To be honest, i wished for an affordable watch in these specs for so long, titanium, slim, absolutely gorgeous looking, and most of all I can afford it now. Bought the blue titanium on a black rubber strap. Finally I can afford such a watch too I am soooo happy 😊

@paulsymonds820

Жыл бұрын

I’ve bought the Astral Blue Ti model on the Black strap too.

@litan114

Жыл бұрын

careful -this guy lies a lot

@ShittyMcPoopyBalls

Жыл бұрын

Nobody buys CW watches.

@johnholkham2420

10 ай бұрын

@@ShittyMcPoopyBallswell how come they still exist should have gone broke years ago.

@lordcharfield4529

7 ай бұрын

@@litan114Which guy?

Mike France stated in an interview recently that most Swiss luxury manufacturers are using x33 of actual costs. CW are x3. He also said that the company they use were making parts for the big boys using the same machines to the same finish levels and he was confident that they were not even aware

@davids.2317

Жыл бұрын

Mike France has gone on record to say they use the same case supplier as tudor....can you imagine how pissed off tudor were when he announced that 😂😂😂

@frblaze2

3 ай бұрын

Well yeah... You actually think a 70k watch is worse 70k? It's all BS and borderline scam

@mell3109

3 ай бұрын

@@davids.2317 the point Mike made was that he was convinced that the big boys were completely unaware who was making some parts due to them farming out some components to suppliers who then farmed it out to someone else who in turn farmed it out, so 4 levels within the supply chain and at least 3 levels that the big boys are completely unaware of. Then there is CW going straight to the actual suppliers at level 4. Bizarre really and no wonder that Swiss watches are expensive. The thing is for the vast majorly of Swiss offering (not the top table stuff) Oris etc, CW are definitely as good if not better in quality

I am waiting on my Twelve Ti in Purple. Not only do I love the Ti but the fact that they not only went with the SW300 Chronometer grade, but the one with the upgraded barrel for 56 hour power reserve. Bravo Christopher Ward. The Twelve is my 3rd CW after the C60 Trident 300 38mm white dial and the C65 Dune Bronze in Blue. Great watches all around.

@michaelfrock2473

11 ай бұрын

I assume you have it by now, is it as great in person? Trying to decide on color strap combo at the moment.

Back when my enthusiasm far exceeded my budget, I got a Christopher Ward GMT diver (and a Hamilton intramatic) as part of my two-watch collection. I greatly enjoyed it for about 10 years before the movement died and the cost of fixing it was more than made sense. They’ve come a long way in that time, and they remain a go-to recommendation I give out for people who have a limited budget. They are not trying to compete with bigger brands 1:1 - they are doing something different. And value like the 12 is exactly what makes them fun and interesting.

So glad to see you guys highlighting Adrian Buchmann here. That’s a detail that’s gone extremely overlooked in early discussion of this watch. The Antarctique is one of the most interesting watches of recent times and it’s so cool to see one of the men behind it bring a similar design to the rest of us. Your comparison to Genta’s work at different watchmakers is spot on. This is very exciting for the watch world.

it was nice to hear about a brand other than the top-tier watch brands.

We can always count on you to introduce us to models that even great G-Shock enthusiasts have not heard of. 😊 high quality content 👌

I bought my son a CW for graduation, C63 Sealander Bronze. Very impressed.

I think Michael is absolutely on the money when he says this will open peoples eyes to the value (or lack thereof) in some 5 figure watches. Look at what can be achieved. Bravo, fair play CW I cant eait to see whats next.

I own 4 CWs and I like the look of the Twelve. But, when I went to the CW website, I saw they were taking pre-orders for Bel Cantos - $3700/$4200. Ordered the Bel Canto - will wait on the Twelve.

@randomocityvideos

Жыл бұрын

Good call. Bel Canto is far more unique

@mikew2911

11 ай бұрын

Christ, I can't imagine spending 4k on a Christopher Ward, you're one special clown.

