A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

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Amor Vincit Omnia
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A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

I used to have one of these. It was part of my first quartet of CWs that I sold off in 2012/2013 in a fit of vintage inspired madness. I managed to buy one model again (original DBR1) a couple of years ago, then saw this in UncleDicky’s Horological Bargain Emporium last week. “Why not?” I thought.

It strikes me that those who have joined the forum recently might not be so familiar with the early watches. The C5 Malvern Mk1 was actually the first watch Christopher Ward produced in 2005, in its Swiss Movement guise. The Swiss Made versions came later and this one dates from November 2009 according to the manual.

It’s in great overall condition. The rotor is a bit stiff so it will be going to CWT for a service before I wear it much.

As you can see it is a simple and elegant watch, in many ways the classic CW. The lovely decorated movement is a Sellita SW200-1; you can only tell this by looking under the balance wheel with a loupe.

The alligator strap has a little wear but is basically in good condition and it has the original butterfly clasp - takes a bit of working out the first time you wear one, but it works very well.

I’m really pleased to have one of these back in the collection. I might have to break my new travelling rule and take it to Cyprus for evening wear over Christmas and New Year. :lol:
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Paul Drawmer »

I am a fan of this Mk1 model, and actually thought about buying it, glad you have picked this one up. The finishing is so good overall, and the dial is a delight, so much nicer than the Plain Jane MK2.

I have a s/s Mk1, it was my 2nd CW and I picked it up from ebay a few years ago. Despite my recent cull, and no need for a dress watch, I've still got it, and have no plans for disposal.

Just look at the detail in this face.
c5 dial.jpg
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by MiniMpi »

Congratulations Steve.
The C5 MK1 is The Classic CW and it's lovely to see one getting use on the forum again ;)
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

That’s lovely, Paul. Interesting that mine doesn’t have the concentric machined pattern in the central part of the dial.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Paul's must be an early C5 being a 'Swiss Mvmt' version.

Top notch, both of you. :clap:

I had a MkI for a while too, a few years back, but it got sold to buy something else and, in reality, was smaller than my preference.

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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Kip »

The "Swiss Movement" models were all built prior to Aug. 2008 when all production was moved to Switzerland (Swiss Made). I believe at that time is when the concentric circles on the center dial disappeared.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Thanks, Kip, I thought that might have been the case.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Laird »

Thats a beauty - the recessed centre reminds me of Waltham & Illinois PW 'sunken faces' ...
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Decker »

Lovely watch,the decorated movement is quite surprising given it`s price point in 2009.Enjoy :thumbup:
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

I just found my original thread from January 2012 after I picked up my first C5 in the sale.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10387&p=129251#p129251

Things have moved on a little since then.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Thegreyman »

Good to see some of the early models showcased.

The C5 looks to be in excellent condition Steve. I also like the concentric pattern on Paul's version, both lovely dress watches.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Essex Paul »

Nice classy look boys.

As a new CW follower I am liking the early look.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

You could always post a WTB in Sales Corner, Paul.

Some of the early designs have great charm and are really lovely watches.

The latest case designs are something else, though. Nice to have a mix of old and new.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by statto »

I agree with Paul Drawmer - the Mk1 face is so much better than the Mk2. Same goes for the C3.
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Re: A blast from the past - C5 Malvern Mk1 GWK

Post by Paul Drawmer »

statto wrote: Mon Oct 22, 2018 1:24 pm I agree with Paul Drawmer - the Mk1 face is so much better than the Mk2. Same goes for the C3.
Yep, I sold and bought to swap a C3 Mk2 for a Mk1.
Mk2 (with rare gold hands and numbers)
c3face2.JPG
MK1
IMG_1249.JPG
I prefer the layered dial of the MK1, and the wider lugs make the strap look as if it fits properly.
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