Hey everyone,
The new C12 Loco is clearly a bold release from CW, and like many of you, I’ve been reading the forum reactions with interest. It’s exciting to see CW pushing design boundaries — but also clear that this watch isn’t for everyone.
One thing I’ve noticed is how quickly discussions around the Loco can get polarized. Some love it. Others aren’t sure. And when someone voices critical opinions, the thread can get... tense.
But here’s a thought: instead of shutting down the conversation with “if it’s not for you, move on,” why not lean into the fact that CW offers bespoke program. That opens a whole new way to talk about the Loco — not just whether we like it as is, but what we’d do differently if we could make it our own.
So let’s turn this into a design discussion:
- What do you think about the architecture and dial layout?
- How would you customize your own version? Colorways? Straps? Dial textures?
- Are there small tweaks (hand design, finishing, etc) that would change how you feel about the watch?
- Would you consider ordering a bespoke version and if so which changes will get you to pull the trigger?
Let’s try to keep this open-minded and productive — lets imagining what a personalized C12 could look like.
Curious to hear your thoughts.
C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Ok, I’ll start this thread with some of my own thoughts and ideas.
I have mixed feelings — especially when I compare the Loco to the Bel Canto, which I personally find to be a much more harmonious and complete design.
In the Bel Canto, the upper part of the dial features the time display, just like the Loco. But what really elevates it is how the rest of the watch is composed. There’s no abrupt "cut" between sections. Instead, there's a beautifully integrated flow: the sculptural bird-shaped hammer and the large curved gong form a visual arc that embraces the dial. It gives the entire watch face a sense of unity, balance, and intention. From an artistic point of view, it feels like a finished composition.
By contrast, the C12 Loco feels split. The upper half, with its elevated sub-dial, has presence — but then there’s that polished slope leading down to the lower section, which feels like it drops off too suddenly. It’s like slicing a painting in half with a shiny divider. It disrupts the flow.
Then there are the two very thin, almost branch-like bridges that anchor the balance mechanism below. Visually, they come off as a bit fragile and underwhelming, especially when placed so prominently. And because they run horizontally, together with that polished slope in the middle, you end up with three stacked horizontal lines. To my eye, that adds to the imbalance. The bottom half of the watch gets cut into three smaller segments, and there’s not enough depth or structure to support them. Meanwhile, the upper half is dominated by a large circle with little else around it. So you’re left with a circle above and three harsh lines below — not much tying it all together.
Here’s where I think a bespoke approach could really help:
- Dial texturing: Adding depth through guilloché or micro-engraving could break up the emptiness, create visual interest, and help mask the abrupt slope so the dial feels more connected.
- Redesigned bridges: Thicker, more sculptural bridges — even asymmetrical or curved — could give the lower half more visual strength and artistic character.
- Subdued color palette: While the current black and white options are elegant and the colored versions are playful, something in between — like smoked blue, muted green, or even brushed champagne — could bring emotion and elegance without being overly bold.
The Loco has a lot of potential. From a design standpoint, I think it just needs something that connects the technical showcase of the lower half with the elevated simplicity of the upper dial.
Curious to hear your ideas and bespoke visions — what would your C12 Loco look like?
I have mixed feelings — especially when I compare the Loco to the Bel Canto, which I personally find to be a much more harmonious and complete design.
In the Bel Canto, the upper part of the dial features the time display, just like the Loco. But what really elevates it is how the rest of the watch is composed. There’s no abrupt "cut" between sections. Instead, there's a beautifully integrated flow: the sculptural bird-shaped hammer and the large curved gong form a visual arc that embraces the dial. It gives the entire watch face a sense of unity, balance, and intention. From an artistic point of view, it feels like a finished composition.
By contrast, the C12 Loco feels split. The upper half, with its elevated sub-dial, has presence — but then there’s that polished slope leading down to the lower section, which feels like it drops off too suddenly. It’s like slicing a painting in half with a shiny divider. It disrupts the flow.
