Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch maker?

Discuss Christopher Ward watches
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by jack »

Very subjective, isn't it? I suppose I am really in the camp that any watch over £100 is a luxury in a sense and even that is up for a rotten tomato as many poor souls would see a watch for £20 as a luxury, but then relativity has to come into it too. I see CWL as a very good watch brand; quality, value, style and my Moon Phase feels quite luxurious. If I am looking for a really special purchase though, there are other brands that I would go to that are higher end and I guess what more people would really describe as luxury brands.

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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by Magnumgourmet »

Luxury goods imply a certain level of cachet. Although I thoroughly enjoy my CW watch and it has a high build quality, no one has ever come up to me and said "ooooh, I want that" (thank goodness).

So no, I would not put them into the luxury category.
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by gaf1958 »

Magnumgourmet wrote:Luxury goods imply a certain level of cachet. Although I thoroughly enjoy my CW watch and it has a high build quality, no one has ever come up to me and said "ooooh, I want that" (thank goodness).

So no, I would not put them into the luxury category.
The sad thing (or perhaps it's the good thing?) about watches is that in reality almost no-one will ever notice or care what you have on your wrist. It could be a true luxury watch and most people won't know ... or care. It's just us watch geeks...
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by fissionu235 »

In regards to the thread title: No
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by nigeyp »

I sold a Longines Hydro Conquest Automatic a while back which would be considered a high range if not luxury range in the swatch group. They cost in the region of £800. I now have a Trident Pro 300m 38mm quartz. This cost much less than the Hydro and even new was about £250 (I purchased it used but as new).

To answer the question as to whether it is a luxury watch, well many people consider Rolex and Omega to be mid range and by the definition of the Hydro being high range as opposed to luxury, (the mid range thinkers for Rolex and Omega are considering the likes of Patek as High range). I would say despite the much lower price the Trident is actually much better than the HC in a number of areas including bezel insert, action with no lateral play and the bracelet and clasp are far better on the CW in terms of finish on the meeting of the links and the strength of the clasp and especially the diver's extension. So disregarding for a moment the fact that in the grand scheme of things even Rolex are only mid range! I think it would be fair to consider the CW High range but not luxury, like the HC.

And yes I prefer my CW to my HC it feels better finished and made :thumbup:
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Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch maker?

Post by gaf1958 »

nigeyp wrote:I sold a Longines Hydro Conquest Automatic a while back which would be considered a high range if not luxury range in the swatch group. They cost in the region of £800. I now have a Trident Pro 300m 38mm quartz. This cost much less than the Hydro and even new was about £250 (I purchased it used but as new).

To answer the question as to whether it is a luxury watch, well many people consider Rolex and Omega to be mid range and by the definition of the Hydro being high range as opposed to luxury, (the mid range thinkers for Rolex and Omega are considering the likes of Patek as High range). I would say despite the much lower price the Trident is actually much better than the HC in a number of areas including bezel insert, action with no lateral play and the bracelet and clasp are far better on the CW in terms of finish on the meeting of the links and the strength of the clasp and especially the diver's extension. So disregarding for a moment the fact that in the grand scheme of things even Rolex are only mid range! I think it would be fair to consider the CW High range but not luxury, like the HC.

And yes I prefer my CW to my HC it feels better finished and made :thumbup:
The first time I've heard modern Longines ranked higher than Omega and Rolex... let alone CW ranking higher as well. Cannot agree at all, sorry.

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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by cb23 »

It is an interesting thought to look at it.

Quality wise, based on my personal opinion and expectations, I think CWL is better quality than any Hamilton/longines I have handled (personally). Yet at the same time, I am not sure I would say CWL is a more prestigious brand than either of them, which is curious.

While I do believe that CWL has taken a step forward in terms of design and quality, I for some reason can't get past the thought that they are moving towards pricing that isn't sustainable. The thing is, I can't really provide a tangible reason why I think this, which is kind of silly right?
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by Caller »

For some reason, I can't view P5 of this thread, so maybe my point has already been covered, apologies if that's the case.

