I am a big fan of Christopher Ward watches. I wear my C60 Trident 300 far more often than my Submariner. I have a C1 Moonphase on order. There is a lot of bang for your buck with CW and their recent innovations like the Moonphase and the Bel Canto really got attention. Thanks so much for this video Adrian.
Great video as always, Adrian. I don't think there's anything wrong with being a homage, especially when you're clear about your design inspirations. CW do exactly that, and they've taken an existing design and created a fantastic version of it at a different size and price point. Reliable and easily serviceable movement, well finished with a great case, and a few little flourishes of their own. This is also true for their Aquitane and Twelve lines, where the source of inspiration is clear, but the final product is pretty clearly Christopher Ward. I've had a green dial version of this for two years now and I love it (I do agree on the increased difficulty of putting the bracelet back on, but it gets easier with time). It keeps great time, it's a strap monster, and the 39mm sizing makes it very wearable (a 42mm explorer II would be far too large for my taste). I think at their price point, CW are doing what very few others have done. Glad to see them getting some time on your channel. If you do more CW videos, love to see if you get hands on with a Bel Canto, because that's truly one of their own designs. I've had mine for over a year now, and I think it's a remarkable thing.
I've had my white dial for close to a year and it gets more wrist time than all my other watches put together. I've worn it doing DIY, out running and even kitesurfing. It's picked up a few scratches along the way but it wears them well.
Really good video and love CW and been great to see then get the plaudits over the past 2 years - owned 4 since 2018 with once currently in collection - will be adding more. Good to see these videos back buddy - missed these from your channel.
Super review by the way and it’s great to see a Christopher Ward watch being reviewed. They have some fantastic stuff and I would predict they are going to do great business in the next few years as a lot of mainstream brands suffer.
This was a great video, reminding me of the good old times of Bark and Jack! Just specs, opinions and a good script. More about the watches than the collabs and the status! Keep it up man!
I have this watch. It surpassed my expectations. It may not be a true GMT but just set it up so the orange hand shows UK time and the hour hand the local time. This may not be as easy as a true GMT to set up but it works. I used the watch snorkelling and in the pool. I bought it because I was going on holiday and didn't want to take my 30 year old Breitling Chronomat, which is still working, keeps fantastic time, and I would hate to lose it. Ironically only 3 months prior to buying the Christopher Ward, I bought the Hamilton Khaki automatic. Two watches after 30 years of the breitling being on my wrist. I highly recommend the C63 GMT.
I have the previous version with Christopher Ward text logo and put it on a milk chocolate leather strap. It's top 3 in my collection and I like the appearance of the dial MUCH better than what is is supposedly a homage to.
I agree that the bracelet would look and wear better tapering down to 16mm but the clasp makes up for it, jeez that micro adjust ratchet doo dah is a bloody godsend. CW are one of the few who 'listen' to us watch nuts so I wouldn't at all be surprised to see a new version Bader Bracelet hit their website in the near future.
I agree that a taper to 16mm would be better, like on my Trident Pro 300 Bader bracelet, but the C63 does taper to 18mm, which isn't bad. I've bought the Consort bracelet, which tapers to 16mm and gives a beautiful variety of wear and style, totally changing the watch appearance. Someone commented (not you)about the quick release being difficult to put the bracelet back on, but I find the opposite true. It takes me 2 seconds, by far the best of any watch I've experienced.
What defines 'homage'? The CW has the date window at a different position and no cyclops. There are a very finite amount of popular styles and colors so at a certain point a company must reasonably be able to utilize said styles and colors without getting labeled as a 'homage'.
Did you miss the big orange hand, GMT function and oyster style bracelet? And the fact CW themselves talk about it being inspired by the Explorer II! 🤦🏼♂️
@@BarkandJackI'm not saying it's not a Rolex homage, I'm just wondering what defines a homage vs an inspired watch.... defining that would make for an interesting video!
Wish we could put the term "true GMT" out to pasture. An office GMT is no less "true" than a flyer GMT, and certainly no less sophisticated. Seems like we're confusing objective functionality with personal opinion.
I bought a white-dial C63 GMT about 4 months ago and have barely worn anything else since. It's an incredible watch and the styling is brilliant. I agree that the bracelet is a let-down but at that price point you can’t complain too much - I just use a grey NATO and it works amazingly well - love it!
Great video and comparison C63 looks like a good value alternative…providing you swap out the bracelet for a strap. So few brands have decent bracelet design. My only issue with CW is the logo which spoils the dial for me.
Can’t wait for the comparison video especially as I own the 226570 Exp2 and the Black Bay Pro, the latter of which I think is the slightly better watch overall (it’s all in the details, plus it’s a lot more accurate than the Rolex, in my case 0.3 secs per day fast vs 2 secs slow). I notice many small things like the way the crown operates the wrong way around on the Rolex and when the date changes at midnight on the Tudor the date wheel clicks within seconds of midnight but it’s four minutes later on the Rolex. Oh, I mentioned the crown didn’t I, the crown on the Exp2 is too small and difficult to tighten fully (comes undone when I play golf but the Tudor doesn’t), whereas the crown on the BB Pro is the best I’ve ever operated, perfection. I could go on and on why the Pro is the better watch, the only place I mark it down is on the thickness but then the Rolex is too big in diameter so all square there.