Then there are the two very thin, almost branch-like bridges that anchor the balance mechanism below. Visually, they come off as a bit fragile and underwhelming, especially when placed so prominently. And because they run horizontally, together with that polished slope in the middle, you end up with three stacked horizontal lines. To my eye, that adds to the imbalance. The bottom half of the watch gets cut into three smaller segments, and there’s not enough depth or structure to support them. Meanwhile, the upper half is dominated by a large circle with little else around it. So you’re left with a circle above and three harsh lines below — not much tying it all together.
Here’s where I think a bespoke approach could really help:
- Dial texturing: Adding depth through guilloché or micro-engraving could break up the emptiness, create visual interest, and help mask the abrupt slope so the dial feels more connected.
- Redesigned bridges: Thicker, more sculptural bridges — even asymmetrical or curved — could give the lower half more visual strength and artistic character.
- Subdued color palette: While the current black and white options are elegant and the colored versions are playful, something in between — like smoked blue, muted green, or even brushed champagne — could bring emotion and elegance without being overly bold.
The Loco has a lot of potential. From a design standpoint, I think it just needs something that connects the technical showcase of the lower half with the elevated simplicity of the upper dial.
Curious to hear your ideas and bespoke visions — what would your C12 Loco look like?
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Pseudozero
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Love it the way it is, indifferent to the name, have one on order already. Here's my take after seeing all 4 in the metal.
I love the modern look, I love the traditional tech, I love how it's just looks like a wristwatch that loves to be a wristwatch and not in a proprietary snobby way. It's perfectly unique and true to the brand, and I think it's going to be a huge hit.
I think the only thing 'missing' would be a power reserve on the back, as well as a hack function to stop and ogle that free sprung balance wheel and escapement.
The screw-down crown is a bit of an oversight, but not a mark against it, and it could be a tich smaller/thinner overall... but look at what you're getting!!!! I also think the strap (s) would look better without the texture... but that's also not a mark against it.
I would've loved to see a bit more finishing detail on the east-west space... perhaps a white dial model with black screws or bridges, or with the same time-dial as the other 3... the black handset looks kinda toy-ish on that one...
I think that carrying all of the colourways over to the movement plate would have been EPIC... and I wonder what that section at 6 would look like as bare-steel instead of media blasted.
I'm sure we'll see a whole slew of colourways, and I hope we see one with that bare-steel canvas, maybe even a guiochille on the bottom and blued hands like that argento BelCanto, although now that I've said it out loud... maybe not
Also: those east-west wings are great little blank canvases for all sorts of detail, design, enamel, colors, etc... like they did on the lower half of the moonphase.
Interested to hear other takes! thanks for having me in the group.
I love the modern look, I love the traditional tech, I love how it's just looks like a wristwatch that loves to be a wristwatch and not in a proprietary snobby way. It's perfectly unique and true to the brand, and I think it's going to be a huge hit.
I think the only thing 'missing' would be a power reserve on the back, as well as a hack function to stop and ogle that free sprung balance wheel and escapement.
The screw-down crown is a bit of an oversight, but not a mark against it, and it could be a tich smaller/thinner overall... but look at what you're getting!!!! I also think the strap (s) would look better without the texture... but that's also not a mark against it.
I would've loved to see a bit more finishing detail on the east-west space... perhaps a white dial model with black screws or bridges, or with the same time-dial as the other 3... the black handset looks kinda toy-ish on that one...
I think that carrying all of the colourways over to the movement plate would have been EPIC... and I wonder what that section at 6 would look like as bare-steel instead of media blasted.
I'm sure we'll see a whole slew of colourways, and I hope we see one with that bare-steel canvas, maybe even a guiochille on the bottom and blued hands like that argento BelCanto, although now that I've said it out loud... maybe not
Also: those east-west wings are great little blank canvases for all sorts of detail, design, enamel, colors, etc... like they did on the lower half of the moonphase.
