CW 2024 Forum Watch of the Year

[timepieces_and_bags]

CW 2024 Forum Watch of the Year

Here we are again at the passing of another year. As has been our tradition, at year end we look back and review the model launches for the year. As 2024 nears its end, the time has come for the CW Forum inmates to decide what we think is the best new watch model introduction for 2024 by Christopher Ward (CW).

This year CW has released 18 models and 82 variants. This generally does not include bespoke models. Our voting list has been narrowed down to 11 core models for voting.

Limited and Special Editions such as the C1 Bel Canto 9324, C1 Bel Canto “The Red One”, C1 Bel Canto Dragonfly, C63 Sealander GMT COSC Special Edition, C65 Desk Diver, C12 The Twelve X Steel Special Edition and the four C12 Ice Cream models are variants based on core models or limited editions, and therefore have not been included. This is the same way we have determined the voting list in previous years.

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 C12 The Twelve 36 (Ti). This was a smaller version of the C12 launched in April of 2023. This was followed by the C63 Sealander 36 GMT that many had been looking for. February brought us the open series C65 Dune GMT. This came just over a year after the C65 Dune GMT Limited Edition was released. March saw CW return to the world of quartz movements with the launch of the C63 Valour. Also released in March was C1 Bel Canto 9324 that was designed and built as a Limited Edition of 10 pieces to celebrate the inaugural British Watchmakers Day Event. Also an updated C1 Moonglow MK2 was released.

Many didn’t realize that Christopher Ward was celebrating its 20th Anniversary and that it had been 10 years since the launch of the SH21 in-house movement. To celebrate this occasion CW launched the Twelve X (Ti). This is a version of “The Twelve” designed specifically to commemorate this special event in CW’s historic journey.

Things went quiet for a little while as CW was preparing for a location move to larger headquarters. Still, a C1 Bel Canto “The Red One” was launched in June as a special pre-order model and a new C65 Super Compressor Elite model followed in July. CW had a bit of fun with the summer heat in July by launching the four C12 Ice Cream models as LE’s of 200pc’s each. CW also dropped a C63 Sealander GMT COSC Special Edition that was limited to 50 pieces.

August heated up a bit more with the launch of the long-awaited C60 Trident Pro 300 GMT model and the greatly anticipated C60 Trident Lumière. September brought us a new Dragonfly color added to the C1 Bel Canto, available to Showroom visitors and Event attendees only, along with a rather funky Limited Edition launched as the C65 Desk Diver. October brought a stunning upgrade to the C1 Bel Canto line, known as the C1 Bel Canto Classic.

CW wasn’t done yet! In November they showed us a Limited Edition of the C12 X. This was launched as the C12 The Twelve X Steel Special Edition, and was limited to 250 pieces. The final launch of the year was a reduced size moonphase known as the C1 Moonphase 37mm.

Despite the fewest model launches in 6 years, there were some great ones and many improvements to the overall line up. I think it is safe to say that CW still had a very impactful year with new models, and building on core releases from the past couple years.

In previous Watch of the Year voting, the forum has looked beyond what may be a personal favorite and voted based on the evidence. Again, we think it will be a tough choice, but 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. Given these options, voters will need to consider factors such as innovation, functionality, collectability, and overall design impact on the Christopher Ward brand. It’s essential to think about which model represents a significant step forward for the brand and will resonate well with both current and future CW enthusiasts.

We wish everyone good luck in casting their votes! It will be interesting to see which model comes out on top as the Watch of the Year!

Photos and specs of the 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.

[Kip]

First day lead goes to the C60 Trident Lumiere.

We would love to see some comments around your choices.

[Thunder1]

I chose Lumier even though it wasn't the watch I was looking for. There is a lot to like in the watch and it definitely shows off CWs ability to stretch what is possible in manufacturing.

[jkbarnes]

I echo @rkovars’ thoughts in voting for the Lumiere.

[chif123]

Lumiere I feel was the strongest offering this year. It was at an "attainable" price point, and packed a punch in the specs department. it was a simply well executed watch. Also all other releases felt like refreshers to previous releases. This felt fresh and "new".