Bought this watch recently because of my appreciation for the explorer 2 colour combo and it contrasts the black dial of my my Tudor Pepsi. Really impressed by it for the money, the bracelet is solid and the finishing is well avoid the price point. The on the fly adjustment and a type of screw in links is a massive bonus. Will never scratch the explorer 2 itch but definitely worth owning.
I have the Sealander GMT with the green dial and it loves to be on a distressed leather strap. My 16713 Root Beer GMT Master 2 loves to be on its two tone oyster bracelet. Neither of them are used to track multiple time zones regularly but they get plenty of wrist time.
Another great Explorer II influenced design is the Ball Engineer III Outlier GMT. I've had it for a few months and haven't worn any of my other watches. It looks great on the green B&J nato!
I discovered this watch and bought it like 6 months ago, when the Twelve was out-of-stock. It became my to-go watch for a lot of the days in different situations; Before, I didn't think I'd like those watches that are the "GADA" type but this one caught me -Now I love it-. My take with the strap: Get the CW's Black & Orange Rubber Strap (as an extra or just this one) because it does so much for the watch and reduces the "lack of refinement" that you might feel with the bracelet.
I've had the 39mm black Sealander GMT since it launched. Love it. I'm not particularly a fan of white dials. I bought the CW black leather strap with white stitching and have since added an aftermarket rubber 'sailcloth' black/orange strap. I might get a CW bracelet but they've shot up in price (like eveything else!). I think this watch can straddle the dress and sports watch realms quite nicely with a simple strap change.
I built a Seiko mod (explorer 2 look) but with some of my own touches. It gets more wear than my expensive timepieces. I love it. In fact, I’ve had more people ask me what I was wearing than any other watch. It’s one of a kind baby!
picked up one of these last year, and recently put it on a new desert sand nato strap from this cool place called bark and jack. great combo for a really cool watch.
The desert sand is one of my favourite straps that we sell... (and other than grey it's probably my most worn too!) Glad you're enjoying it and thanks for the feedback!
My main gripe is the handset colouring with the white dial. The steel outlined hands are sometimes difficult to read depending on the lighting. I wish they had used a "blackened" steel -- like my white dial Aqua Terra which is always very legible. The bracelet is good but I like wearing it on a black/orange rubber strap with a deployment buckle.
Nice seeing you veer into new territory, Adrian! My vote: Yes, this counts as a true homage. The Explorer II has become something of a watch archetype, just like a Submariner, or a 3-subdial chronograph watch. And to me, this feels like CW are doing their version of a "spelunking" adventure watch. Still feels very much like their own product, but with a clear influence. Fair game!
I have the 39mm white dial in the previous version with text instead of the new logo. Love the watch! Probably will be my only watch until a Rolex explorer 2 in white happens someday. Was pumped to see this video pop up on my feed!!
The thickness spec is surprising. You said nearly 12mm which I take to mean 11.xmm which is reasonably thin for most brands, but in your pics it looks like 13-14mm.
CW already addressed your concerns about the bracelet; I bought a C63 39mm about six months ago, the bracelet tapers to 16mm at the clasp. It's a great watch and gets a lot of wrist time due to the quick-adjust extender.
With the CW, go for a dial colour other than white, and it starts to look like its own watch. The Light Catcher case is already doing 50% of the job. Mine’s blue and has been around long enough to have the words Christopher and Ward on the dial. I agree with what you have to say about the bracelet. They are probably best in price range, but there are little things CW could do to elevate their bracelets.
I actually really appreciate that this is an homage in the true sense of the word, and has so many CW design DNA touches. It would be nice to have a bit more taper on the bracelet, but I don't know that it would be a deal breaker for me. Some taper is certainly better than none (hello, Grand Seiko). I think these are a great value and if I'm being honest, an office GMT is more useful to me than the traveler's GMT in my Explorer II 226570 (black dial). I've been looking for a white dial watch, but there's some tough competition. This is definitely top 5 as far as white dials that don't break the bank. It's great to see another review from you, and I appreciated that it gave me the info I needed without having to prattle on for 20 minutes like some channels.
CW continues to hit home runs with this watch. And I have the same Bader bracelet on my CW C60 Trident Pro 300 -- I think it's great, a big improvement over their earlier iteration. Planning on getting this GMT but the black dial version asap.
I had this 39mm CW Sealander GMT, sold it though because I got a Pelagos 39 and Explorer 124270 afterwards and those two got all the wrist time...I'm still in love with the 36mm case of my Explorer which is why I want the Sealander GMT again, now in the 36mm version! I mean come on, Explorer Il vibes in a 36mm case? Sounds awesome to me!
Really? You're bothered about a few seconds a day? In general when I swap watches the watch in question has stopped and I actually enjoy setting it to correct. Then 2 or three days later (at most) I swap again and really, only my 126610 Submariner might still be running. The Seamaster I'm wearing now says 9.26 and a few seconds, my phone says 9.25 so that's wrong, yes I'm sure it can keep 2 seconds a day if serviced...but does it? Right now? No. No it does not and since I bought it (second hand, on eBay) it never has...oh...thought...maybe it's a fake 😮
I loved your 'cover version' analogy because it sums the watch and the homage idea so well. As a homage I think the CW is a solid 8/10, unfortunately that missing 2/10 means it's a 'close but no cigar' where I'm concerned.