Interested to hear other takes! thanks for having me in the group.
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Maverick_John
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
I'd probably order one if I could change the bridge and add a PR.
The watch is generally beautiful and more practical than a tourbillon as there is purpose to the balance wheel but with the same conceptual beauty as a tourbillon.
I have mentioned this before. I think if the bridge over the balance wheel was less intrusive or purposeful with a PR. I'd probably have preordered it, as @HAYQ mentioned though now I'm thinking that the bridge divides the watch which is probably part of my concern.
The watch is generally beautiful and more practical than a tourbillon as there is purpose to the balance wheel but with the same conceptual beauty as a tourbillon.
I have mentioned this before. I think if the bridge over the balance wheel was less intrusive or purposeful with a PR. I'd probably have preordered it, as @HAYQ mentioned though now I'm thinking that the bridge divides the watch which is probably part of my concern.
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Kind Regards
John
______________________________________________________________
There are 3 things in life that no person should ever go without having.
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There are 3 things in life that no person should ever go without having.
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thomcat00
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
I’ll revisit this topic but my initial thought towards customization would be black anodized bridge work or some other color for contrast.
with Kung Fu grip, and life-like hair
Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Sooner or later, we’re bound to see bespoke versions of this watch emerge. Just look at what happened with the Bel Canto — no one took offense when Andrew Morgan created The Red One, or when others released their own customized versions. CW themselves embraced the spirit of reinvention with their own “remix,” calling it the Act 2 – Bel Canto Classic.
I have a feeling we’ll see the same thing happen here, maybe even sooner (fingers crossed). So why not have some fun with the idea now and share our creative concepts for a bespoke version?
If you could customize this piece, what would you change — and how?
I have a feeling we’ll see the same thing happen here, maybe even sooner (fingers crossed). So why not have some fun with the idea now and share our creative concepts for a bespoke version?
If you could customize this piece, what would you change — and how?
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Watch_Alex
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Me personally would like to see a more subdued colours for the dial like a chocolate or champagne dial with texture would be awesome and could I be cheeky and as for some gold finishing in and around the balance wheel/bridges etc. I think that would amount to a very classy looking watch.
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Timepiece.Pete
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Interesting topic, I ordered an orange dial because I wanted to be in that first drop, but I actually think I'd prefer it in a shade of green, a sort of dark metallic shade with a hint of brown or gold through it. Essentially, the BMW paint colour called Verde Ermes.
What else would I change along with that colour? I'd ask if they could sunburst that top half of the dial instead of vertical brushing and then perhaps some kind of pattern, crosshatch or waves or something on that bottom half under the balance.
And that's it. I'd leave the rest.
What else would I change along with that colour? I'd ask if they could sunburst that top half of the dial instead of vertical brushing and then perhaps some kind of pattern, crosshatch or waves or something on that bottom half under the balance.
And that's it. I'd leave the rest.
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CW Wyrd Bel Canto & Frisco Orange C12 Loco (Pre-ordered)
Rolex | Longines | Farer | Vario | Spinnaker | Horage (pre-order)
Rolex | Longines | Farer | Vario | Spinnaker | Horage (pre-order)
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rkovars
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Before we get too far here, I think that changing the bridges etc would not be feasible with a bespoke project. The MOQs would be too high for a project to achieve (unless it was a collaboration with someone who could command higher numbers). It would not make sense for 25-50 pieces.
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
You’re probably right, but I do think adding texture to the bridges or a bit of color to the moving parts could really enhance things visually. Some subtle dial texturing or muted tones might also give the whole watch a fresh, more refined character.rkovars wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 1:49 pm Before we get too far here, OI think that changing the bridges etc would not be feasible with a bespoke project. The MOQs would be too high for a project to achieve (unless it was a collaboration with someone who could command higher numbers). It would not make sense for 25-50 pieces.
