CW 2022 Forum Watch of the Year

[Kip]

As 2022 nears the end, the time has come again for the CW Forum inmates to decide what we think is the best new watch model introduction for 2022 by Christopher Ward (CW).

This year CW has released of 30 models and 146 variants. This generally does not include bespoke models. Our voting list has been narrowed down to 10 core models for voting.

Limited Editions such as the C5 Malvern Revival, C8 Pilot Revival, C60 Bronze Ombre’ Green, C60 Atoll, C63 Sealander Bronze COSC, C63 Sapphire GMT COSC LE, C63 Ukraine Limited Edition, and the C63 Sealander Lucerne Blue are variants based on core models or limited editions, therefore, have not been included. This is the same way we have determined the voting list in prior years. We have included the C1 Bel Canto LE as it is rather unique Halo model for CW cited for its unique developmental aspects and design and because it has been recently released as a 4 color open series.

If you feel I have erred by not including a model, let me know and it can be added, although it would be by a separate tally.

What is included are totally new introductions that are a result of new movements, design, case size and/or innovations.

New releases started in January with the C5 Malvern and C8 Pilot Revivals. Also released were the C60 Bronze Ombre’ COSC LE and a Bronze cased C63 Sealander COSC model. The Revival models were based on the original releases but were updated.

The next releases came in March with the launch of the C63 Sapphire GMT COSC LE and the C63 Ukraine Limited Edition. All proceeds from the sale of the Ukraine model went to the International Committee of The Red Cross (ICRC) to help those affected by the war in Ukraine.

April launched a the new C65 Aquitaine range to replace the C65 Diver. The C65 Lightcatcher case was refined and is the first CW watch to utilize a sapphire bezel and a new crown lock indicator. More importantly, the Aquitaine range was the culmination of a 5 year transition to the “Swish” only logo on the dial.

In July CW released the C60 Atoll LE. This was a real eye catcher with the Azure blue dial. The Atoll was followed by launch of the C63 Sealander in a 36mm case. Launched in 6 colors (4 limited), this was the smallest case size since the elimination of the ladies collection.
August brought us the New C60 Trident Pro 300 series. Released in 3 sizes and totaling 34 variants, this was also known internally as the 3.1. Designed with major input from the CW Forum this design is meant to be an alternative to the C60 Trident Pro 600 and a precursor to the C60 Trident Pro MK IV.

September rolls around and we see the launch of the updated military series (2) that consists of the C65 Cranwell, C65 Dartmouth and the C65 Sandhurst. Perhaps the biggest news of the year was the launch of the C1 Bel Canto in November. It certainly caused the biggest stir of the year. Launched in Azzurro Blue on November 1, the 300 pc. LE sold out in 8 hours. The Verde Green model, also a 300 pc. LE, that was initially planned for spring of 2023 was released 3 days later and remarkably sold out in 2 hours.

Just when we thought CW was done for the year the C63 Sealander Lucerne Blue LE was dropped on us December 1st. Another surprise followed with the release on preorder of the 4 color open series C1 Bel Canto on December 20th.

With this year’s releases, consisting of 30 models overall, I think we can safely say it has been a good year at Christopher Ward.

In previous Watch of the Year voting, the forum has looked beyond what may be a personal favorite and voted based on the evidence. I would hope for this to continue this year.

What we are looking for is the one watch that we, as forum members, feel will have the most significant impact on CWL, not only now, but in the future.

Photos and specs of most models may be seen in the CWArchive. Other real world photos may be found in the Reference Gallery and Gallery. You can also scroll through our News Forum to view previous CW Watch of the Year Winners or review the complete Watch of the Year history here.

[Richard D]

I’ll be surprised if it’s not the Bel Canto.

[Noush]

Umm, Kip, C65 Aquitaine is listed twice? Quite apart from the GMT and Bronze variations.

[Kip]

I see that now. I apologize.

Unfortunately I cannot fix it now or the votes cast are lost. If we get votes for both listings I will just have to combine them.

[Noush]

No need to apologise Kip! Thanks for the opportunity.

[JAFO]

I just voted, and clicked submit, but the number didn't change on my selection immediately. Is that how it should work?

I clicked on the portal page again, and the number has changed now.
However, I just tried to click a different watch, and it came up with "Your vote has been cast" at the bottom - although it did let me return to my original choice, and also said "your vote has been cast" - does that just mean you can change your vote until the deadline?

Also, are we allowed to comment here while voting is in progress?

[Kip]

"Your vote has been cast" should show after you hit submit.