Got one recently pretty excited about it. As a travelers watch i find these to be perfect as not break the bank watches but fine enough to serve multiple purposes while abroad. This and my traska gmt are my go to for traveling !
i like the narrower bezel it allows the face of the watch to stand out rather then with some watches which make the face lookalike its locked in by the bezel making the watch look smaller then it is.
CW are definitely making watches that give a lot of value for money, especially the 12 series. My only wish is they were accessible to try on. Buying a watch from a website isn't always the best outcome. I have done this and been disappointed. Good to see you back making more videos Adrian. I look forward to the GMT review. After just acquiring the BB Pro I have to say it has become a daily for me. I hope Rolex drop the size of the current Explorer making it a better fit for most wrists. This is why I like the older versions more.
I think you nailed the issues with the bracelet Adrian. It's just too bulky (thinkess and lack of taper) for the watch head.. I also have the CW two piece tide strap, and that is also too bulky. If the B&J strap was a two piece, it would be perfect for me!
Great video. One of the first I’ve seen talk about the dial size of the C63. I’ve been wanting one, but was debating whether or not to get the 36. Now I’m certain that’s the one I want.
I especially liked the manner in which you characterized the homage nature of the watch - more or less: we like what you've done there, here's how we are going to do it... so true. They do not shy away from the inspiration and give due credit. Not so different from art, or music I suppose.
I actually prefer an office GMT. For me the quickset date functionality is key. As someone who has a few watched in rotation I can't tell you the number of times I went to put on my 'true GMT' watch and realised the date was out by ten days and put it back in the box cos I couldn't be bothered going round the dial 20 times to set it.
I picked up this one in the distressed green dial, and it's as close to a GADA/daily wear watch as I have. I prefer a callers GMT and the good wr, wear ability and versatility is great. I got it on a bracelet but swapped that for a CW camel strap on it. It's hard to justify wearing anything else some days.
Since it has the thinner bezel I'd like to see an even smaller version, say 37 or 38mm. It's a very nice design, and a legit homage anyone could be proud to own. But in the GMT-homage space, I still prefer my Lorier hyperion skyward.
I got this watch a few weeks ago, along with a mustard yellow B&J NATO to pair it with, and it looks great! It's definitely a good homage to the Explorer II while still being "it's own watch".
I bought the C63 a couple of years ago and the bracelet they supplied back then is better, with more taper and screw pins. It looks very similar to the bracelet that CW now sells as the "C60 Pro 300 Bader", though I haven't confirmed they are identical.
I have two C60 GMTs. One black bezel, one red. Searching for the green. BUT, they are the 43mm Mk II issue with the old logo and hands. Much more original design.
Solid daily beater GMT…. I lust after a polar white Explorer 2, but I’m couldn’t hammer that everyday if I had one…..well I could, given how bulletproof it is… you get my drift. Chris Ward have evolved massively as a brand vs some of their early models… am I being snobby by thinking they’re not that great or is that I’m just comparing them to watches that they unfairly shouldn’t be compared to…. If I had a grand or so for a GMT, I’d save a bit more and get a Tudor (used Pepsi)…. Sure, that’s just ramblings…… if I could I’d have a white explorer 2, anything else I think I’d be disappointed. No one cares or asked… still loving the content though mate.
The so--called explorer design was the design of that era. Look at watches from Seiko, Rolex, Nivada Grenchen and Smiths back in the days. It's not a Rolex thing. The misconception is due to the fact that Rolex, in almost an Apple way, monopolised that design.
Nothing wrong with an homage to something I really love the delicacy of the thinner bezel it gives such a class look to the watch. Have just ordered a white dial on the consort bracelet looks 👌🏻
Slightly off topic, but one of the things I dislike a lot with Nato straps is the way they make the watch stand off the wrist more than it should. We get all excited about a watch being 11.8mm thick vs 12.8, then think nothing of sticking it on a strap that adds 2mm! I recently bought a 2 piece Nato strap with quick-release spring bars for an Omega Seamaster Heritage and it makes the watch sit so much more nicely on the wrist without losing the Nato look. I wish there were more Nato options made as two pieces - hint :^).
I've got the C63 GMT, and you addressed it's main flaws. Mostly it wears small and the strap is so difficult to get back on. Great watch for the price and I love mine.
He did say it wears closer to the 42mm Explorer bec of the thinner bezel and the larger dial and crystal. Doesn’t that mean it wears large? I got mine in 36 mm for my 6.5 inch wrist and I think it does wear small unlike what he is saying. Now considering replacing it with the 39.
I have the previous generating. As fair as I knew, the only difference is the applied vs printed flag logo but it looks like they changed the bracelet. My bracelet tappers from 20mm to 16mm. Your model does look like it has a wider bracelet. An odd design change. It might be an optional allusion but it also looks like the center link on yours is much wider then mine. I measure my center link at 10.2mm. Once you get a hang of the quick release it is actually pretty handy. It was a fight when I first got it. Now I can reinstall the bracelet in 1-2 seconds.