My first watch from Christopher Ward was the Bel Canto in green, it will be arriving in the next couple of weeks, as soon as I seen it I had to have one, same deal with the twelve, just fell in love with it and had to have one, could not believe the spec they were offering at this pricepoint. I ordered the Titanium in astral blue with black rubber strap, my brother who does not even own a watch (50 year old) bought the same watch in full titanium and my Dad has just asked me to order him the glacier bkue in SS. That's three orders in the space of a week. I have a collection which contains some very nice watches, but I'm no watch snob, I buy because I like the look of a watch and if it's affordable I will add it to my collection. I own a Rolex 1957 GMT and a 2009 Submariner but the marque have lost me as a potential repeat buyer because of their marketing strategy which is borderline pretentious. My point is, I chose to buy two Christopher Ward watches with the money I had saved for another Rolex purchase and I personally think that speaks volume for the quality and value for money at both of these watches price points. Great channel lads, keep up the good work Regards from the Highlands of Scotland.

@johnmonachelli5256

Жыл бұрын

You bought well

way more interested in comparing the supposedly upcoming 36mm Twelve to the also supposedly upcoming 35mm PRX Powermatic

Great video and discussion as always. I love and respect what CW is doing to bring high quality at lower prices and challenge/disrupt the watch industry on consumer expectations of value. I particularly like the 12 in the purple dial. Maybe just me, but I'm not personally a fan of the CW logo, which diminishes an otherwise beautiful dial. The other watch which I think is bringing an interesting offering to the integrated bracelet market at just a slightly higher price to CW, is the Atelier Wen Perception with beautiful hand-made guilloche dials. I've purchased one....arriving later this month.

IWC looking at this watch’s price like 😳

@geno816

Жыл бұрын

Haha. U r right. But you've reminded me that I want an iwc. Just ~$4k. Not ~$15k

@cy4624

Жыл бұрын

Don't believe IWC nor other higher tier is worried..people buying IWC etc value the "brand" and status it affords ....they sell because of the Name and clout.

@pennfootball71

Жыл бұрын

IWC case is finished better as well as a better finished in house movement that keeps time more germanically than even the CW COSC one

@cy4624

Жыл бұрын

@pennfootball71 iwc is not a inhouse movement..its is iwc finished val fleurier...same movement used by baume, Cartier, Panerai who all claim is inhouse...same.movement, disguised and finished differently with panerai being far worst finished but most expensive. The IWC case is also outsourced..

@mrgee007

Жыл бұрын

Guys, the finishing is way over a 2k watch. You should have got the CW and AP in your hands, then comment on the finishing, it’s way way closer than you think. We’re being brain washed to always think the more you pay the better it is, the AP isn’t finished 12 x better than the CW

Also their SH21 movement deserves a mention, it arrived the same time Tudor introduced a similar movement in their BB range.

We all know there's a terrific mark-up on watches, particularly at price points that get into many thousands of dollars. For example, a 25k watch is not necessarily 5 times better than a 5k watch. In fact, I think there is a law of diminishing returns the more money you spend. So much of pricing is about brand, marketing, exclusivity, etc. And while I don't own a CW watch, the "Twelve" has some very impressive looking dials! They should be commended for making watches at FAR more affordable prices in an effort to get more people into watches. In a world where everyone has smart phones, it's not like a watch is a necessity.

Saw these in the metal at SF Windup Watch Fair (April 2023) and they were amazing! Got to chat with Mike France, Jorg Bader Jr. (head of product) and saw Will Brackfield, too. It was such a treat.

That advert feels like a homage to the old "beware expensive initiations" campaigns from Seiko.

A guy on the design team worked on the czapek as well fun fact

@evano8312

Жыл бұрын

@@wsrobert32 I’m glad this is the biggest problem of your day

@mariog7213

Жыл бұрын

@@evano8312🤣

I asked about The Twelve last week on Patreon. I pulled the trigger on an Astral Blue Titanium. I should have it around 11/10/23.

I have pre ordered the blue Ti Twelve and Purple Bel Canto, can’t wait until they arrive. I honestly think CWard is a future classic collectible brand at this stage.

@Megatraum504

Жыл бұрын

I agree. i ordered my first CW just before the release of this. I got the LE C63 sh21 blue marine. My first real luxury watch. It sadly got delayed until November but I know it's worth the wait. This is next on my list. Hopefully they have fumee dials on the SS models when I'm ready to get one.