You may change your vote. Once you change and hit submit, "Your vote has been cast" should show again.

Yes you make comments here.

[jkbarnes]

I was very tempted to vote for the Bel Canto. I chose not to because it exist in a league of its own. We don’t need a vote to figure out it is the most significant achievement CW had this year.

I decided to go with the C60 Trident Pro 300. For me, it represents the distillation of everything CW has been working towards over the last few years. We’ve seen elements of this design in a number of earlier models, and here they are brought together in a cohesive whole. Additionally, it reflects CW listening to its most devoted customers, taking seriously what they have to say, and responding with, as I’ve described before, a cohesive design.

I find this design to be far more impressive and significant than the Aquitaine. For me, that watch is an example of CW’s take on vintage inspired designs. With the C60 Trident Pro 300, if CW is taking any inspiration, it’s from their own designs.

[A1soknownas]

I was very tempted to vote for the Bel Canto. I chose not to because it exist in a league of its own. We don’t need a vote to figure out it is the most significant achievement CW had this year.

I decided to go with the C60 Trident Pro 300. For me, it represents the distillation of everything CW has been working towards over the last few years. We’ve seen elements of this design in a number of earlier models, and here they are brought together in a cohesive whole. Additionally, it reflects CW listen to its most devoted customers, taking seriously what they have to say, and responding with, as I’ve described before, a cohesive design.

I find this design to be far more impressive and significant than the Aquitaine. For me, that watch is an example of CW’s take on vintage inspired designs. With the C60 Trident Pro 300, if CW is taking any inspiration, it’s from their own designs.

Exactly the same vote and thoughts, expressed better than I could have put in to words .

[jkbarnes]

I was very tempted to vote for the Bel Canto. I chose not to because it exist in a league of its own. We don’t need a vote to figure out it is the most significant achievement CW had this year.
. . . . . . . .

. . . which is precisely why I've voted for the Bel Canto.

Without it, the Bel Canto, in the line up, I'd agree the C60 Trident Pro 300 is the watch that ". . .will have the most significant impact on CWL, not only now, but in the future. . ." for CW listening to it's fans and customers and producing the watch they wanted; being an evolution of their best selling C60 Trident Pro 600

BUT

. . .in my view the Bel Canto has already had a significant impact on CW and, more importantly, wider horological circles. It is a hugely important watch and a game changer. It's the watch that has made the wider watch industry sit up and take notice of CW; if they hadn't already.

Okay, I doubt that it has the likes of Rolex and Omega quaking in their boots and being fearful for their profit margins, nevertheless it has certainly got tongues wagging.

The Bel Canto gets my vote.

Guy

NB> This is entirely my own personal viewpoint.

[ajax87]

…I decided to go with the C60 Trident Pro 300…

Really good points, Andrew. You present a valid and compelling argument for the C60 300. I still think the Bel Canto is more impactful to CW, but can’t fault that line of thinking at all. Well said.

[jkbarnes]

Just to clarify, I’m not trying to persuade anyone. I just want to explain the reasoning behind my vote.

Guy is 100% right in everything he said.

[Richard D]

My vote is between me and the ballot box. However, I will be shocked if I’m not on the winning side.

[nbg]

I was very tempted to vote for the Bel Canto. I chose not to because it exist in a league of its own. We don’t need a vote to figure out it is the most significant achievement CW had this year.
. . . . . . . .

. . . which is precisely why I've voted for the Bel Canto.

Without it, the Bel Canto, in the line up, I'd agree the C60 Trident Pro 300 is the watch that ". . .will have the most significant impact on CWL, not only now, but in the future. . ." for CW listening to it's fans and customers and producing the watch they wanted; being an evolution of their best selling C60 Trident Pro 600

BUT

. . .in my view the Bel Canto has already had a significant impact on CW and, more importantly, wider horological circles. It is a hugely important watch and a game changer. It's the watch that has made the wider watch industry sit up and take notice of CW; if they hadn't already.

Okay, I doubt that it has the likes of Rolex and Omega quaking in their boots and being fearful for their profit margins, nevertheless it has certainly got tongues wagging.

The Bel Canto gets my vote.

Guy

NB> This is entirely my own personal viewpoint.

We’ll Guy…

That is also a fair summary of my view.

Neil

[billbochnak]

The Bel Canto for me, especially the open release with the black beaks on the song bird, made me think of Blackbird by the Beatles. Very, very close 2nd the 300, would be great to see a LE enthusiasts edition developed, be a nice tribute to the work you all provided in the development process. Looking forward to 2023 and beyond for the whole team at CW.