You can add the Longines Special Edition Hodinkee and the new Seiko to the line, and I also believe both of these watches also bring some interesting features (or value for money).
For price point to specification ratio along with being Swiss made I think it’s very hard to equal Christopher Ward. I love mine and really want to add a Sealander to my collection. Nice video Adrian
Speaking as someone who, back in the day, did a lot of overseas travel for work and leisure I much prefer dual time to GMT. The "true" Vs "office" thing really comes down to mission specifics. Are you using it for travel or using it to monitor a time zone in a different part of the world?
I have had the C63 GMT with the green dial since they launched it. Also bought their J-style bracelet for it. Great watch. Looks much more expensive and wears great.
I agree wholeheartedly on your point about homage. There is a big difference between a slavish copy and a tribute to a design classic, this is clearly the latter.
@@BarkandJack hey Adrian, thanks for reading and replying! Yeah I remember the Baltic BYOI, bit pretty sure haven't seen Farer. I hear they're pretty solid pieces and I see myself wanting a lot of what they come up with, but just haven't pulled the trigger... Any thoughts on them?
Hey Adrian - great video and crisp comparison, liked it a lot…word of caution - avoid using the work NATO as it may lead to a copyright issue..I heard another mention it like a few times as they probably faced an issue…Cheers!!
Honest question: If you don't like bands that don't taper, why do you like NATO straps? Is it the thickness between a stainless steel bracelet and that of the NATO material?
It’s a good question. A metal bracelet often acts as an extension of the case as they are the same material, so bracelet can make the case look bigger. A strap, in particular a nato or bund strap, has the watch mounted on it and the material is different from the case, so the strap frames the watch case, rather than adding to the watch case.
Just pulled the trigger on a C60 Atoll 300 in Shark White. Solid movement, good design and looks modern and young. I have a CW Trident Pro 600 which is my daily driver. Its not a luxury watch buts its a premium wearable watch and that what I wanted. I never wore watches before the RUclips hype (and channels like this which I really enjoy as I like the chatty style) and now I dont feel dressed without me diver. Funny how you change. I aint gonna lie though I`ve got my eye on a Tudor as my big splash so maybe the CW are "gateway" watches to get ya hooked?
Great video, I'm particularly interested in your definition between Homage and Rip-Off and then how it parallels to the music industry with cover versions. If that is a way we can consider "homages" do you think that cover versions released for sale should have to pay a licensing fee to the original artist similarly to the music industry? Like does using another companies handset or numerals (hello Breguet!) count as sampling and the CW releases look more like covers/homage?
Hi Adrian If you can could you please review the 36mm watch. I would be very interested to hear what you think of it. My wrist is 7.15 " and I would love to hear if a 36mm watch like this would suit my wrist. Thanks Peter
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So nice to see your videos on a regularly basis again. Missed your content during the AET times
I miss AET, but also missed making videos.
@@BarkandJackI very much miss AET 😢
I am a big fan of Christopher Ward watches. I wear my C60 Trident 300 far more often than my Submariner. I have a C1 Moonphase on order. There is a lot of bang for your buck with CW and their recent innovations like the Moonphase and the Bel Canto really got attention.
Thanks so much for this video Adrian.
Great video as always, Adrian.
I don't think there's anything wrong with being a homage, especially when you're clear about your design inspirations. CW do exactly that, and they've taken an existing design and created a fantastic version of it at a different size and price point. Reliable and easily serviceable movement, well finished with a great case, and a few little flourishes of their own. This is also true for their Aquitane and Twelve lines, where the source of inspiration is clear, but the final product is pretty clearly Christopher Ward.
I've had a green dial version of this for two years now and I love it (I do agree on the increased difficulty of putting the bracelet back on, but it gets easier with time). It keeps great time, it's a strap monster, and the 39mm sizing makes it very wearable (a 42mm explorer II would be far too large for my taste). I think at their price point, CW are doing what very few others have done. Glad to see them getting some time on your channel. If you do more CW videos, love to see if you get hands on with a Bel Canto, because that's truly one of their own designs. I've had mine for over a year now, and I think it's a remarkable thing.
I've had my white dial for close to a year and it gets more wrist time than all my other watches put together. I've worn it doing DIY, out running and even kitesurfing. It's picked up a few scratches along the way but it wears them well.
Ive been really excited about the 36mm, as someone with a small wrist I’m looking forward to ordering one
Im hovering over that Add to Basket button
Really good video and love CW and been great to see then get the plaudits over the past 2 years - owned 4 since 2018 with once currently in collection - will be adding more. Good to see these videos back buddy - missed these from your channel.
Super review by the way and it’s great to see a Christopher Ward watch being reviewed. They have some fantastic stuff and I would predict they are going to do great business in the next few years as a lot of mainstream brands suffer.
The B&J strap just raised the cred of this timepiece, looks great
There isn't a watch out there that doesn't look good on a B&J strap...
@craig2100 @@gregs.8895 Now there is something we can both agree on.. although I may be a little biased. 😅
This was a great video, reminding me of the good old times of Bark and Jack! Just specs, opinions and a good script. More about the watches than the collabs and the status! Keep it up man!