[albionphoto]

This was a harder choice than some previous years. No launch really stood out this year and there was no "Bel Canto Effect" this year. In the end I chose the Lumiere because it recognises that that there are some old school customers out there who like a larger, more masculine watch and because it represents a simpler, less over-designed design style.

The Bel Canto classic and the 12X are more about supply chain evolution than the watches themselves. This is important for the brand and will set them up for future growth which should be important for us but in terms of watches I might buy they don't set new boundaries. As a case in point my 12X budget went to a watch from another brand.

[timepieces_and_bags]

It was a real 50/50 choice for me between the Twelve X Ti and the Lumiere. I opted for the Twelve X Ti in the end. Two main reasons:

1. I placed a bit of weight on the criteria of "not only now, but in the future". And while I think the Lumiere is innovative in the lume department, I wonder whether it's an innovation that's more of a 'one-off' rather than being often replicated going forward; and
2. Because I personally like the Lumiere more than the Twelve X (and own two), maybe I'm trying (too hard?) to force a little 'objectivity' on myself.

I do appreciate though that the Twelve X Ti is perhaps more an evolution/refresher (and the same for the Bel Canto Classic) and that the skeleton has been done before on other models.

Like I say, a real 50/50 for me.

[iain]

I voted for the twelve. It’s not a watch that particularly appeals to me as I’m not a fan of skeleton dials, however this was CW shoehorning their in house movement in one of their more popular ranges and going to town with the whole design. It was intended as something of a halo model for their 20th anniversary and I think it achieves that.

The luminaire may have a titanium case and some fancy pants material but I see it as just a slightly different version of the pro range for me. However looking at the way the voting is going I can see not everyone agrees.

[nbg]

I voted for the Twelve X. An easy call in my view, with the only other potentially worthy entrant being the Lumière.

Whilst I think that the Lumière is a very good dive watch, at the end of the day it’s just a titanium dive watch with excellent lume. I very much doubt it will attract a new category of customers who are prepared to shell out somewhat more than the cost of either a C12X or C1BC if CW push the boundaries further.

The Twelve X is a worthy watch to celebrate CW’s 20th anniversary and a halo model for the brand.

Neil

[Kip]

I appreciate the considered reasons for making your vote.

Keep those votes coming. A long way to go yet.

[RichM]

I voted for the C60 Trident Lumiere.

Someone else said it here and it's something I've thought about. I don't actually like the newer watches! The twelve range do nothing for me and I generally don't like skeleton watches. I'm happy with a display caseback but otherwise it's a case of "the more you know, the less you need to show".

I really like the Valour but struggle to wear something associated with the military when I've never served. I would feel like a fraud. So that's out.

The Bel Canto is amazing but I could never wear one, plus I struggle to tell the time on it. It's more a piece of jewellery that a watch IMHO.

The Dune GMT is a lovely tbf but not that different from the "basic" Dune which I actually prefer.

The Moonglow looks lovely but I feel it's too fussy for me and would feel self conscious wearing it. I would prefer it on my wife at a sophisticated ball or something. We never go to those!

The original Super Compressor I like but this version, again, is too busy for my tastes.

I think the Lumiere works for me is an evolution of a watch, a striking clear design and very easy to read so has my vote.

[nbg]

@RichM
It’s good to see that you read Kip’s opening post in detail…

“In previous Watch of the Year voting, the forum has looked beyond what may be a personal favorite and voted based on the evidence. Again, we think it will be a tough choice, but 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. Given these options, voters will need to consider factors such as innovation, functionality, collectability, and overall design impact on the Christopher Ward brand. It’s essential to think about which model represents a significant step forward for the brand and will resonate well with both current and future CW enthusiasts.”

And then ignored it and just voted for the one you liked!

Neil

[RichM]

^^^ I'd argue my answer covers off all of that as well as voting for the one I like most

[iain]

What? There’s instructions to follow?

[Amor Vincit Omnia]

I can’t vote for my favourite, since I don’t have one. The last watch I liked enough to buy was the Twelve Ti 18 months ago. Skeletons, over-lumed divers, ting t’ings, ice cream sundaes…all pass me by on the other side of the road.

However, I’ve voted for the Lumière, because it points the way forward for CWs core line. I’ll never want one but, as stated above, that’s not what this thread is about.