No-one's told me this so I've imagined it all for my little self but I can see that for the foreseeable future the watch face isn't going to need any additional identification: the signature details are on the back and the crown and the wearer's going to know. Maybe this is how to address the elephant in the room: brand name & identity?
Forgive the pedantic observation but CW (see-duh-bull-you) and Christopher Ward have the same number of syllables.tikkathree wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 9:47 amI did notice during the fillum a trend by staff (I think) to say the company name as "CW": 2 syllables rather than 4/5.
I guess you are the type of person this watch is specifically targeting which is really good. No matter what we all suggest in here. In the end of the day that's all they are.. suggestions. The real deal is out there and in the form of the c12 loco. For the ones who love it.. it's a win for the others. CWL have a whole heap of watches to cater for their tastes.strapline wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 8:51 am The more I look at the loco the more I like it...even the name sits well with me. I've never seen myself as the type to be 'ignited' by haute horology; I thought my tastes were more traditional, particularly more tool watch. But this feels like watchmaking for the 21st century, something to shake up the same ol' same ol' from the same ol' same ol'. It doesn't need a PR indicator messing up the dial harmony, just give it a few winds when you remember, it'll go six days after all. The more I look at it and read about it, the more I struggle to understand how they can sell it for that kind of money. I'd love one. This has so much more to it than a chime! It feels like a change of direction; a new movement. Oh wait, it is...fantastic.
Des
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I don't think CW are targeting me with this release, I'm yet to buy one of their watches full stop. I've seen many over the years, with many I expected to like. But this came out of nowhere, I'd never entertained the idea of an open heart balance before. It's just something very different, there's a lot going on. All that said, I probably won't buy one...probably.
A "nearly-all-sold-out-so-buy-now-or-miss-out-on-this-batch" type email has just arrived in my inboxJasperCat wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 12:49 pm Almost 24 hours after general release of the C12 Loco, and those 750 units from the first drop by October, are still showing as available for pre-order... and all colour variations too
It is possible that having to order, pay in full and then wait until October, is likely putting some potential customers off, but other factors may be at work
Early days still, and let's not forget this drop is 2.5x the total number of LEs (blue and green) originally released for the Bel Canto, so it's more than likely this is an expected rate of sale.
I love the watch, but am fortunate to have seen it up close, so perhaps that helps. Hopefully others can get to see it in the showroom or at various watch fairs/shows over the next weeks and months
You should use CW's website and buy in GBP. Then let your bank handle the currency conversion.WileyECoyote wrote:First, I have watched the "Free Wheeling" video & have great admiration for the work, creative genius & technology that went into making the C12. Just like the Bel Canto before it, the C12 is groundbreaking. Creating a new movement specifically for this watch, the degree of timing accuracy along with an incredible power reserve of 144 hours/6 days are astounding feats that I applaud. Considering the time frame involved, Christopher Ward's achievement is all the more impressive. It has been mentioned that the initial run hasn't sold out & all the colors are still available after 24 hours. I think the immediate sell out success of the Bel Canto limited edition runs for specific colors may have led to some unrealistic expectations for this one. For one, while you may risk not getting in on the initial 750 production run, the prospective customer isn't risking missing out buying the color that they wish most to have. So, there is a matter of psychology here. The Bel Canto was the first of a very different horological direction for CW, whereas the C12 Loco is different in its own right but feels more like building upon what the Twelve & Bel Canto have achieved. Lastly, as an American customer, I do have to raise the issue of the cost on this side of the pond. I was curious to see what the total cost would be after everything was added on, so I put a C12 on a strap in my basket. $4,595 + $390 Sales Tax for my state + $728 in Customs Duties= $5,713 total cost. I did the same thing again exchanging the strap for a bracelet. $4,825 with bracelet + $410 Sales Tax + $762 Customs Duties = $5,997 total cost. While I have no doubt that the C12 Loco provides excellent value in the world of haute horology, it's still a $6,000 watch when it is all said & done. I will add one more caveat to this equation. With the advent of the tariff chaos, the American dollar has plummeted in value. So, U.S. customers are no longer getting the favorable exchange rate that they were just a short three months ago. By my calculations, the dollar's buying power has been eroded by 10% against the British pound. Before the cost to import goods was raised, I followed my instincts by buying a few things from abroad that I had considered but had put off like a high-end chess set. Another item was the CW C60 Pro 300 Bronze watch that had been on my wish list since it was released a couple years ago. I was able to buy one off the extended January sale & am thankful that I did. I mention this because a point that can be made. The cost of the C12 Loco is approximately six times what I paid total for the C60 Pro 300 Bronze. I know the two watches are not the same & I am not comparing them in that way. My point is I don't believe I that I would derive six times the happiness in buying one of the new C12's. Thankfully, I am very happy with what I have & wish nothing but the best for those that do buy this one. I like the phrase that has been used before in this thread, I can admire something without yearning for it!
Delmar
Yes, I've had the same, but that's normal marketing really and wouldn't expect anything less... plus when it does sell out on the first 750 drop, at least they can say "we did warn you"
A cool £3m revenue will help with the increasing costs of doing business in the UK! Phenomenal growth of our little Maidenhead micro brand.JasperCat wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 8:21 pmYes, I've had the same, but that's normal marketing really and wouldn't expect anything less... plus when it does sell out on the first 750 drop, at least they can say "we did warn you"
I have a feeling these will be all sold out by early next week... 750 is a lot of £4k watches to sell, but it's a stunning watch
