I think once you know what it is, and you see it, you realize that it's a cool idea. But if you're still trying to figure out what the logo represents it just looks a little odd.
@@RelativeTimeYeah I get that, I certainly prefer it over just having the name on the dial. I do think you should have a history in horology before putting a name on the dial. Patek Phillipe for eg works because everyone knows the importance of that name, CW aren’t quite there yet. I get the feeling people will not only accept this logo but start to like it, really matches their modern look for me
I have owned one for 18 months on the orange fluorine strap, it's a beauty , not long ago the watch developed the sticking reverse gear problem so the rotor would spin when winding the crown. Service was excellent when I returned the watch for repair. I would like a longer power reserve but otherwise a big fan
I had that problem on my Sinn 556. Those Selita movements seem to have that issue quite often, very annoying for such a modern and often used movement.
Honestly I just got into watches the last 3 months and this is far the best review I've seen. Pros/cons. I only have 3 watches in my collection (custom seiko((I know not really seiko)) a Vollmer pilot watch which I absolutely love, and a CW c60 atoll. I love it for what it is and I think I will be fulfilled for a long time to come. It fits my price range for a watch that can play in a diverse roll from casual to dress and In between without wondering why I would want to spend anymore.
Hi shane, terrific video on the Christopher Ward watch. You are the only reviewer I have seen who has mentioned the duty tax issue. I was hoping that with some sort of a coupon discount like wise as that the price point could be under $1000. Now, we are talking about $1200. While the watch is excellent, the price makes you think a little more if you live in the U.S.
Right on. Well done review. I have had one in blue and 42mm for over a year and am still in love. 42mm is my go to size for divers but I think I would order down to 40mm. The bezel is slim and the case is such that slightly smaller might fit my 7.125-.25" wrist a bit better. Still a keeper though.
Import duty will still be applicable to CW watches even if brought in to the US and sold by a main dealership store, unfortunately. Same applies in for us the UK if buying anything from the States, and also now the EU since Brexit.
There are no plans currently to sell watches at the Dallas showroom. It will be a try on and order sort of deal. They may expand at some point but it isn't in the current plan. If it does happen you are right that import duty will be paid but it won't be your responsibility anymore. It will be reflected in the retail price. At that point CW would adjust US pricing on the website to reflect duty instead of just adding it at checkout like they do now.
@@RelativeTime When I talked to Mike Pearson it didn't sound like they would be handling any inventory. I got the impression that everything would be shipped to the buyer.
Another review that is right on in all its points. Great watch, but if you already have several basic divers, do you need another one that is a little better, but adds nothing in originality? It was more appealing when the prices were lower or back when CW gave discounts. Still, I don't think you can get anything better at this price. But my next watch may be a Wise.
Thanks for the great review and your thoughts. My first foray into entry level luxury watches will most likely be a CW. Or I’ll buy 7 more kits from SKXMOD… thanks again!
Yes, yes, yes. The duty taxes are a killer! I was shocked as well the first time I bought a Christopher Ward. Now, I hear they are opening a shop in the US so...
I have the C60 Sapphire (now discontinued, I think), more or less that watch, but with a translucent blue dial which shows the movement underneath, like a machine under water. So it's the classic tool watch with a cool interesting dial. It also has 600m water resistance, but is 14mm thick. I would gladly give up 300m for a case a couple of millimeters thinner.
I would agree it is the perfect diver. Functional tool esthetic and yet attractive enough to wear for dress up occasions. The case is special, both attractive to look at and great wearing on wrist with the deeply curved lugs. I have the C60 Pro 600 and always enjoy putting it on wrist. If I did not have it, I would not hesitate to get the 300 which is a newer, thinner iteration.
I'm sure it's Christopher Ward , available separately on their site , perhaps you could try it on but not buy it soon in Dallas ( honestly, in this day & age & in a reputedly demanding market..!?)? I have a C63 c36mm ( on one of their sales - they're on June & January (?)) - the bracelet is so enjoyable. My only wish is that it were 34mm ...so I bought a Hamilton Jazzmaster as well..
I dunno, but my C60 Atoll, really stands out in my divers collection. It's does get maybe too much attention, especially with that constantly sparkly bezel.
I have a few CW watches, and price and value were the reasons I became interested in them. While I agree that there is no perfect watch(QC, et al.), I do think that you had to really manufacture your reasons for not buying any CW watches. Also consider the fact that anyone buying a far more expensive brand won't care that much about price and value--they're just going to be fanbois of that brand, anyway. As far as costs go, there isn't a watch company--even Invicta--that isn't going to raise prices.
