Cross roads implies a choice where there is no going back (think Robert Frost which also applies here I think). I don't see that here. This is more like a dip or a trough. It doesn't mean they will never again make something that you like. Right now they aren't. That is going to happen especially since CW has settled into rolling updates focusing on one collection at a time. Eventually something will come around that might spark new interest. Until then there are a lot of fish in the sea.

Id been looking for a 36mm sports watch for a while and pulled the plug on a soon-to-ship C63 black dial, after trying much more expensive alternatives and not finding a suitable candidate (often issues with bracelets). But the vast majority of models in the past 2 years or so have pretty much been a series of meh. Great value as usual, good CW touch on the design, but as far as Im concerned my next CW is going to have to step up a notch.

I was really intrigued by the new Pro 300 and what CW achieved in term of downsizing, making it more elegant and versatile in my opinion, but I cant just go for another SW200 and the rest of menu.

I know at this point Im probably outside of CW's target market, but I would have easily pulled the plug for the same Pro 300 38mm in full titanium and a movement that'd offer more than 38hrs of power reserve or the usual feats of yet another Sellita, for instance. Something wow. I know they released smth similar a while ago, but at 42mm it's too large for my wrist. I guess I'll eventually go for a Pelagos 39, as soon as they release a blue version...

When I re-entered the watch enthusiast hobby a few years ago, Christopher Ward offered designs that were different from my interests 25 years ago. As an obsessive type, I acquired 9 CW watches in a short period of time. Now, just a few years later, my interests are evolving. I've learned that I don't want any new watches over 41mm, and I will not buy a watch with Fauxtina, unless the beige is part of design. At this point the 36mm Sealanders are the only CW models that interest me.

I was expecting CW to grow out of microbrands by offering more style or complications either with in house SH21 or JJ varients but market won over for the last 4 yrs I presume. Their new offerings are better quality than ever but my interests in them are heading opposite direction. However, I know it's purely me having no interests in divers.

Still expect to see alternative example of Meistersinger Bell Hora some time this year.

hsukirk wrote: ↑Sun Oct 09, 2022 2:59 pm I was expecting CW to grow out of microbrands by offering more style or complications either with in house SH21 or JJ varients but market won over for the last 4 yrs I presume. Their new offerings are better quality than ever but my interests in them are heading opposite direction. However, I know it's purely me having no interests in divers.

Still expect to see alternative example of Meistersinger Bell Hora some time this year.

The difficulty is that how many would expect the CW version to be under £1,000?
When you look at the C60 Concept most said you could get a Pelagos for that. But my personal opinion was the C60 Concept was far superior and it was worth the price. Many still see CW as a budget brand and would be unlikely to pay for premium elements.

Stuart1 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 09, 2022 5:56 pm Many still see CW as a budget brand and would be unlikely to pay for premium elements.

Its a label that CW is working hard to shift but they have a long way to go.

Richard D wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 1:33 am

Stuart1 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 09, 2022 5:56 pm Many still see CW as a budget brand and would be unlikely to pay for premium elements.

Its a label that CW is working hard to shift but they have a long way to go.

Catch-22 or the Larra Paradox?**

** “Does no-one read in this country because no-one writes, one does no-one write because no-one reads?” (Mariano José de Larra, 19th century Spanish critic)

Forums may only occupy a fraction of the customer base, but I suspect they are quite instrumental in building or destroying reputations, as are the smiling assassins of the YouTube generation.

I suspect they are quite instrumental in building or destroying reputations, as are the smiling assassins of the YouTube generation.

I suppose that if a company (any company) is going to use the phrase "do your research" in their advertising material, the they shouldn't be too surprised when people come across YouTube reviews and assorted fora discussing their products.

I've long thought that the vouchers are counter-productive in giving the brand a quality image. I raised the question at the Manchester GTG. Given the stated emphasis from CW on being upfront about pricing, they seem to muddy the water in that respect. I would prefer a more straightforward price structure. Just my opinion, and with only one CW not a very important one.

exHowfener wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:28 am I've long thought that the vouchers are counter-productive in giving the brand a quality image.… Given the stated emphasis from CW on being upfront about pricing, they seem to muddy the water in that respect. I would prefer a more straightforward price structure.

I couldn’t agree more! I wouldn’t have a problem if they phased out the vouchers and simply stuck to the bi-annual clearance sales.

for whats it worth i agree with the above but surely it depends on what business model works for CW vs what/how they want to be seen as a brand

CW vouchers and discounts?

Yes I would get the angst if CW did constant sell offs and discounts, like was often the case in the olden days.

However the pattern of vouchers, and an occasional 15% offering, plus the January and July seems well established.

I really don’t see the problem. Brand value and perception adversely Impacted by the current pricing strategy? really?

I can only assume that the folk who think that still a problem are not aware of the discounts available on many brands that sit much, much further up the food chain than CW…

Human nature is that people like to think they have a deal. A retailer that sets their pricing structure on the basis of a near permanent £100 voucher, with the ability to tweak slightly further with an occasional 15% probably knows exactly what it is doing.

As in all things - other views are available.

The scene: an imaginary conversation in the local Wetherspoons -
Hey man, that’s a great looking watch. How much was it?

Thanks dude, it’s a Christopher Ward and I paid RRP less £100.

Okay, can’t really be that good, if you got £100 off…

Neil

I think the problem is also wrapped up in being internet only, As you mention some brands higher up the chain do offer discounts but its done over the counter and with a free glass of water/Tea etc etc. As CW cant offer that they have to show their hand first.