I’m fairly certain a bespoke version will show up eventually—and that CW will likely release an updated version in a year or two. So I was hoping some of the creative minds in this group might want to share thoughts or ideas! It’d be really interesting to see how a few smart design tweaks could transform the feel of this watch.
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Pseudozero
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
I wanted to come back and pine/gush some more about this beauty, I've watched and rewatched a bunch of the press releases and the doc of course, and the more I think about this watch objectively the more excited I am to own one of the first batch.
I am a massive fan of mechanical wrist watches, I have been for a long time, everything from "Watches and Wonders" down to my own Pseikopath budget. I really can't think of another watch, that is so stripped down to the bare essentials, but so well executed and thought out by purpose-led design, with the sole purpose of featuring the "Open Balance", *which I think is a worse name than "The Loco", LoL
Putting all this effort into a TWO-hander! in 2025! AMAZING!
From the vertical descending circles and horizontal bridges of the dial, to the vertically oriented cirlcles with horizontal bridges of the movement, nothing here is purposeless, or out of place, every part is essentially isolated and splayed out for you to see in a symmetrical single-file order, but with no added promises or flourishes other than tracking the hour and minutes, doing it very accurately, and showing you exactly HOW it's doing it in an incredibly modern and confident layout, but also refined and traditional by technology and execution.
I said before, this watch just looks like it LOVES being a wristwatch, and is a perfect release from this brand right now, who seem to just love making wristwatches for people. I am already super proud that this watch is going to be not only my first CW, but my first proper Swiss-made watch.
The only plate that's covering the keyless works is like a bikini on a bodybuilder or a swimsuit model, every other muscle is oiled up and flexing under bright light, not a gram of fat on this thing, it's pure protein, no filler. Discretion over the naughty bits only! hahahah
I almost think there's a contract had between this watch and it's owner:
"You wind me up and I will track the hours and minutes for you. nothing else, I won't wind myself, I'm not going to tell you the date, I'm not even going to count the seconds, but hey bro...I'm really good at this, and I'm going to show you EXACTLY how I do it as we go."
COSC-tolerant, free-sprung balance, exclusive in-house calibre, 3x sapphire... on a TWO-hander!!! I love that so much. As that one reviewer gal perfectly surmised: "Audacious".
The sapphire time dial with floating lumed hour markers that perfectly match the lumed hands, sitting on top of a monstrous, but somehow not exaggerated canon pinion (8x3mm!!!) with the "first wheel" exposed underneath... LOVE IT!
The simple, flat, horizontal bridges holding perfectly centred pivot jewels which then secure the life-organs for you to see. with absolutely nothing else taking up that space... LOVE IT!
My Ursa black model with nothing but pops of purple on a structure of steel... LOVE IT!
The truncated bridges on the rear holding the twin-barrels matching the front bridges and vertical layout... LOVE IT!
Could it be thinner? Sure, in 10 years when CW has been working with Bvlgari and Piaget for a spell. Get bent. 13.7 is perfectly acceptable for something wild like this! The stepped dial section is absolutely necessary when you're going to layer things like this too... Freaking awesome execution of the required depth if you ask me.
Could it have more WR? Sure, but honestly, how often do ANY of us submerge their watches? hahahaha, I've already got a combined 4,000M+ across my collection... I would be perfectly fine with 10BAR and no screw-down crown on this one... not every watch has to have every feature!!!
Could it have a power reserve? Sure, but that's a complication, and this thing ONLY tells you the hours and the minutes! All things considered... I actually prefer now after much thought, the fact that it doesn't... NO FRILLS!! timekeeping only!! remember the contract!!
Could it have a different finishing on those 3/9 "wings"? Sure, but what do you propose? more horizontal brushing? Swirls where there are no other swirls? Gloss? I bet they tried them all, and I don't think any of those sound better than the vertical striations they went with... I would love to see this whole watch in bare-steel... but then perhaps it would look unfinished?
