.
Several were re-released in COSC form.

C8 “Pilot” - originally a 44mm aviation themed auto. Still going strong with a number of current variants. CW’s main aviation collection.
C80 “Sector” - based on the UK and US Sector clocks used in aircraft control centres in WW2.

C9 “Harrison” - originally a 43mm auto dress watch and chronograph.
FLE #3 - C9 hand wound Aviator style with small seconds.
C90 - originally known as “Becketts”, had to be changed to “Power Reserve” as the original name was subject to copyright. First CW with a PR meter.
Used for the original JJ (Johannes Jahnke) movements (Jumping Hour, Monopusher chronograph, World Timer)

C9 underwent a case resize to 40mm (I think) in about 2015.

C10 - a 42mm aviation watch that was fairly short lived. (FLE #5)
C1000 - “Typhoon” a series of 42mm aviation chronographs

C11 - originally “Altus”, eventually “MSL” - a 42mm rectangular cased aviation auto and quartz chronograph. Led to the “Makaira” divers with internal bezel.

C13 “Henley” - a large (39mm) square dress quartz chronograph
C15 “Henley” - as above but automatic dress watch.

Military and Organisation watches - Over the years a variety of bespoke CW watches have been commissioned by Military Units and Private Organisations / Clubs that bear a significant emblem of the Unit or Club.
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Steve
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