Christopher Ward is introducing a new in-house movement today within a C63 that will sit atop the Sealander collection with a watch called, quite literally, the C63 True GMT. In a case of ‘does what it says on the tin’ (as well as potential SEO gold?), the newest watch boasts a true GMT movement developed by Christopher Ward in the caliber CW-002. That means an independently adjustable hour hand without resorting to the likes of the Miyota 9075. More importantly, it has allowed them to design it for a rather unusual layout as seen here, setting a new tone for the Sealander in the process.
Christopher Ward developed their first in-house movement, the SH21, with the help of Synergies Horlogères (SH), which was introduced in 2014. That movement is now called the CW-001, and it forms the starting point for the CW-002 seen here. A quick note to acknowledge the CW-003 that was introduced in the C12 Loco last year. In developing the CW-002, a total of 23 components have been added, 16 of which are newly designed, with the rest being modified CW-001 pieces. Thus, this is something of a module added to the base caliber, with an additional layer comprising the complication.
The CW-002 is unique for a few reasons. First, it maintains the long, five-day power reserve and power reserve display at nine o’clock on the dial. Second, it splits the running seconds hand into its own sub-dial, leaving a central handstack with three hands for the hours, minutes, and 24 hour indication. This is a rarely seen configuration in the world of GMTs, and easily sets this C63 apart at a glance. Further, the 24 hour bezel sits as a portion of the dial under the box crystal, which provides an edge to edge view, and also makes the watch appear a bit larger than its 40.5mm diameter would suggest.
That crystal also pushes the total watch thickness to 14.15mm, which, along with the 48mm lug to lug length, will make for a noticeable presence on the wrist. The lightcatcher case should keep everything on the wearable side, however, but don’t expect this one to be slipping under many cuffs with ease.
The dial features a slew of textures and finishes, with an open portion at the three o’clock position. The purpose of this cut out appears to be in providing a visual balance to the opposing power reserve display, and it works best on the silver dial reference as it doesn’t sit in contrast to the rest of the dial as it does in the black variation. At the very perimeter of the dial you’ll find a date aperture set at three o’clock. In total, this is a visually interesting dial with a lot to digest. I’m not sure it all comes together perfectly, but it’s got a lot of character, which I appreciate.
With this movement in the works for a regular production watch, it seems likely we’ll see it applied elsewhere. I’d sacrifice some of that power reserve for a slightly tidier footprint, personally, but for the time being the CW-002 represents a big step for Christopher Ward. The C63 True GMT is priced at $4,135 and is available now. Christopher Ward