I have this watch. It surpassed my expectations. It may not be a true GMT but just set it up so the orange hand shows UK time and the hour hand the local time. This may not be as easy as a true GMT to set up but it works. I used the watch snorkelling and in the pool. I bought it because I was going on holiday and didn't want to take my 30 year old Breitling Chronomat, which is still working, keeps fantastic time, and I would hate to lose it. Ironically only 3 months prior to buying the Christopher Ward, I bought the Hamilton Khaki automatic. Two watches after 30 years of the breitling being on my wrist. I highly recommend the C63 GMT.
I have the previous version with Christopher Ward text logo and put it on a milk chocolate leather strap. It's top 3 in my collection and I like the appearance of the dial MUCH better than what is is supposedly a homage to.
Great to see regular videos again. Interesting content Adrian 😎👌
Oh man, I've been waiting for this video!
I agree that the bracelet would look and wear better tapering down to 16mm but the clasp makes up for it, jeez that micro adjust ratchet doo dah is a bloody godsend. CW are one of the few who 'listen' to us watch nuts so I wouldn't at all be surprised to see a new version Bader Bracelet hit their website in the near future.
I agree that a taper to 16mm would be better, like on my Trident Pro 300 Bader bracelet, but the C63 does taper to 18mm, which isn't bad. I've bought the Consort bracelet, which tapers to 16mm and gives a beautiful variety of wear and style, totally changing the watch appearance.
Someone commented (not you)about the quick release being difficult to put the bracelet back on, but I find the opposite true. It takes me 2 seconds, by far the best of any watch I've experienced.
The new version of the bracelet tapers down to 16mm
Really , thanks
What defines 'homage'? The CW has the date window at a different position and no cyclops. There are a very finite amount of popular styles and colors so at a certain point a company must reasonably be able to utilize said styles and colors without getting labeled as a 'homage'.
i dont know , this watch literally looks NOTHING like an Explorer 2 but they call it a homage because it has a steel bezel lol literally stupid .
@@bigbodykarate6403Sure, absolutely worlds apart…! 😆 You’re right, you don’t know.
@@bigbodykarate6403I think they look similar but looking similar shouldn't necessarily equal 'homage'
Did you miss the big orange hand, GMT function and oyster style bracelet? And the fact CW themselves talk about it being inspired by the Explorer II! 🤦🏼♂️
@@BarkandJackI'm not saying it's not a Rolex homage, I'm just wondering what defines a homage vs an inspired watch.... defining that would make for an interesting video!
Wish we could put the term "true GMT" out to pasture. An office GMT is no less "true" than a flyer GMT, and certainly no less sophisticated. Seems like we're confusing objective functionality with personal opinion.
Plus, it makes more sense to me to set the GMT hand to another time zone & leave the hour hand at your home time zone.
So true. They are both true GMT.
Travelers GMT
Office GMT
FTW
“True GMT” is named such as it was the first accepted GMT complications standard in watches.
@@speedmaster001 So maybe a better name would be "first GMT"
I bought a white-dial C63 GMT about 4 months ago and have barely worn anything else since. It's an incredible watch and the styling is brilliant.
I agree that the bracelet is a let-down but at that price point you can’t complain too much - I just use a grey NATO and it works amazingly well - love it!
A bark and jack nato?
@@dannysimenauer5745 sadly not, I need to get a few though! 😄
I've been eyeing one of these up for a long time... green dial! Great video!
Great video and comparison
C63 looks like a good value
alternative…providing you swap out the bracelet for a strap. So few brands have decent bracelet design.
My only issue with CW is the logo which spoils the dial for me.
Thanks for sharing, Adrian!
Cheers from Brazil!
Can’t wait for the comparison video especially as I own the 226570 Exp2 and the Black Bay Pro, the latter of which I think is the slightly better watch overall (it’s all in the details, plus it’s a lot more accurate than the Rolex, in my case 0.3 secs per day fast vs 2 secs slow). I notice many small things like the way the crown operates the wrong way around on the Rolex and when the date changes at midnight on the Tudor the date wheel clicks within seconds of midnight but it’s four minutes later on the Rolex. Oh, I mentioned the crown didn’t I, the crown on the Exp2 is too small and difficult to tighten fully (comes undone when I play golf but the Tudor doesn’t), whereas the crown on the BB Pro is the best I’ve ever operated, perfection. I could go on and on why the Pro is the better watch, the only place I mark it down is on the thickness but then the Rolex is too big in diameter so all square there.
Bought this watch recently because of my appreciation for the explorer 2 colour combo and it contrasts the black dial of my my Tudor Pepsi. Really impressed by it for the money, the bracelet is solid and the finishing is well avoid the price point. The on the fly adjustment and a type of screw in links is a massive bonus. Will never scratch the explorer 2 itch but definitely worth owning.
I have the Sealander GMT with the green dial and it loves to be on a distressed leather strap. My 16713 Root Beer GMT Master 2 loves to be on its two tone oyster bracelet. Neither of them are used to track multiple time zones regularly but they get plenty of wrist time.
Another great Explorer II influenced design is the Ball Engineer III Outlier GMT. I've had it for a few months and haven't worn any of my other watches. It looks great on the green B&J nato!
Glad you're enjoying one of our straps on your watch! Thanks for the feedback.
Great review, I bought the Bark & Jack nato for my C63 GMT and absolutely love it great alternative to the original bracelet for day to day wear
Excellent, thank you! We've got some new straps coming this week that you'll also love.