I had a twelve.. and I love the brand.. the quality and details are off the charts. And the finishing really great for the money.. however, in the end I didn’t gel with it. And the reasons were two - first the size. I should have just waited for the 36mm coming in August. And then secondly - it gave me a chance to try this kind of watch - and I think it’s just not for me (but better to learn that on a £1k CW than a £20k+ high end brand..) The Bel Canto on the other hand, I also had - and that’s a stone cold classic everyone should own.

@litesaber54yi3

Жыл бұрын

Why did u get rid of the BC?

@craigriley9892

Жыл бұрын

What dial did you get on the Bel Canto? I am waiting for the black dial. I can't wait. Glad to hear you love yours!

@justingalore123

Жыл бұрын

@@craigriley9892 the OG blue

@justingalore123

Жыл бұрын

@@litesaber54yi3 an offer I couldn’t refuse. I’d like to get another one though when funds allow.

Mike France of CW said that they want to use the 12 as a platform for future watches. I am expecting a chronograph at some point but I would love to see a perpetual calendar for $5,000 on this watch 🤞

Personally, I believe it was a miss on CW’s part not to release the Ti version in all the same colors as the BS version. Plus, it’s not just the Titanium. You’re getting a Chronometer movement, better power reserve, and I believe better lume. Only making these upgraded options available in two colors seems short sighted. Not a fan of the Astral Blue or Nebula Purple at all. Would have one of these ordered right now in one of the other four colors had they have made that available.

I think I have heard somewhere this has been on the slate at CW for a while and may actually pre-date the czapek design..

How can you know that "the finish" of the 12 is good if you do not hold in your hand?

@jmdelapaz

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like an advertisement video.

@benclarke2599

5 ай бұрын

I have one, the finish is brilliant

I have a 1972 Omega Seamaster Cosmic 2000 and that’s 6 years before Tissot came out with the PRX.

Just bought the ‘96 strap to put on my Nomos Club Nacht 738. Gonna make that orange seconds hand pop. 😎🔥

This is why I love this channel you guys find the coolest pieces and dive deep into the history and it shows your understanding of the complex watch market. Keep up the great work.

Christopher Ward is positioning itself to go after its direct competitors for the $1K to $2K budgets. The CW Twelve is offered in both stainless and titanium and is a direct competitor to the Tissot PRX. Christopher Ward is also going after the military tool watch game with their military collection: Colchester, Cranwell, Dartmouth, Lymphstone, and Sandhurst collections. Seiko, Hamilton, Marathon, and CWC should be on alert now.

Let's be real ... The Twelve will NOT force AP to lower their prices. That's because the Royal Oak wasn't worth its price BEFORE The Twelve came along, but people still paid that price in order to have THE BRAND on their wrists. And they will still pay the price, because what they're buying is the NAME, not the construction, the finishing or even the design. Same goes for Rolex ... The Twelve will not put ANY pressure on Rolex. Having said that, it's quite possible that Christopher Ward will put pressure on mid-value brands to lower their prices with this beautiful release. The Twelve is a stunning watch, and it (along with the Bel Canto) has put Christopher Ward front and centre in current and ongoing watch industry conversations.

@vladimirmeksenkov9257

3 ай бұрын

Согласен с автором на 100%,те люди которые покупают Дейтаджаст или Дуб никогда не посмотрят в сторону Вард,они покупают статус,это тоже самое,что для женщин сумка Эрмес или Фурла,это разные потребители.А тот кто смотрел на Тиссо,Сейко,Лонджин,Морис Лакруа,тот может и обратит внимание на Вард.

Are CW watches easy to service in a country outside England i reside in South Africa currently.

I agree this directly point at ap etc….but what about iwc releasing the new ingenieur. Could they be going after them as well?? Everyone that I have spoken to believes the ingenieur to be extremely overpriced…..what do you think?

Has anyone tried the Twelve vs the PRX 40 ? Does the Twelve wear smaller than the Tissot ? I'm usually good up to 40mm but the PRX felt too big

Have you seen the purple dial? It's fantastic!!!

Love everything to do with Christopher Ward, love the Aquitaine GMT

Nice piece for sure... although for some reason I haven't come around to the shark indices.

I’m holding out for the 36mm in Titanium which should be out by the end of the year.