I have had 2 different CW and the one thing that I wish they had is a better crystal. It smudges a lot more than other watches I have had. Also wish the winding was smoother and less noisy.
When CW had more discount codes, buying the C60 in 2 parts and orders, one on a 2-pc strap with significant discount to get under $800 and another buying the SS bracelet separately, was a way to get around the import tax. They don't do discounts anymore it seems , though 😢 I owned this watch before. In many ways it was the perfect diver. But, some of your points did equate to me not keeping it for long. I just didn't gravitate towards it as sure as I thought I would. It's a great watch. It just didn't stimulate my mind and heart in the end after getting it. Specs and value aren't everything. For me, oddly, perfection seemed boring in this case. I feel maybe a little quirk or detail that is niche or maybe generates a bit of a marmite effect can make a watch more attractive, strangely. Something that is not necessarily meant or catered for everyone nor the masses. Sometimes...
Lately, CW's customer service has been lackluster for more than a few customers, me being one of them. Its very frustrating and they really need to find a way to get a HQ of some sorts in the US, as we are the country that buys the most CW products, according to CW.
Not at all. I'm just stating that for some it was, and for others it still is an issue. Simple fact. Doesn't mean it should stop everyone. It's just for those that may not like it.
@@RelativeTime It's now on their web site again. A couple of weeks ago, it was not available and I contacted their customer service department and was told that it was unavailable and no plans to add it. I can only guess it was a miscommunication or something much more sinister, lol.
I agree with your narrative about what is a perfect watch which is a false construct of course...and this a very nice white dial diver, but I prefer the Sinn 104 white dial to this watch...but more expensive. Thanks for your review.
@@RelativeTime didn’t like the old one either. Don’t get me wrong it is a nice watch but for me it’s far from the perfect diver. To each their own. Some people might like the logo but for me I just can’t unsee it. The display caseback is seriously dropping the ball with my tastes and for this price range those things could be a lot better. Needs improvement before I’d consider buying one. Keep the great videos coming.
Had the black dial [42mm], but sold it as I've never really connected with CW as a brand. Still regret it a bit though, it was a stunning and well-made watch.😏
CW needs to dump the SW-200--it's not robust nor is it a workhorse, and I wish more people in the watch game were more honest in their incessant (mis)characterizations of it as such. In actual fact, it's prone to having mechanical issues, most notably the reverser gear's teeth can tend to break off during normal winding. Monta has a better idea using the 300 series, and I think the only CW pieces with this movement that I'm aware of are the Twelve Ti models. From my experience, the 9000 series Miyota movements are truly rock solid, with the 90S5s in my collection consistently delivering COSC-level accuracy.
@@RelativeTime It is without a doubt a very nice looking well made watch but I have several watches that are in good style with automatic movement by San Martin and by no means I am making a comparison to the Christopher Ward watch however with so much competition in the global market the very most said C W watch you reviewed in my opinion I personally would not pay even $1,000.00 for it therefor the most I would pay is $700.00 and that is subject to change my mind. Most of my watches are San Martin and a few of Seestern and Sugess watches a couple of the Godzilla by Citizen. Thank you for reaching out to me..
@@RelativeTime I also have a couple of Phoibos watches that are quite good looking that I paid around $300.00 each .. If I can one day I would not mind purchase a Tudor black bay which goes for around $5,600.00 U S dollars
@@RicardoValdes-r6w black bays are supposedly awesome. I've thought about getting one used. Although the longer I collect the less sure I'll like it. I've been liking the more unusual watches lately.
@@RelativeTime I do salute you for excellent reviews with your personal perspective that brings a fair approach without the hype that is usually observed. Keep up the good work with elegance and yet simple analysis without the ‘ flash ‘ that sometimes channels present which makes it more about the person doing the review and much less about the watch at hand.
I’ll never buy a watch over $700 with a NH35. How can you justify buying a watch that has a movement you can replace for $25. It’s getting embarrassing that the Chinese are selling watches for hundreds cheaper with the same specs. I don’t even know if a SW200 is worth it. Of all my watches, I have an Oceanus that’s gorgeous and gets most wrist time, that can find my Phone!
Bracelet lacks originality. An afterthought perhaps. Chinese imported off-the-shelf bracelet? Probable. Regardless, I won’t be spending that much coin on a watch containing a Selitta (or ETA, ETA clone, etc).
The market is so washed up with divers Its a snooze honestly. I have a white orient usa diver just like this. Fraction of price. Gotta snooze again. Srry
I have both this CW and the Orient Mako USA 2 white dial. I like both. The Orient is a decent watch, but there is no comparison between them. The CW is drastically better.