I think it'd be cool if the barrels were skeletinized like the 12-X, or if they just had a little window... so the owner could intuitively know how much power was left by the mass of the mainspring being in or out, and to be able to watch the mass coil up when winding, but that's some next-level nerding out.
I also really think it'd be awesome if the rear plate shared the colourways. Just imagine the design continuity of an orange or blue or white movement plate... gush... I don't recall if that black rear plate matched the front wings or the media blasting at 6... but it should, and I hope it does... and I'm again happy I got the black one for that very reason.
I also really respect the colours more now, this is their hyper-car, and it deserves hyper-car colourways!!! Still content with my black, but respect.
Fingers crossed I can pay this off before it shows up in October!
I am a massive fan of mechanical wrist watches, I have been for a long time, everything from "Watches and Wonders" down to my own Pseikopath budget. I really can't think of another watch, that is so stripped down to the bare essentials, but so well executed and thought out by purpose-led design, with the sole purpose of featuring the "Open Balance", *which I think is a worse name than "The Loco", LoL
Putting all this effort into a TWO-hander! in 2025! AMAZING!
From the vertical descending circles and horizontal bridges of the dial, to the vertically oriented cirlcles with horizontal bridges of the movement, nothing here is purposeless, or out of place, every part is essentially isolated and splayed out for you to see in a symmetrical single-file order, but with no added promises or flourishes other than tracking the hour and minutes, doing it very accurately, and showing you exactly HOW it's doing it in an incredibly modern and confident layout, but also refined and traditional by technology and execution.
I said before, this watch just looks like it LOVES being a wristwatch, and is a perfect release from this brand right now, who seem to just love making wristwatches for people. I am already super proud that this watch is going to be not only my first CW, but my first proper Swiss-made watch.
The only plate that's covering the keyless works is like a bikini on a bodybuilder or a swimsuit model, every other muscle is oiled up and flexing under bright light, not a gram of fat on this thing, it's pure protein, no filler. Discretion over the naughty bits only! hahahah
I almost think there's a contract had between this watch and it's owner:
"You wind me up and I will track the hours and minutes for you. nothing else, I won't wind myself, I'm not going to tell you the date, I'm not even going to count the seconds, but hey bro...I'm really good at this, and I'm going to show you EXACTLY how I do it as we go."
COSC-tolerant, free-sprung balance, exclusive in-house calibre, 3x sapphire... on a TWO-hander!!! I love that so much. As that one reviewer gal perfectly surmised: "Audacious".
The sapphire time dial with floating lumed hour markers that perfectly match the lumed hands, sitting on top of a monstrous, but somehow not exaggerated canon pinion (8x3mm!!!) with the "first wheel" exposed underneath... LOVE IT!
The simple, flat, horizontal bridges holding perfectly centred pivot jewels which then secure the life-organs for you to see. with absolutely nothing else taking up that space... LOVE IT!
My Ursa black model with nothing but pops of purple on a structure of steel... LOVE IT!
The truncated bridges on the rear holding the twin-barrels matching the front bridges and vertical layout... LOVE IT!
Could it be thinner? Sure, in 10 years when CW has been working with Bvlgari and Piaget for a spell. Get bent. 13.7 is perfectly acceptable for something wild like this! The stepped dial section is absolutely necessary when you're going to layer things like this too... Freaking awesome execution of the required depth if you ask me.
Could it have more WR? Sure, but honestly, how often do ANY of us submerge their watches? hahahaha, I've already got a combined 4,000M+ across my collection... I would be perfectly fine with 10BAR and no screw-down crown on this one... not every watch has to have every feature!!!
Could it have a power reserve? Sure, but that's a complication, and this thing ONLY tells you the hours and the minutes! All things considered... I actually prefer now after much thought, the fact that it doesn't... NO FRILLS!! timekeeping only!! remember the contract!!