" La sonnerie au passage" is very cool

How do you compare this to something like the Traska Commuter?

Totally agreed about the PRX and CW 12 being a "public service". I didn't really get into the whole watch scene until I came across the PRX, then the CW. I don't own either, but I've got several watches in my collection now. And I will no doubt be buying a CW 12 at some point.

Small and mighty is good for a small person, but it will not look proper on a hard-working, labor male who has a masculine rist. Bigger human deserves a watch that fits them best as well. To push 36mm on people who's thumb print is the size of the case is ingenious. Add a 44mm, 40mm, 36mm and maybe a 26mm

@Gonzo1968

Ай бұрын

Well there is a 40mm.. Soooo

Guys, I don't think you get it. Watch enthusiasts who loved the integrated bracelet style had to sit back and watch their favoured pieces fly way above "normal" budgets, mainly by "Investors" who don't give a damn about the watch but only it's future value. So, although the demand and hype is dying down a bit for the genre, average people with average budgets have been locked out of participation at any time. The Twelve allows we normal people, to enjoy something that's a bit Zenith Defy, Czapek Antartique, Ingenieur, and Royal Oak. We DON'T CARE that it's not original, we couldn't afford any of the originals thanks to flippers, speculators and herd followers. As you hinted at, it is actually good enough to ask the question, why are the other guys so expensive, even at list. The titanium case bezel is bead blasted, brushed, and polished (the latter being something that Rolex considered was too hard) and the overall quality (and slimness) is a match for watches costing three times as much. Get real.

I own a "Twelve" and have a "Bel Canto" on order , very happy.

Tudor royal is still a better option, not sure why this is going crazy where it’s already been done since 2020. The 38mm was £1700

The masterworks transition was smooth!

@fullymechanical9055

Жыл бұрын

But annoying 😊

$1,200 more than the PRX 🤔 I do like the dial print better but I like the integrated bracelet on the PRX. The center chain is uniform on the tapered bracelet on the PRX and it gives an illusion of the bracelet going fat to thin. Some people with more OCD than me might like the tapered center link design

I agree 100% when it got released I was amazed at the price point. I bought a PRX 18 months ago auto white dial and have never worn it,this Christopher Ward 12 watch I can't wait to rock that (lt.blue)

This watch is absolutely amazing for the price, gives me vibes of the Octo or VC. This sends a message that quality doesnt need to cost atlaeast $5K

I don´t see how this hasn´t been done before? You got the Aikon, the PRX, and even some cheap outliers like the D1 Milano. All go for a 'Genta inspired' look and all accomplish it without being too derivative, which is where this watch fails in my opinion. The fact you hired the same designer of the Czapek doesn´t mean he isn´t copying himself?

Once you are past $1,500, you are into pre-owned major brand, along with longer than 38-50 something power reserves…that is the ceiling Ward is running into. On the ‘in house movement’ question….a company using a JLC movement is different from using an off the shelf ETA or Selina movement that anyone can buy.

@lyndonlouie4108

Жыл бұрын

The steel XII is 1225, for 18-1900 you get ti, fumé dial, chronometer Sellita and 56 hr pr

@bmunson4920

Жыл бұрын

@@lyndonlouie4108 my point, exactly. In that range you are now getting into the range of used big brands. I haven’t checked, but we can’t be far from 5 day Oris preowned close to that soon.

@ajmarion

Жыл бұрын

@@bmunson4920 yeah you can find a used Oris with the Cal 400 for $3k, but that is still 30-50% more than the CW, depending on the model. I think CW is best in the $1,000 - $1,500 range, but would still buy a 12 or bel canto over something like a Pro Pilot X or Aquis. In all honesty, the build quality and finishing on CW is definitely better than Oris or Longines

@bmunson4920

Жыл бұрын

@Paul Hitchens funny how autocorrect works, isn’t it?

@johnholkham2420

6 ай бұрын

CW have their own sh21 completely in house designed movement which is not a derivative ,with 120 hr power reserve. Unfortunately it was 6 mm thick with rota and it would be hard to fit in a dress watch and also made divers thicker. It’s the same issue Tudor and Omega have , great movements but turns watch into a hockey puck on wrist.

does the Pitzmann 2 compare to this?