@@RelativeTime you know I dive with every “diver” I buy, which sadly is over 60 of them. I’d dive with the CW and think it makes a fine diver, as long as it is on rubber or a NATO. Not having the minute hash marks on the bezel to 10 is a bummer. The crown guards are pretty thin, but I’ve been diving with no guards many, many times and have had no issues. That said, my favorite diver of all is either my Helm Khuraburi orange/blue with 10:00 crown or my titanium , Fanos Blue dial. White dials are fine to dive with, even at night though.
I really don't get the logo criticisms, I think the logo is brilliant and they've finally nailed it.
I think once you know what it is, and you see it, you realize that it's a cool idea. But if you're still trying to figure out what the logo represents it just looks a little odd.
@@RelativeTimeYeah I get that, I certainly prefer it over just having the name on the dial. I do think you should have a history in horology before putting a name on the dial. Patek Phillipe for eg works because everyone knows the importance of that name, CW aren’t quite there yet. I get the feeling people will not only accept this logo but start to like it, really matches their modern look for me
I have owned one for 18 months on the orange fluorine strap, it's a beauty , not long ago the watch developed the sticking reverse gear problem so the rotor would spin when winding the crown. Service was excellent when I returned the watch for repair. I would like a longer power reserve but otherwise a big fan
I had that problem on my Sinn 556. Those Selita movements seem to have that issue quite often, very annoying for such a modern and often used movement.
Logo is brilliant and smart
Such a beautiful watch. I would rather pick the C65 Aquitaine.
In have both. Both beautiful pieces
Honestly I just got into watches the last 3 months and this is far the best review I've seen. Pros/cons. I only have 3 watches in my collection (custom seiko((I know not really seiko)) a Vollmer pilot watch which I absolutely love, and a CW c60 atoll. I love it for what it is and I think I will be fulfilled for a long time to come. It fits my price range for a watch that can play in a diverse roll from casual to dress and In between without wondering why I would want to spend anymore.
Great introduction to CW, beautiful camera work.
Thank you kindly!
cw is more value than seiko
Hi shane, terrific video on the Christopher Ward watch. You are the only reviewer I have seen who has mentioned the duty tax issue. I was hoping that with some sort of a coupon discount like wise as that the price point could be under $1000. Now, we are talking about $1200. While the watch is excellent, the price makes you think a little more if you live in the U.S.
Right on. Well done review. I have had one in blue and 42mm for over a year and am still in love. 42mm is my go to size for divers but I think I would order down to 40mm. The bezel is slim and the case is such that slightly smaller might fit my 7.125-.25" wrist a bit better. Still a keeper though.
Import duty will still be applicable to CW watches even if brought in to the US and sold by a main dealership store, unfortunately. Same applies in for us the UK if buying anything from the States, and also now the EU since Brexit.
There are no plans currently to sell watches at the Dallas showroom. It will be a try on and order sort of deal. They may expand at some point but it isn't in the current plan. If it does happen you are right that import duty will be paid but it won't be your responsibility anymore. It will be reflected in the retail price. At that point CW would adjust US pricing on the website to reflect duty instead of just adding it at checkout like they do now.
I've heard the try and buy, but will the watch still be shipped to you or to the store for pickup later?
@@RelativeTime When I talked to Mike Pearson it didn't sound like they would be handling any inventory. I got the impression that everything would be shipped to the buyer.
Another review that is right on in all its points. Great watch, but if you already have several basic divers, do you need another one that is a little better, but adds nothing in originality? It was more appealing when the prices were lower or back when CW gave discounts. Still, I don't think you can get anything better at this price. But my next watch may be a Wise.
Really good review Shane. Thanks
Great review as always Shane.👌🏼Now about the watch, well, it’s a bit vanilla for me. 😮😳
Thanks for the great review and your thoughts. My first foray into entry level luxury watches will most likely be a CW. Or I’ll buy 7 more kits from SKXMOD… thanks again!
Yes, yes, yes. The duty taxes are a killer! I was shocked as well the first time I bought a Christopher Ward. Now, I hear they are opening a shop in the US so...
I have the C60 Sapphire (now discontinued, I think), more or less that watch, but with a translucent blue dial which shows the movement underneath, like a machine under water. So it's the classic tool watch with a cool interesting dial. It also has 600m water resistance, but is 14mm thick. I would gladly give up 300m for a case a couple of millimeters thinner.