Could it have a different finishing on those 3/9 "wings"? Sure, but what do you propose? more horizontal brushing? Swirls where there are no other swirls? Gloss? I bet they tried them all, and I don't think any of those sound better than the vertical striations they went with... I would love to see this whole watch in bare-steel... but then perhaps it would look unfinished?
I think it'd be cool if the barrels were skeletinized like the 12-X, or if they just had a little window... so the owner could intuitively know how much power was left by the mass of the mainspring being in or out, and to be able to watch the mass coil up when winding, but that's some next-level nerding out.
I also really think it'd be awesome if the rear plate shared the colourways. Just imagine the design continuity of an orange or blue or white movement plate... gush... I don't recall if that black rear plate matched the front wings or the media blasting at 6... but it should, and I hope it does... and I'm again happy I got the black one for that very reason.
I also really respect the colours more now, this is their hyper-car, and it deserves hyper-car colourways!!! Still content with my black, but respect.
Fingers crossed I can pay this off before it shows up in October!
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missF
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Brilliant imagePseudozero wrote: ↑Sun May 04, 2025 3:05 am
The only plate that's covering the keyless works is like a bikini on a bodybuilder or a swimsuit model, every other muscle is oiled up and flexing under bright light, not a gram of fat on this thing, it's pure protein, no filler. Discretion over the naughty bits only! hahahah
I love your review, and absolutely share your enthusiasm about this watch. Hope you'll do a full review with lots of pics when yours arrives?
The only thing I disagree with is using the dial colours on the rear plate in the movement - I love the back view just as stark and monochromed as it is.
Welcome to the forum @Pseudozero - and anyone else who has just arrived to chat about the Loco
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strapline
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Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
^^ ^^
I was just about to highlight the same quote from @Pseudozero's gushing musings on the Loco. What fantastic observations they are, I tip my hat to you sir/madam. You have really dissected this watch and formed a very visceral attachment to it already, without even having it in your hand. This is what watch buying and collecting is all about. Feeding a craving, forming an attachment, fulfilling a dream. Thanks again for the great write up.
Des
I was just about to highlight the same quote from @Pseudozero's gushing musings on the Loco. What fantastic observations they are, I tip my hat to you sir/madam. You have really dissected this watch and formed a very visceral attachment to it already, without even having it in your hand. This is what watch buying and collecting is all about. Feeding a craving, forming an attachment, fulfilling a dream. Thanks again for the great write up.
Des
Wealth is the least meaningful metric by which to judge a person's value.
Re: C12 Loco — Honest Takes & Bespoke Possibilities
Wow, this reads like a true love letter to the watch—almost like old-school romantic poetry! I guess the name of the watch suits not just the watch itself, but also the passion of its owner!Pseudozero wrote: ↑Sun May 04, 2025 3:05 am I wanted to come back and pine/gush some more about this beauty, I've watched and rewatched a bunch of the press releases and the doc of course, and the more I think about this watch objectively the more excited I am to own one of the first batch.
I am a massive fan of mechanical wrist watches, I have been for a long time, everything from "Watches and Wonders" down to my own Pseikopath budget. I really can't think of another watch, that is so stripped down to the bare essentials, but so well executed and thought out by purpose-led design, with the sole purpose of featuring the "Open Balance", *which I think is a worse name than "The Loco", LoL
Putting all this effort into a TWO-hander! in 2025! AMAZING!
From the vertical descending circles and horizontal bridges of the dial, to the vertically oriented cirlcles with horizontal bridges of the movement, nothing here is purposeless, or out of place, every part is essentially isolated and splayed out for you to see in a symmetrical single-file order, but with no added promises or flourishes other than tracking the hour and minutes, doing it very accurately, and showing you exactly HOW it's doing it in an incredibly modern and confident layout, but also refined and traditional by technology and execution.
