Jkpa wrote: ↑Thu Apr 21, 2022 3:02 pm
I can tell it’s a CW so the design language is spot on. But call me crazy, I miss the name on the dial. Got so used to it. I hate to use a term like “generic” but right now, I’m not super into it. The all green looks very good, however.
I can only agree with you: I don't think it's a good idea to omit the name unless there isn't room for it on the dial, or like with the APEX models - it just doesn't fit.
I also like the completely green one best, especially since I'm still missing something green in the collection. But I'll wait for a NN sale in summer
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Hype can be a risky thing. I thought retro style divers were old news, so why the hype? It hasn't taken CW forward, as stated above. It's still the same old CW. Almost every watch released now contains the word, 'retro'. Just look at all the 'new retro' sports watches with integrated bracelets (as I was earlier - Tissot & Chopard).
But what CW have done is create a Rolexy style dial with a Blancpain bezel and put it on a better case than either. Genius. How can it fail? And it doesn't really, albeit nothing new - how can it - being retro.
What is a resounding fail is the drivel that accompanies the pics of the new watch on the website. Seriously CW, it's truly awful. So much so, I nearly gave up reading. I'm an adult, Treat me like one, I don't want to read childish script.
So what else? Well, I seem to be the exception to the rule here in that I hate bracelets that taper too much. And from personal experience on both bracelets and straps, 22mm to 16.5 is a taper too far. I have one watch where the bracelet tapers from 20mm to 16mm and it looks like cost cutting does. Another watch I have was top heavy on a 22mm strap that tapered to 18mm. after I repaced it with a taper-less strap, the watch was perfectly balanced on the wrist.
The twin crosses logo is a logical and sensible step forward, long overdue. Ever better than CW at 12 in my opinion. Anything that replaces the wordmark at 9 would be. And it perfectly reflects the reality of the companies anglo-swiss status.
As for the colour variations on offer, the solid colourways offer nothing new at all and there are far cheaper options out there. But for me, the white sand / green bezel is an absolute winner that I will be hard pushed to resist. But will wait for a sale. It will probably be my 4th CW, one of which was sold on.
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sproughton wrote: ↑Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:39 pm
Early opinion: generic Kickstarter dive watch vibes for me.
Slightly more considered opinion: I think this is the range of dive/sport watches that CW have released that I like the least. I appreciate there may be lots of quality improvements, but as far as what the watches look like, I couldn't be less impressed.
However I was never likely to be buying one anyway so no loss to anyone.
I don't actually see the relevance of the name "Aquitaine" to be honest. What's Western France to do with an Anglo/Swiss watch? You might as well pick a British or Swiss lake, and refer to the crystal clear waters. It's harmless enough, but just not particularly relevant, for me.
ajax87 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:00 pm
However I still think the words Christopher Ward should be written under the logo. Seems too bare without it. It can be done just fine even with a longer name. Take a look at a Vacheron Constantin for inspiration.
Oh, and the logo should be applied/raised.
I absolutely agree, I’ve just checked out a VC and an applied sliver swoosh with Christopher Ward would have been wonderful. Why are these things so difficult to Produce and test the water with?
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C7 Rapide models released in 2017 with only the logo support what he’s saying. I understand you have a certain distrust for the man, but it sounds like you’re letting that distrust lead you to unreasonable closed-mindedness.
Back to the topic at hand, I had overlooked the price on these. $1250 USD for the base auto on bracelet is STEEP. Almost $200 more than the C60 auto on bracelet. Wow. That’s more money that the C63 GMT, and as someone else noted, more money than the COSC Dartmouth. I understand the improvements in the bracelet, but maaaan. That’s getting up there.
Who else does sapphire bezels out of interest? I must say I see these improvements as squarely trying to position CW against an Oris Aquis, say. CW prices still seem cheap compared with Oris. That must be what CW must want. To be considered as a better watch than Oris or Longines, not as a better watch that any random non swiss micro brand.
I posted this in another thread there are quite a few on this list. Lorier is also doing sapphire bezels on the Hyperion.
The listing for the Hyperion says hesalite crystal and bezel insert?
I wonder how others feel about the C60, C63 and now the C65 all having similar watch hands? I liked that in the previous c65 lineup only the dartmouth seemed to have similar hands (and it kind of it with the triangular indices on the dartmouth)
I think going with the twin flags “swish” is a forward move for the brand. Trademarks and logos are not innovative but they are signposts to established brands on the road to broader recognition. Nike’s Swoosh, Ford’s blue oval, or Bass Ale’s red triangle are indicators of the firm, the do not replace the name of the firm or supplant the brand as a whole. No one goes to a bar or a pub asking for “a pint of the red triangle.” No one answers the phone at Nike: “hello, Swoosh, how may I direct your call?” You can spot the blue oval from a distance and know you’re seeing a Ford without having to be close enough to read the script.
Leaving the name off the dial is a big step, yes, but it is a big step forward to the big leagues. Christopher Ward is up scaling and casting off the fly-by-night, gone tomorrow pallor of a brand that couldn’t make it. The Swish move says, “we are established; we can run with the big dogs.” The five-pointed crown isn’t quaking, but other established brands will take notice. I embrace the move.
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thomcat00 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 21, 2022 6:34 pm
I think going with the twin flags “swish” is a forward move for the brand. Trademarks and logos are not innovative but they are signposts to established brands on the road to broader recognition. Nike’s Swoosh, Ford’s blue oval, or Bass Ale’s red triangle are indicators of the firm, the do not replace the name of the firm or supplant the brand as a whole. No one goes to a bar or a pub asking for “a pint of the red triangle.” No one answers the phone at Nike: “hello, Swoosh, how may I direct your call?” You can spot the blue oval from a distance and know you’re seeing a Ford without having to be close enough to read the script.
Leaving the name off the dial is a big step, yes, but it is a big step forward to the big leagues. Christopher Ward is up scaling and casting off the fly-by-night, gone tomorrow pallor of a brand that couldn’t make it. The Swish move says, “we are established; we can run with the big dogs.” The five-pointed crown isn’t quaking, but other established brands will take notice. I embrace the move.
I see your point...but, most brands that have a name and symbol usually use both. I agree with some of the commentary that it looks bare. Even Rolex (which I HATE comparing to) has the crown and the name. Even Omega uses both. Both those brands could really do away with the name and everyone on the planet would know by the symbol. While most us watch nerds will recognize the flags, most will not. The watch is not my taste but I applaud the increase in finishing (i.e. - screws on bracelet). I am more concerned as they transition everything to flags only how that will look. There was a forum LE watch that was done with symbol only. I need to look at that because I want to get a C60 Trident v4 but curious if I will like the flags only or if I should go ahead and buy v3.
Not being disrespectful, just enjoying the robust debate.
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Sunspot wrote: ↑Thu Apr 21, 2022 6:25 pm
I wonder how others feel about the C60, C63 and now the C65 all having similar watch hands? I liked that in the previous c65 lineup only the dartmouth seemed to have similar hands (and it kind of it with the triangular indices on the dartmouth)
That’s a very good point. The handset is fine but I really liked the different handset on the c65 series and would have been happy to see these taken forward on the new range
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Doesn’t do much for me but that’s not a surprise for me nowadays. Sure it will sell well though. Agree with @caller re the condescending drivel in the description on the website though. Maybe that’s what £1.5m in marketing gets you