I would agree it is the perfect diver. Functional tool esthetic and yet attractive enough to wear for dress up occasions. The case is special, both attractive to look at and great wearing on wrist with the deeply curved lugs. I have the C60 Pro 600 and always enjoy putting it on wrist. If I did not have it, I would not hesitate to get the 300 which is a newer, thinner iteration.
Great review mister! Keep up the great work! +:: +::
Thanks!
I have 3 Wise watches, now, I need a CW.
Just get mine, I agree with this review. It's great value, well made BORING watch, but that' what I looked for for my daily watch.
I love the logo just wish the indices were bigger or different at 3, 6 and 9
I disagree with you about the logo on the dial, but then again, I figured it out when I first saw it.
Like the CW watch, love that black and orange strap. Where did you get that? Thanks for the review.
I'm sure it's Christopher Ward , available separately on their site , perhaps you could try it on but not buy it soon in Dallas ( honestly, in this day & age & in a reputedly demanding market..!?)?
I have a C63 c36mm ( on one of their sales - they're on June & January (?)) - the bracelet is so enjoyable. My only wish is that it were 34mm ...so I bought a Hamilton Jazzmaster as well..
Fantastic video 😃👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻, CW is top 👌🏻
Marc at LIW recently opined that 9015 > SW200 as well.
Great video
Looking at the Orient Kamasu on my wrist, realizing some of the resemblances of the two, of course Orient being the much cheaper version.
I dunno, but my C60 Atoll, really stands out in my divers collection. It's does get maybe too much attention, especially with that constantly sparkly bezel.
I have a few CW watches, and price and value were the reasons I became interested in them. While I agree that there is no perfect watch(QC, et al.), I do think that you had to really manufacture your reasons for not buying any CW watches. Also consider the fact that anyone buying a far more expensive brand won't care that much about price and value--they're just going to be fanbois of that brand, anyway. As far as costs go, there isn't a watch company--even Invicta--that isn't going to raise prices.
I have had 2 different CW and the one thing that I wish they had is a better crystal. It smudges a lot more than other watches I have had. Also wish the winding was smoother and less noisy.
When CW had more discount codes, buying the C60 in 2 parts and orders, one on a 2-pc strap with significant discount to get under $800 and another buying the SS bracelet separately, was a way to get around the import tax. They don't do discounts anymore it seems , though 😢
I owned this watch before. In many ways it was the perfect diver. But, some of your points did equate to me not keeping it for long. I just didn't gravitate towards it as sure as I thought I would. It's a great watch. It just didn't stimulate my mind and heart in the end after getting it. Specs and value aren't everything.
For me, oddly, perfection seemed boring in this case. I feel maybe a little quirk or detail that is niche or maybe generates a bit of a marmite effect can make a watch more attractive, strangely. Something that is not necessarily meant or catered for everyone nor the masses. Sometimes...
I have the same CW watch, but in green. It's a really good watch. You should try getting Formex to review. I would be curious of your opinion of it.
I've been debating getting a 38mm essence. Heard lots of amazing things.
Do you think this would look good in a suit? maybe on the metal or leather strap? Or would it look way too casual and out of place?
Lately, CW's customer service has been lackluster for more than a few customers, me being one of them. Its very frustrating and they really need to find a way to get a HQ of some sorts in the US, as we are the country that buys the most CW products, according to CW.
That would be nice. I think they should have done that before starting to move more upscale.
Con: they sponsor Everton FC
You can't go wrong with a CW.
The teeth on the SW200 gears are better designs for longevity
Price setting is the same way around, when we buy from US brands, and US brands has also raised prices..
Are you suggesting a Re-branding ?
Or perhaps a “ Sterile Dial “ variant ….. 😂
Not at all. I'm just stating that for some it was, and for others it still is an issue. Simple fact. Doesn't mean it should stop everyone. It's just for those that may not like it.
The black dial is no longer available. 🙁
Really? Wonder why. Seems like that would be a popular choice.
@@RelativeTime It's now on their web site again. A couple of weeks ago, it was not available and I contacted their customer service department and was told that it was unavailable and no plans to add it. I can only guess it was a miscommunication or something much more sinister, lol.
I agree with your narrative about what is a perfect watch which is a false construct of course...and this a very nice white dial diver, but I prefer the Sinn 104 white dial to this watch...but more expensive.
Thanks for your review.
Not another CW video. There are so many others.
Which is why I did a little bit of a different format with this one.
Honestly, i loved the design of the older Trident 600 much better. That ceramic bezel was perfect. The 300 looks like a downgrade for my preferences.
Getting watch fatigue yet?
A little bit here and there, but doing the channel and making videos on each adds a different element to it for me.
Display caseback on a diver is a big no no for me. And I find the logo tacky, unfortunately.