I said before, this watch just looks like it LOVES being a wristwatch, and is a perfect release from this brand right now, who seem to just love making wristwatches for people. I am already super proud that this watch is going to be not only my first CW, but my first proper Swiss-made watch.
The only plate that's covering the keyless works is like a bikini on a bodybuilder or a swimsuit model, every other muscle is oiled up and flexing under bright light, not a gram of fat on this thing, it's pure protein, no filler. Discretion over the naughty bits only! hahahah
I almost think there's a contract had between this watch and it's owner:
"You wind me up and I will track the hours and minutes for you. nothing else, I won't wind myself, I'm not going to tell you the date, I'm not even going to count the seconds, but hey bro...I'm really good at this, and I'm going to show you EXACTLY how I do it as we go."
COSC-tolerant, free-sprung balance, exclusive in-house calibre, 3x sapphire... on a TWO-hander!!! I love that so much. As that one reviewer gal perfectly surmised: "Audacious".
The sapphire time dial with floating lumed hour markers that perfectly match the lumed hands, sitting on top of a monstrous, but somehow not exaggerated canon pinion (8x3mm!!!) with the "first wheel" exposed underneath... LOVE IT!
The simple, flat, horizontal bridges holding perfectly centred pivot jewels which then secure the life-organs for you to see. with absolutely nothing else taking up that space... LOVE IT!
My Ursa black model with nothing but pops of purple on a structure of steel... LOVE IT!
The truncated bridges on the rear holding the twin-barrels matching the front bridges and vertical layout... LOVE IT!
Could it be thinner? Sure, in 10 years when CW has been working with Bvlgari and Piaget for a spell. Get bent. 13.7 is perfectly acceptable for something wild like this! The stepped dial section is absolutely necessary when you're going to layer things like this too... Freaking awesome execution of the required depth if you ask me.
Could it have more WR? Sure, but honestly, how often do ANY of us submerge their watches? hahahaha, I've already got a combined 4,000M+ across my collection... I would be perfectly fine with 10BAR and no screw-down crown on this one... not every watch has to have every feature!!!
Could it have a power reserve? Sure, but that's a complication, and this thing ONLY tells you the hours and the minutes! All things considered... I actually prefer now after much thought, the fact that it doesn't... NO FRILLS!! timekeeping only!! remember the contract!!
Could it have a different finishing on those 3/9 "wings"? Sure, but what do you propose? more horizontal brushing? Swirls where there are no other swirls? Gloss? I bet they tried them all, and I don't think any of those sound better than the vertical striations they went with... I would love to see this whole watch in bare-steel... but then perhaps it would look unfinished?
I think it'd be cool if the barrels were skeletinized like the 12-X, or if they just had a little window... so the owner could intuitively know how much power was left by the mass of the mainspring being in or out, and to be able to watch the mass coil up when winding, but that's some next-level nerding out.
I also really think it'd be awesome if the rear plate shared the colourways. Just imagine the design continuity of an orange or blue or white movement plate... gush... I don't recall if that black rear plate matched the front wings or the media blasting at 6... but it should, and I hope it does... and I'm again happy I got the black one for that very reason.
I also really respect the colours more now, this is their hyper-car, and it deserves hyper-car colourways!!! Still content with my black, but respect.
Fingers crossed I can pay this off before it shows up in October!
Jokes aside, I genuinely appreciate your enthusiasm. It’s always great to see people who love the watch just as it is.
That said, the main aim of my post was to spark discussion among the creatively inclined members of the forum—those who enjoy imagining how the design might evolve or change. When the bespoke versions of the Bel Canto were released, and even when CW introduced new versions, most people saw it as part of the natural creative evolution—not as a criticism of the original. So I hope we can treat the Loco with the same spirit.
If anyone has ideas for design tweaks or custom versions, please feel free to share your thoughts! Even better—if you’re handy with Photoshop or rendering tools, I’d love to see visual interpretations of your version.
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