Sometimes you get reminded how fast time moves when a watch that you still think of as brand new was actually released over two years ago – as with the Christopher Ward Twelve X that first debuted in 2024. That debut model was produced in titanium and then last year they created a limited edition in steel. Now, building on the popularity of that steel model, they’re releasing the Twelve X Black Shadow Limited Edition, which is also in steel but now with a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.
The big story here is that updated case finishing. DLC coating consists of adding a thin layer of carbon to another material typically using techniques such as Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). It’s incredibly precise, allowing you to control the thickness of the coating to achieve different goals. A thin layer for example will allow the base finishing on the metal below to still be visible, which you can see on the case of the Twelve X Black Shadow with its brushed surfaces. The same finish is used on the black Twelve 660.
One of the primary advantages of DLC coatings is its hardness and scratch resistance, protecting the watch from the scrapes and dings of daily wears. It also adds the characteristic black or dark anthracite colour, giving the watch a cool stealthy makeover – something Christopher Ward have doubled down on with its broody Batman-esque Black Shadow moniker. Although the Zenith Defy Shadow did beat them to it. Structurally, the case maintains the established Twelve X design with its 41mm diameter, integrated strap, sharp angles and dodecahedron bezel.
We’ve seen this dial a couple of times now over the years, the skeletonised face of the CW-001 movement (formerly SH21 – at this point I feel like writing this is the watchmaking equivalent of X formerly known as Twitter). It’s their in-house calibre with 120-hour power reserve and enough fine finishing across its bridges and exposed barrels to make the skeleton display really worth it. Here the use of black bridges really stands out in combination with the freshly black case.
For pricing and availability, the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow is limited to 150 pieces at either £4,325 on metal bracelet or £3,940 on rubber strap. That’s pretty close to the pricing of the standard, non-limited titanium model which is £4,120 or £3,750 depending on strap options. Overall the Black Shadow is a relatively small but impactful design alteration to the Twelve X, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a special edition – you don’t have to go out guns blazing every time.
Price and Specs:
More details at Christopher Ward.