Did you like the old logo better?
@@RelativeTime didn’t like the old one either. Don’t get me wrong it is a nice watch but for me it’s far from the perfect diver. To each their own. Some people might like the logo but for me I just can’t unsee it. The display caseback is seriously dropping the ball with my tastes and for this price range those things could be a lot better. Needs improvement before I’d consider buying one. Keep the great videos coming.
Had the black dial [42mm], but sold it as I've never really connected with CW as a brand. Still regret it a bit though, it was a stunning and well-made watch.😏
So the logo is not a Space Invaders reference?
Disappointingly no. 😆
CW needs to dump the SW-200--it's not robust nor is it a workhorse, and I wish more people in the watch game were more honest in their incessant (mis)characterizations of it as such. In actual fact, it's prone to having mechanical issues, most notably the reverser gear's teeth can tend to break off during normal winding. Monta has a better idea using the 300 series, and I think the only CW pieces with this movement that I'm aware of are the Twelve Ti models. From my experience, the 9000 series Miyota movements are truly rock solid, with the 90S5s in my collection consistently delivering COSC-level accuracy.
If only CW didn't have this weird hand designs...
The indexes are a bit boring for my taste
Do you think they should have done something different with the 3,6,9, and 12 indices?
It’s very nice and I need a white dial but soulless for me .
Sinn has some great white dials...
Too sterile?
The watch is good looking but not around $1,300.00 the watch looks more like a $695.00 watch
What would you say makes the main difference between the two price points?
@@RelativeTime
It is without a doubt a very nice looking well made watch but I have several watches that are in good style with automatic movement by San Martin and by no means I am making a comparison to the Christopher Ward watch however with so much competition in the global market the very most said C W watch you reviewed in my opinion I personally would not pay even $1,000.00 for it therefor the most I would pay is $700.00 and that is subject to change my mind.
Most of my watches are San Martin and a few of Seestern and Sugess watches a couple of the Godzilla by Citizen. Thank you for reaching out to me..
@@RelativeTime
I also have a couple of Phoibos watches that are quite good looking that I paid around $300.00 each ..
If I can one day I would not mind purchase a Tudor black bay which goes for around $5,600.00 U S dollars
@@RicardoValdes-r6w black bays are supposedly awesome. I've thought about getting one used. Although the longer I collect the less sure I'll like it.
I've been liking the more unusual watches lately.
@@RelativeTime
I do salute you for excellent reviews with your personal perspective that brings a fair approach without the hype that is usually observed. Keep up the good work with elegance and yet simple analysis without the ‘ flash ‘ that sometimes channels present which makes it more about the person doing the review and much less about the watch at hand.
I’ll never buy a watch over $700 with a NH35. How can you justify buying a watch that has a movement you can replace for $25. It’s getting embarrassing that the Chinese are selling watches for hundreds cheaper with the same specs. I don’t even know if a SW200 is worth it. Of all my watches, I have an Oceanus that’s gorgeous and gets most wrist time, that can find my Phone!
Which Oceanus. They are amazing
Bracelet lacks originality. An afterthought perhaps. Chinese imported off-the-shelf bracelet? Probable. Regardless, I won’t be spending that much coin on a watch containing a Selitta (or ETA, ETA clone, etc).
I think it's more that it's the standard for dive watches. And that's what they went with.
That logo is something I really don’t like.
The market is so washed up with divers
Its a snooze honestly. I have a white orient usa diver just like this. Fraction of price. Gotta snooze again. Srry
True, but the thing is people keep buying them. It's like SUVs, the market is flooded because that's what the majority of people seem to want.
I have both this CW and the Orient Mako USA 2 white dial. I like both. The Orient is a decent watch, but there is no comparison between them. The CW is drastically better.
People don’t want someone’s name on the dial, but…what about “Seiko” …
I think it was more the full name. Like if it just said WARD, I don't think people would have minded as much.
You mean, does the perfect desk diver exist? Must be, because this thing is pretty useless as an actual diver...
Well what would you consider to be an actual diver? And what would this be lacking compared to that?
@@RelativeTime you know I dive with every “diver” I buy, which sadly is over 60 of them. I’d dive with the CW and think it makes a fine diver, as long as it is on rubber or a NATO. Not having the minute hash marks on the bezel to 10 is a bummer. The crown guards are pretty thin, but I’ve been diving with no guards many, many times and have had no issues. That said, my favorite diver of all is either my Helm Khuraburi orange/blue with 10:00 crown or my titanium , Fanos Blue dial. White dials are fine to dive with, even at night though.