I visited the DC Watch Show on Sunday as well and managed to get a bit of time in at the Christopher Ward table, which was no easy feat given that it was by far the busiest of the show. My primary mission was to evaluate the Twelve to see if I could make a 40mm work, as I've recently picked up a 36 model after thinking the 40 might be a lot of dial, even though I can typically wear a 40-42 without an issue. The good news is would be that the 40mm will work great for me, with the bad news being that I want to add one to the collection alongside the 36 and I can't decide on a dial color...
I did get a moment to chat with Michael Pearson and the other person who was attending the display at that time, both very pleasant.
My takeaways:
- The Sealander dragonfly dial is a wonder in-person - pictures on the CW site don't do it justice and now I think I need that GMT
- Confirmation that the C65 Aquitaine divers are not for me. The previous C65 Trident Diver line was my absolute favor and I was dismayed to see it go in favor of the Aquitaine line. I didn't prefer the design language when I first saw it but thought maybe that was my bias from the loss of the prior line, but in-person my thoughts were validated. As with many CW's, the fit and finish is top notch, but it's just not a design for me
- The Consort bracelet is super-nice!
- The Bel Canto is breathtaking.
I also had a physical takeaway, a CW hat! - Michael handed me one while chatting when I briefly shared my experience with the brand
...and I also have something in common with
@Peteo in that I also came home with a
Tsao Baltimore / Baltimore Watch Company Balt Pilot - though I came home with the non-Worldtimer with the white dial (though I came really close to getting it with the meteorite dial). I recently acquired the bronze case, blue dial version of their Torsk Diver on the secondary market when I thought that a local micro brand would be good to add to the collection and I started feeling a bit more attached to its local connection so when I saw the Balt Pilot in full titanium case/bracelet with a decent movement I decided it should join my collection.
The only other brand that really caught my eye at the show was
Stella Watch Company out of New York - their textured dials were very interesting, particularly on the
Ellis model.