Christopher Ward has always had a diverse range of styles and complications within their collections from divers to GMTs and jump hours, but one complication that has been conspicuously absent is the mechanical chronograph. They last produced a core collection chronograph in 2020, six years ago. Now though, the mechanical chronograph makes its return with the launch of the C63 Sealander Chronograph.
It’s a follow-up to spring’s C63 Sealander revamp that transitioned the collection away from its tool watch roots to become more of a dedicated sports watch. Making it the ideal base watch to house a chronograph. Although given the addition of chronograph pushers and tricompax subdials, it is essentially a brand new watch designed from the ground up.
Starting with the case, it measures 41mm x 13.9mm in stainless steel and while it still has the core Light-catcher DNA there are some significant updates. The smooth bezel has been replaced with a black ceramic insert featuring a tachymeter scale that in combination with the chronograph function allows you to calculate your average speed over a known distance. Flanking the screw-down crown at 3 o’clock are two brand new pushers with elongated cuboid shapes that are designed to be ergonomic and easy to use when you start, stop and reset the chronograph function.
For the dial, they’ve opted for a traditional tricompax chrono layout with three subdials that display running seconds, a 30-minute timer and a 12-hour timer. Those are accompanied by central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds. All of the hands use the updated, clean style of the C63 Sealander revamp. There are five colourways being produced, also based on the revamped collection in black, white, pistachio, sky blue and pink, all of which use black, recessed subdials. Picking a favourite is difficult, the white edition is the most traditional with its panda style but I find myself drawn to the pink, which is the most playful.
Powering the C63 Sealander Chronograph is the Sellita calibre SW510-1, an automatic movement with 62-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -5/+12 seconds per day. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can see its elaboré grade finishing and custom Christopher Ward rotor.
The C63 Sealander Chronograph is priced at £1,895 on rubber strap (in a choice of white, black, blue or orange) or £1,995 on steel Bader bracelet with iLink removable links. That’s a very reasonable price for a mechanical chronograph, especially with this movement. It’s a reminder that Christopher Ward’s original intent was to produce affordable Swiss-made watches with British designs. Yes, the Loco and Bel Canto are impressive, but the C63 Sealander Chronograph is an example of their bread and butter.
Price and Specs:
More details at Christopher Ward.
