Here's a long interview with Mike France and Sam of Casual Watch Review where MF discusses his thoughts behind the design process and release of this watch. At one point at around 13:30 in the interview Sam says that when he first saw the Twelve, that it immediately made him think of a Czapek watch. MF appears to pull just a little bit of a face at this point A Long but interesting interview (MF monologue) if you want a detailed explanation about CW's thought process behind this watch.

https://youtu.be/KJMnfYRzrvo

Caller wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 5:06 pm Well, once again, I am the fish out of water! The dial, is erm, round, with the much hyped 'we took our time' just a bit of padding on the outside. Nothing original about the dial design, but then again in this day and age, that's hard to acheive. The hype compared to the end product is just flatulence. I can't tell you how underwhelmed I am. I think they would have been better off with a full blown homage!

Anyway, you guy's enjoy it, while I sit here reflectively, bemused.

Interested to know what it would have taken for you to be 'whelmed'? I really like it, and it's clearly using a lot of design aspects from other, similar watches that I also like. I wasn't expecting something that broke the mould.

It's pretty much what I expected - a watch similar to a lot of others on the market, and seemingly done to a good standard at a reasonable price.

I could not agree more on the nonsense marketing hype though, but that's par for the course.

ssholloway21 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:31 pm . . . . . . . . . .

6. U.S. Market Issue - I do not mind them moving up market but they MUST solve the duty issue. It is more of a hassle and probably catches first time buyers off guard. They should move to an all inclusive pricing. I think Farer does this. What you pay is the landed price (I think).

CW sorted this a month or so ago; see here

For a US Buyer, the price you now pay included Sales Tax & Duty.

ssholloway21 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:31 pm
7. Jubilee Bracelet/Beads of Rice Bracelet - They need this as an option. I think especially with some of the retro stuff. The jubiless would look good on the Sealander line and it would give the option of upscaling the watch to a higher price.

There is a bracelet of this ilk coming (initially?) for the Sealander models; details in the latest copy of Loupe, released today.

. . . . . . . .

ssholloway21 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:31 pm 9. C60 Range Mark IV - I would have like to see this come out before summer. I feel they forgot about it.

The C60 MkIV got delayed by the introduction, and success of, the Mk3.1 C60 Trident Pro 300.

Hope this helps.

Guy

“CW customers” - those with no skin in the game:
Come on CW you really need to innovate, do something different, do something that is out there and design leading. What about a watch with a triangular ceramic case, central hour and minute hands, with small seconds at 12 and the twin flags at 6, available on a bracelet made of cork. That would be really cool and not a copy, or homage.

“CW and their private equity backers” - those with money at risk, trying to run a successful business:
Don’t be ridiculous, you have no idea what is involved in running a watch brand. The idea is to design successful watches that will sell in high numbers and increase our standing in the industry. Rinse and repeat. Oh and a triangular case wouldn’t be a new innovation, it has been done before.



Neil

Not a huge fan of integrated bracelets, after having a love hate relationship with the one on my Tutima before it gave up and lost a pusher and drowned itself.
Butterfly clasps are the work of the devil look great but CW has never made one to fit my wrist.
Taking that into account I still like this and think they have released a watch that will be very popular, I can see it wearing large as it's similar size to my C2 Lido and would struggle to get it to fit comfortably on the butterfly clasp.
But a 36mm small seconds no date and I would be tempted to give it another go.


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I accept the criticism of "The Twelve" if you don't like it. I don't care if you compare the general style to Patek Phillipe, Czapek, Zenith, Tissot or any other brand. Call it a homage if you will. Pick apart the subtle differences in design and/or movement. If you don't like the general style, none of it matters.

Sure they could develop a butterfly clasp with a micro adjustment, but at what additional cost. They could make other subtle improvements as well, but all would likely move up the retail price. They are not trying to be JLC, PP or anyone else. They just want to give you a good looking watch at a value price for it's category.

I look at it and look at the prices and specs. For me it is simply a damn fine looking watch at a fair price point(s). Really think The Twelve (Ti) is a truly great looker and value.

From me...Kudos to CW!!

Hicksmat wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 7:21 pm 29485884-415B-4DA1-BFC7-051EC7E455EF.jpeg8BC25512-6CE9-4943-8B1F-8BE10F59DE1A.jpeg

Two lovely watches.

Kip wrote:I accept the criticism of "The Twelve" if you don't like it. I don't care if you compare the general style to Patek Phillipe, Czapek, Zenith, Tissot or any other brand. Call it a homage if you will. Pick apart the subtle differences in design and/or movement. If you don't like the general style, none of it matters.

Sure they could develop a butterfly clasp with a micro adjustment, but at what additional cost. They could make other subtle improvements as well, but all would likely move up the retail price. They are not trying to be JLC, PP or anyone else. They just want to give you a good looking watch at a value price for it's category.

I look at it and look at the prices and specs. For me it is simply a damn fine looking watch at a fair price point(s). Really think The Twelve (Ti) is a truly great looker and value.

From me...Kudos to CW!!

I agree Kip, it should be judged on it's own merit.
Quotes like " astounding achievement" are going to get a response...
It's not, it is what it is....
It's not re inventing the wheel, it's another homage inspired release from the brand.


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Doesn’t do anything for me this one. Interesting watching this thread unfold though!


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I love it! Purchased the light blue steel one and the blue titanium one. For all those who whinge about the size, I think, personally, that 40mm is perfect. It is the same size as my root beer and that takes some beating!

Mouth watering!

This is the thread where we get told some of us are wrong by “impartial” forum admins.

Hicksmat wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 8:45 pm This is the thread where we get told some of us are wrong by “impartial” forum admins.

Or, perhaps we concentrate on the pros and cons of the new release and continue with the civil discussion like everyone seems to be doing up until now?

sproughton wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 8:50 pm

Hicksmat wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 8:45 pm This is the thread where we get told some of us are wrong by “impartial” forum admins.

Or, perhaps we concentrate on the pros and cons of the new release and continue with the civil discussion like everyone seems to be doing up until now?

Well that would be nice if that could happen.

I said what I thought about to watch concisely with 2 images and no words. I don’t really do homage watches. I don’t really want to see CW do homage either. I think watching that video with Mike F, a nerve was touched. Say it as it is. It’s a homage to a £20k plus watch for £1.5k.

nbg wrote: ↑Thu Apr 27, 2023 1:47 pm I wonder if one of the designers of the Antarctique and the head of design for CW are very well acquainted…
Neil

That's fine in theory, but it creates a contradiction in this particular case...