I discovered this watch and bought it like 6 months ago, when the Twelve was out-of-stock. It became my to-go watch for a lot of the days in different situations; Before, I didn't think I'd like those watches that are the "GADA" type but this one caught me -Now I love it-. My take with the strap: Get the CW's Black & Orange Rubber Strap (as an extra or just this one) because it does so much for the watch and reduces the "lack of refinement" that you might feel with the bracelet.
I've had the 39mm black Sealander GMT since it launched. Love it. I'm not particularly a fan of white dials. I bought the CW black leather strap with white stitching and have since added an aftermarket rubber 'sailcloth' black/orange strap. I might get a CW bracelet but they've shot up in price (like eveything else!). I think this watch can straddle the dress and sports watch realms quite nicely with a simple strap change.
I built a Seiko mod (explorer 2 look) but with some of my own touches.
It gets more wear than my expensive timepieces. I love it.
In fact, I’ve had more people ask me what I was wearing than any other watch.
It’s one of a kind baby!
picked up one of these last year, and recently put it on a new desert sand nato strap from this cool place called bark and jack. great combo for a really cool watch.
The desert sand is one of my favourite straps that we sell... (and other than grey it's probably my most worn too!) Glad you're enjoying it and thanks for the feedback!
CW are like a talented singer from x factor that hasnt quite found its own identity yet, but if/when they do, they'll take over the world.
Actually, that’s a better analogy.
My main gripe is the handset colouring with the white dial. The steel outlined hands are sometimes difficult to read depending on the lighting. I wish they had used a "blackened" steel -- like my white dial Aqua Terra which is always very legible.
The bracelet is good but I like wearing it on a black/orange rubber strap with a deployment buckle.
Nice seeing you veer into new territory, Adrian! My vote: Yes, this counts as a true homage. The Explorer II has become something of a watch archetype, just like a Submariner, or a 3-subdial chronograph watch. And to me, this feels like CW are doing their version of a "spelunking" adventure watch. Still feels very much like their own product, but with a clear influence. Fair game!
I really agree and BJ stated it very clearly, its not one of those 1:1 rename the logo - it is a true Homage 🎉
I tried the Explorer II in the AD last week and liked it, this video was enough to convince me on my first CW purchase.
I have the 39mm white dial in the previous version with text instead of the new logo. Love the watch! Probably will be my only watch until a Rolex explorer 2 in white happens someday. Was pumped to see this video pop up on my feed!!
I need to remind myself that I own the Explorer II when I see all these homages and feel inclined to buy.
The thickness spec is surprising. You said nearly 12mm which I take to mean 11.xmm which is reasonably thin for most brands, but in your pics it looks like 13-14mm.
CW already addressed your concerns about the bracelet; I bought a C63 39mm about six months ago, the bracelet tapers to 16mm at the clasp. It's a great watch and gets a lot of wrist time due to the quick-adjust extender.
Perhaps you refer to their newer "Consort" bracelet? I don't think they've updated the "Bader" bracelet. (the one from the video)
With the CW, go for a dial colour other than white, and it starts to look like its own watch. The Light Catcher case is already doing 50% of the job. Mine’s blue and has been around long enough to have the words Christopher and Ward on the dial. I agree with what you have to say about the bracelet. They are probably best in price range, but there are little things CW could do to elevate their bracelets.
Best watch content on RUclips, really value your opinion. Keep it up 🙌🙌
Thanks a lot mate 🙌🏻
I purchased the 36mm Sealander GMT version when it was launched recently. It has the same dimensions as the 114270 Explorer, including thickness.
I actually really appreciate that this is an homage in the true sense of the word, and has so many CW design DNA touches. It would be nice to have a bit more taper on the bracelet, but I don't know that it would be a deal breaker for me. Some taper is certainly better than none (hello, Grand Seiko). I think these are a great value and if I'm being honest, an office GMT is more useful to me than the traveler's GMT in my Explorer II 226570 (black dial). I've been looking for a white dial watch, but there's some tough competition. This is definitely top 5 as far as white dials that don't break the bank. It's great to see another review from you, and I appreciated that it gave me the info I needed without having to prattle on for 20 minutes like some channels.
What did you end up getting for your white dial watch?
CW continues to hit home runs with this watch. And I have the same Bader bracelet on my CW C60 Trident Pro 300 -- I think it's great, a big improvement over their earlier iteration. Planning on getting this GMT but the black dial version asap.
Seeing that C63 on the Grey NATO has just cost me £1,020 plus the Bark & Jack strap!
It looks awesome right? Look forward to your order 🙌
I had this 39mm CW Sealander GMT, sold it though because I got a Pelagos 39 and Explorer 124270 afterwards and those two got all the wrist time...I'm still in love with the 36mm case of my Explorer which is why I want the Sealander GMT again, now in the 36mm version!
I mean come on, Explorer Il vibes in a 36mm case? Sounds awesome to me!
If they did a COSC version, I’d buy one tomorrow. I may still buy one anyway, but that’s the thing that’s holding me back.
Really? You're bothered about a few seconds a day?
In general when I swap watches the watch in question has stopped and I actually enjoy setting it to correct.