Guys thanks for all ur hard work and knowledge. Can you do a video on good gold watches that are below 20k. P.s. why doesnt zenith do more gold watches ?

Very nice watch but sceptical about the antimagnetic of the watch. Plus great video

I've been following The Iron Snail channel for a month but I didn't know he was also a part of this channel. It kinda took me by surprise.

I don't like how close the 11, 12, and 1 hour markers look. To me, it throws off the balance of the dial.

CW designed this watch to hit a price. He totally admits the BIG compromise is a single piece bracelet as opposed to a two or more piece, and the level of finish on that bracelet. That under $2k price is the result of an affordable but great movement as opposed to an in-house house movement which costs a fortune to design and a simple, elegant, easy to manufacture one piece bracelet. But CW has declared their presence with the Bel Canto and the Twelve and I definitely expect a $5-9k watch that will potentially be insane.

CW watch is priced just right for a micro brand watch. I have the prx 35mm just waiting for more colors for the 36mm CW12

I have a CW Sealander GMT in green, and it gets more wrist time than my Rolex, TAG, Tudor, and Longines.

Can't wait for my Twelve to arrive!

Great, as if i didn't have enough watches on my wishlist already with my limited budget, i now have another one on it

@omar10213245

Жыл бұрын

ain't that the truth.

Love you guys covering some more affordable brands

CW a few years back did a monopusher. Beautiful watch

Just brought a Vacheron overseas 4500V, it had visible specs of dust in the sun, wore somewhat large on my wrist. largely unimpressed and disappointed for the money. Then went to look to buy Czapek, then found lots of great design elements found on this twelve I was looking for. This is no longer can I afford this watch but shifting to is this watch providing value for its price point.

I dont care about in-house movements, but I do about movements regulated to at least COSC even without the cert. CW does certify a very few models and I would happily pay a bit more to get it. I even asked if they might make a COSC version on the steel Aquitane but they said no (only in brass). Doesnt seem to me to be a big deal to do this but perhaps it is.

@ralfybaby

Жыл бұрын

I have 4 CWs that all run within COSC specs. No need to pay more for a movement

@leor8819

Жыл бұрын

@@ralfybabyyeah same, I’ve had many cws all which are highly accurate. My daily from them runs within 1 second per day.

Tried it on at windup. It’s nice but was slightly underwhelmed

Only had one of their watches and there was a few specs of dirt behind the glass. Had to send it back. It’s a small sample size and I likely got unlucky but it put me off the brand

Feels just like when the PRX was released. Hype, hype and more hype for another of the same watch. We have 100 watches that look just like the Submariner at different price tiers, now we have 100 watches that look just like the Royal Oak at different prices. There's a space for everyone in the watch industry, just make sure you pick up your trash.

why you don't do the pause after "and I'm Michael"? it was funny every time

Ayyy, i got the same polo sweatervest from a&f... they nice

And what did you say about the GP Laureato in 2017???😂😂😂

A gorgeous watch. A future classic.

I’ve had a few Christopher Ward’s over the past few years, and gotta say they’ve been great! The build quality and finishing is absolutely unbeatable for the price, which is the biggest draw for me

"PISZKOS GYEREK" Not sure what that is, but nice tattoo! Jokes aside, I'm excited for my Bel Canto to arrive (due in Dec). I really like the Royal Oak design, especially the effect the bracelet has, and I COULD afford it if I saved for a few years, but I have a hard time justifying it. That's a solid start toward a downpayment of a second house! Needless to say, I was already considering the slightly cheaper Zenith Defy Skyline or a Bremont Supernova, but even those are quite pricy. Each of those has negatives that just keep me from committing. Naturally, I've also been considering one of these. I agree with Michael though, I'd like to see a better version that combines a better movement (the TI movement or even better) in steel, with that thinner profile. I'd happily pay more, especially if it had even better finishing on the movement and/or the watch itself. I feel like it's soooo close to being the one to get! It's GREAT for its price range, but I don't think it would cost that much more to be a genuine competitor for the Zenith, Bremont, IWC Ingenuer (sic), etc. And THAT is what I'd buy immediately!

@Supercali-fragilisti

Жыл бұрын

PISZKOS GYEREK means DIRTY CHILD (in a sense that the child is filthy…) in Hungarian!😅

@dBsdecibels

Жыл бұрын

@@Supercali-fragilisti Caught him! Haha!