I think, in the grand scheme of things, the answer is no. I'm not sure what aspirations CW actually has to enter ' the luxury' range in any case? I thought, mistakenly it seems, that the JJ range was to take them in that direction and to a degree it has, but I think the very thing that gets in it's way, is the very thing that is responsible for CW's being - the internet.

I think that when you reach a certain level and price point, that you need showrooms as folk spending a few k on a watch will want to sample the goods before buying and a trip to Maidenhead has limited appeal for many. And whether you like it or not, there is some kudos in being displayed alongside Omega, Breitling (tactically, I'll leave Longines out of this) and dare I say it, even Bremont! CW just doesn't have that at the moment.

I said before that I thought the JJ watches would become their 'Grand Seiko' and it will be interesting to see where they go, but when flogging watches from £300 to £2000, it's always going to be hard for punters to perceive where you are laying your hat, if they should ever care that is, or even whether CW care, as long as they are flogging watches at a profit.
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by MadJam250 »

cb23 wrote:It is an interesting thought to look at it.

Quality wise, based on my personal opinion and expectations, I think CWL is better quality than any Hamilton/longines I have handled (personally). Yet at the same time, I am not sure I would say CWL is a more prestigious brand than either of them, which is curious.

While I do believe that CWL has taken a step forward in terms of design and quality, I for some reason can't get past the thought that they are moving towards pricing that isn't sustainable. The thing is, I can't really provide a tangible reason why I think this, which is kind of silly right?
Not at all ...and you're not alone in thinking this.
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by reggie747 »

cb23 wrote:It is an interesting thought to look at it.

Quality wise, based on my personal opinion and expectations, I think CWL is better quality than any Hamilton/longines I have handled (personally). Yet at the same time, I am not sure I would say CWL is a more prestigious brand than either of them, which is curious.

While I do believe that CWL has taken a step forward in terms of design and quality, I for some reason can't get past the thought that they are moving towards pricing that isn't sustainable. The thing is, I can't really provide a tangible reason why I think this, which is kind of silly right?
Not really. They're trying to move upmarket and it's only cos us Forumites know what we know is maybe why some don't consider them a luxury brand.
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by yuri9206 »

CW is a luxury/cheap young watch brand with a range of price that start from 199 £. Cheap with great quality and luxury with very high quality with high limited edition pieces 8)
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by Riatsala »

The Laird wrote:Hi Everyone, :D

I’m just curious and have a question for the forum members.

My question is -

Do you personally consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch maker?
In the way that Audemars Piguet are considered one, for example?

Perhaps I should have run a poll? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Till next time…

The Laird :D
To me Luxury means different things to different people. If your definition is an item that is significantly more expensive than a similar item that can perform the same function then CW is clearly "luxury". Where it fits in in the "luxury" hierarchy then that is a different question. The are some brands of watch that perform the same function as CW products at a significantly higher cost.
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by Stanley »

Not really a luxury watch maker but please ask me again when my C60 has been returned back to me again! as the watch has been now been returned for the same fault ( vibration and shuddering of complete movement when hand winding from stop. ) Three times! March 2015. June 2015 . February 2016!
I was informed by CW "this is a common fault in ETA2824 and Sellita SW200 calibres" and why a regular service is essential to keep your watch in tip top condition, how often would a service be required? since it had already been returned, repaired and inspected twice within the last eight months.
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by MadJam250 »

A 'common fault' with a year old top quality Swiss movement? Pretty much lost for words really. Is a shuddering rotor really a fault and if so, how common is common? How many others have similar issues?
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Re: Do you consider Christopher Ward to be a luxury watch ma

Post by nathanclarinet »

Stanley wrote: I was informed by CW "this is a common fault in ETA2824 and Sellita SW200 calibres" and why a regular service is essential to keep your watch in tip top condition,
Stan
Woah there, they said that?!?!?! Fair play to you for keeping the faith after 3 times, I would have bailed out after attempt 2, esp after the common fault BS. Not cool.
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