Then 2 or three days later (at most) I swap again and really, only my 126610 Submariner might still be running.
The Seamaster I'm wearing now says 9.26 and a few seconds, my phone says 9.25 so that's wrong, yes I'm sure it can keep 2 seconds a day if serviced...but does it? Right now? No. No it does not and since I bought it (second hand, on eBay) it never has...oh...thought...maybe it's a fake 😮
@@fontyyy what can I say? I’m an accuracy nerd, so much so I have a spring drive watch.
Love my exp2. Alright I didn't expect to but I do understand your point about it being a homage rather than a copy. Good work.
I loved your 'cover version' analogy because it sums the watch and the homage idea so well.
As a homage I think the CW is a solid 8/10, unfortunately that missing 2/10 means it's a 'close but no cigar' where I'm concerned.
Got one recently pretty excited about it. As a travelers watch i find these to be perfect as not break the bank watches but fine enough to serve multiple purposes while abroad. This and my traska gmt are my go to for traveling !
Thanks Adrian I thought it was just me fiddling with the quick release/ slow attach mechanism & I agree that the clasp is very good
Great video. So much better than the other channel you have been associated with.
i like the narrower bezel it allows the face of the watch to stand out rather then with some watches which make the face lookalike its locked in by the bezel making the watch look smaller then it is.
CW are definitely making watches that give a lot of value for money, especially the 12 series. My only wish is they were accessible to try on. Buying a watch from a website isn't always the best outcome. I have done this and been disappointed.
Good to see you back making more videos Adrian. I look forward to the GMT review. After just acquiring the BB Pro I have to say it has become a daily for me. I hope Rolex drop the size of the current Explorer making it a better fit for most wrists. This is why I like the older versions more.
I think you nailed the issues with the bracelet Adrian. It's just too bulky (thinkess and lack of taper) for the watch head.. I also have the CW two piece tide strap, and that is also too bulky. If the B&J strap was a two piece, it would be perfect for me!
I agree with you on homage watches. I think people don’t want to admit how much watch designs are really homages or inspired by other designs
Thanks for another fantastic video! Also, speaking of B&J- I now own my 5th nato strap from you guys 🙌🏽
Great video. One of the first I’ve seen talk about the dial size of the C63. I’ve been wanting one, but was debating whether or not to get the 36. Now I’m certain that’s the one I want.
I especially liked the manner in which you characterized the homage nature of the watch - more or less: we like what you've done there, here's how we are going to do it... so true. They do not shy away from the inspiration and give due credit. Not so different from art, or music I suppose.
I actually prefer an office GMT. For me the quickset date functionality is key. As someone who has a few watched in rotation I can't tell you the number of times I went to put on my 'true GMT' watch and realised the date was out by ten days and put it back in the box cos I couldn't be bothered going round the dial 20 times to set it.
I picked up this one in the distressed green dial, and it's as close to a GADA/daily wear watch as I have. I prefer a callers GMT and the good wr, wear ability and versatility is great. I got it on a bracelet but swapped that for a CW camel strap on it. It's hard to justify wearing anything else some days.
Since it has the thinner bezel I'd like to see an even smaller version, say 37 or 38mm. It's a very nice design, and a legit homage anyone could be proud to own. But in the GMT-homage space, I still prefer my Lorier hyperion skyward.
Thx for the review - I'm increasingly curious about Christopher Ward. Please review the C65 Sandhurst Bronze Series 2! Such a great looking watch.
I got this watch a few weeks ago, along with a mustard yellow B&J NATO to pair it with, and it looks great! It's definitely a good homage to the Explorer II while still being "it's own watch".
I bought the C63 a couple of years ago and the bracelet they supplied back then is better, with more taper and screw pins. It looks very similar to the bracelet that CW now sells as the "C60 Pro 300 Bader", though I haven't confirmed they are identical.
Looks nice. Looks thicker than 11.85mm I wonder if that doesn't include the glass
looks amazing I really like these style of watches
Great summary of this watch! Fully agree they are homaging as the word truly is defined rather than the copycat label we usually put on them.
I have two C60 GMTs. One black bezel, one red. Searching for the green. BUT, they are the 43mm Mk II issue with the old logo and hands. Much more original design.
Beautiful timepieces coming from CW, they are on fire. This piece is gorgeous but what I really want is the Bel Canto!
Solid daily beater GMT…. I lust after a polar white Explorer 2, but I’m couldn’t hammer that everyday if I had one…..well I could, given how bulletproof it is… you get my drift. Chris Ward have evolved massively as a brand vs some of their early models… am I being snobby by thinking they’re not that great or is that I’m just comparing them to watches that they unfairly shouldn’t be compared to…. If I had a grand or so for a GMT, I’d save a bit more and get a Tudor (used Pepsi)…. Sure, that’s just ramblings…… if I could I’d have a white explorer 2, anything else I think I’d be disappointed. No one cares or asked… still loving the content though mate.
The so--called explorer design was the design of that era. Look at watches from Seiko, Rolex, Nivada Grenchen and Smiths back in the days. It's not a Rolex thing. The misconception is due to the fact that Rolex, in almost an Apple way, monopolised that design.