Looks like an aqua terra and prx mix. Beautiful watch but this will be a pass from me. Love their trident collection though

I stay with my 2020 omega planet ocean

Got the blue titanium coming tomorrow and a Bel Canto in December.. whats not to love

Tissot PRX does the same thing for half the cost of the CW 12. PRX also has 80 hour power reserve. The twelve with 38 hour power reserve, -20/+20 seconds a day is not great.

@nikr1d3r32

Жыл бұрын

Didn’t like how thin the PRX bracelet is, I wish it was slightly thicker, this is why I’m looking at this direction.

@lyndonlouie4108

Жыл бұрын

Not quite the same. CW wears smaller, feels more luxurious, design is more interesting, much better finish and 4hz v 3hz movement

I’m not sure why you’d design the intricacies of that bezel then make it so small. It lacks any of the ability to stand with the big boys because in comparison the bezel is so undersized

The full yellow gold looks good on your wrist Michael, just sayin

Love it or hate it, Christopher Ward is on the map now!

I love Christopher Ward, I like this watch but only with non colorful dials. But that's just my taste. Their watches are the best value for money. Their C63 and C36 are my absolute favorite and the one watch I tell everyone new to watch buying to look at first.

I play in a higher echalon, but I have to agree that this is a good looking watch...!

@youeverseethesehandsfly5334

Жыл бұрын

Cringe. Brand worshiper spotted

@fullymechanical9055

Жыл бұрын

It's actually echelon 😅

I wouldn’t want an in house movement due to the ridiculous cost of servicing. I’m very happy with my SW 200 movement!

@lordcharfield4529

4 ай бұрын

Make that “movements” now!

Watch design is all about moving the different parts around to try a get a new look, almost impossible it’s nearly always been done before.

So I shouldn’t buy czapek now?

Christopher Ward makes a clean watch. They look better than a lot of establishment watches.

This channel reminds me of the talented Mr. Ripley.

Speaking as a copywriter, CW kicks ass. Great watches, brave decisions (all this in Ti for £1800?!) and great tone of voice. Love them.

Hamilton did make a Genta inspired watch, I have four of them...

I can't wait for the 36mm size. The larger size just doesn't fit my wrist, no matter how much I love the design. I'll be interested to see what they change when they shrink it a bit to fit those of us with smaller wrists. As a long time CW buyer, I'm totally fine not having an in-house movement if it will save me money. One change I hope they make for the smaller size? A different set of colors. Think about it, that's a smart move right there.

I love the twelve , and who cares if it was a ripp off from czapek , look it like this now you get a czapek look for an affordable price , this watch to me does not look at all to czapek . I love the purple dial and normaly dont like purple on a watch ,but they nailed it . Very nice watch and hope to own one in the future !!!

@ctronquillo

7 ай бұрын

it's not exactly a rip-off if both have the same designer

I have a PRX and an Aqua Terra. This looks like a mashup of these two watches.

@philiphudgens4726

10 ай бұрын

The PRX is a very nice but dated bargain basement watch. The Aqua Terra has very similar indices to the CW 12 but that's about it & it's a higher tier too in terms of price & brand

Sw300 movement ( eta 2892 ) probably the best standard movement in the world.

I'm not a huge fan of the PRX but the 12 on the other hand 👀

Bro Christians shirt is so fire And even Michael's

Perhaps you guys could start looking at the camera more than towards each other. Apart from that the conversation is enjoyable.

Love the case, hate the dial. The odd contrast between colors and dark just doesn't work

@Bujienla

Жыл бұрын

@Paul Hitchens windup watch fair. Same issue in person.

CW has been showing the watch world how much they are being ripped off by bigger brands. They will b top 10 in sales soon and will stay there with more creative marketing like they have now.

I'd had a grey dial Twelve for a couple of weeks and I wasn't expecting much of it, to be honest. But, it's sheer quality of design and construction has really won me over. It's way nicer than any PRX.

@paulsmithchannel

Жыл бұрын

I wonder how it compares to the Maurice LaCroix Aikon? The consensus seems to be that the Aikon has great finishing and build-quality.