Christopher Ward first talked about the creation of the C63 Sealander True GMT in their brand magazine Loupe back in 2023 with the expectation that the watch would be launched that same year. It was supposed to be their second major in-house project following 2022’s Bel Canto but delays meant the Loco was released first. Which is why eagle-eyed enthusiasts will have noticed that the movement reference of CW-001 in the Bel Canto jumped to CW-003 in the Loco – the CW-002 has been in the C63 Sealander True GMT this entire time.
On the wrist it wears markedly similar to the existing C63 Sealander GMT range, making use of the same lightcatcher case design with 3-link Bader bracelet. It’s slightly larger though at 40.5mm rather than 39mm – it’s thicker too at 14.15mm as opposed to 11.85mm. Although that size increase is offset somewhat by removing the 24-hour bezel and encompassing the whole piece under a domed sapphire crystal that visually makes the watch look slimmer even if it isn’t.
The 24-hour scale is still present but now sits on a recessed ring around the peripheral edge of the display. The dial itself is a lesson in layering. Inside the 24-hour scale is a raised hour ring with applied indexes that sit on top of that for three different layers of verticality in short order. You then have the subdials for small seconds at 6 o’clock and power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock balanced by an openworked window 3 o’clock that reveals part of the True GMT mechanism and plunging down into the heart of the movement. The version I have here is the silver-tone and orange edition, though it’s also available in black with blue.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term True GMT, aka Traveller GMT, it means that the standard 12-hour hand can be adjusted independently from the rest of the display. Making it easier to adapt local time when you cross time zones without having to reset the entire watch. It’s seen as the superior version of the complication compared to the Office GMT, which is the type all the existing Christopher Ward GMTs are. Contributing to why CW wanted to develop their own in-house version of the True GMT for the C63 Sealander True GMT. When you use the mechanism to jump the hour, you can see the disc rotate through the openworked portion of the dial.
Turning the watch over reveals more of the CW-002 movement through the exhibition caseback. It has a skeletonised rotor, giving you great views of the mechanics behind and the immaculate finishing which includes Côtes de Genève and a mixture of polished and brushed surfaces. The balance wheel oscillates frenetically opposite the power barrels, which store the 120-hour power reserve. You can see that it’s still marked SH21 which was the name of this calibre series before it was rebranded CW-001/2/3.
The C63 Sealander True GMT is priced at £2,995 on Bader bracelet or £2,895 on rubber strap. That makes it the most accessible of CW’s recent in-house projects compared to the Bel Canto and Loco. It’s also the most intense in terms of the industrial vibe of its design with a strong focus on finishing and architecture.
Price and Specs:
More details at Christopher Ward.
