I can't recall who first noticed it, but it was when the Trident Mk III user manuals were published on the CW website in May, alluding to the fact that a service would be required every 3-4 years. What was quoted in the handbooks contradicted what was published on the website at that moment in time.
The website has now been updated with the new policy and as stated it confirms:
The website does not confirm when this change in policy was introduced - it may be mentioned somewhere, but I can't see it.If you have not had your watch serviced at the recommended interval, we will not cover the cost of the repair under warranty.
Personally I believe this is now a 'free' 48 month guarantee and you are paying to extend this for the last 12 months by way of a service. Prior to this change if a movement fault developed in month 54 then other than the original purchase cost it was covered by CW with no clause stipulating a service at the owners cost would be required to be eligible for the repair.
I appreciate we have comparisons with cars and other trinkets that require servicing, but two points I'm not a fan of:
- No date confirming when this policy change was introduced and who it will affect
- Whenever I see 60/60 quoted now, I personally believe it should be 60|48 or 60|60* - the asterisk informing the buyer that a service will be required before it's 4 years old.
I can't help but feel the original 60|60 concept especially the 60 months guarantee period was in hindsight too generous and too many watches are failing in the final year. Yes the company can choose to change the terms, but I feel they need to be fair, reasonable and transparent regarding how this is done, from when and who it will affect.
Details on the current 60|60 guarantee can be found here: https://www.christopherward.co.uk/cserv ... -guarantee
Below you'll find a screen capture from June '19 and the latest terms below.
June '19
Sept '19