Nothing wrong with an homage to something I really love the delicacy of the thinner bezel it gives such a class look to the watch. Have just ordered a white dial on the consort bracelet looks 👌🏻
I'm actually dying to try on the new CW GMT 36. I'd snatch up that white one in a heartbeat
I thoughts my next watch would be a 36mm CW Twelve Ti, but now I’m tempted by this in a 36mm…time to book an appointment at their showroom I think 👍
Same, I think the Twelve is more trendy but the GMT is more timeless.
One you might want to include in your Explorer video is the new Seiko 5 field GMT. It would certainly be an under $1000 contender.
Slightly off topic, but one of the things I dislike a lot with Nato straps is the way they make the watch stand off the wrist more than it should. We get all excited about a watch being 11.8mm thick vs 12.8, then think nothing of sticking it on a strap that adds 2mm! I recently bought a 2 piece Nato strap with quick-release spring bars for an Omega Seamaster Heritage and it makes the watch sit so much more nicely on the wrist without losing the Nato look. I wish there were more Nato options made as two pieces - hint :^).
Try a RAF strap, it's only one thickness under the watch.
I've got the C63 GMT, and you addressed it's main flaws. Mostly it wears small and the strap is so difficult to get back on. Great watch for the price and I love mine.
He did say it wears closer to the 42mm Explorer bec of the thinner bezel and the larger dial and crystal. Doesn’t that mean it wears large? I got mine in 36 mm for my 6.5 inch wrist and I think it does wear small unlike what he is saying. Now considering replacing it with the 39.
He's back baby
Definitely agree on the clasp being gorgeous. Great video.
Have the 39mm version, but selling it bc the new 36mm version just arrived and it’s glorious. Wears more like a 40mm Explorer II.
Itch scratched ;)
I have the previous generating. As fair as I knew, the only difference is the applied vs printed flag logo but it looks like they changed the bracelet. My bracelet tappers from 20mm to 16mm. Your model does look like it has a wider bracelet. An odd design change. It might be an optional allusion but it also looks like the center link on yours is much wider then mine. I measure my center link at 10.2mm.
Once you get a hang of the quick release it is actually pretty handy. It was a fight when I first got it. Now I can reinstall the bracelet in 1-2 seconds.
What do you think about nomos? Especially the Tangente and club? 😊
You can add the Longines Special Edition Hodinkee and the new Seiko to the line, and I also believe both of these watches also bring some interesting features (or value for money).
For price point to specification ratio along with being Swiss made I think it’s very hard to equal Christopher Ward. I love mine and really want to add a Sealander to my collection. Nice video Adrian
Speaking as someone who, back in the day, did a lot of overseas travel for work and leisure I much prefer dual time to GMT. The "true" Vs "office" thing really comes down to mission specifics. Are you using it for travel or using it to monitor a time zone in a different part of the world?
I have had the C63 GMT with the green dial since they launched it. Also bought their J-style bracelet for it.
Great watch. Looks much more expensive and wears great.
I actually prefer the look of it on your nato rather than stock bracelet
I fully agree on bracelets that don’t taper. They feel unrefined.
I agree wholeheartedly on your point about homage. There is a big difference between a slavish copy and a tribute to a design classic, this is clearly the latter.
How come we don't see any content regarding FARER from you guys? I could be wrong, but I think you never mentioned it once on AET...
And Baltic 👌🏻
@@RobinHood-us7sg at least on AET someone did BALTIC as their BYOI and everyone showed some love
I've covered Baltic multiple times. I actually covered their first watch, and was one of the few.
@@BarkandJack hey Adrian, thanks for reading and replying! Yeah I remember the Baltic BYOI, bit pretty sure haven't seen Farer. I hear they're pretty solid pieces and I see myself wanting a lot of what they come up with, but just haven't pulled the trigger... Any thoughts on them?
When the homage looks better than the original, I think it is a success.
😂😂
Not in a million years 🤣🤣🤣
Hey Adrian - great video and crisp comparison, liked it a lot…word of caution - avoid using the work NATO as it may lead to a copyright issue..I heard another mention it like a few times as they probably faced an issue…Cheers!!
I really like the CW one but not so keen in the handset. You could’ve included the new white dial seiko field gmt
I happened to notice the Tudor Pro on the table. That is a watch I am very much interested in. would love to get your thoughts on that watch.
Honest question: If you don't like bands that don't taper, why do you like NATO straps? Is it the thickness between a stainless steel bracelet and that of the NATO material?
It’s a good question. A metal bracelet often acts as an extension of the case as they are the same material, so bracelet can make the case look bigger.
A strap, in particular a nato or bund strap, has the watch mounted on it and the material is different from the case, so the strap frames the watch case, rather than adding to the watch case.
Just pulled the trigger on a C60 Atoll 300 in Shark White. Solid movement, good design and looks modern and young. I have a CW Trident Pro 600 which is my daily driver. Its not a luxury watch buts its a premium wearable watch and that what I wanted. I never wore watches before the RUclips hype (and channels like this which I really enjoy as I like the chatty style) and now I dont feel dressed without me diver. Funny how you change. I aint gonna lie though I`ve got my eye on a Tudor as my big splash so maybe the CW are "gateway" watches to get ya hooked?
Great video, I'm particularly interested in your definition between Homage and Rip-Off and then how it parallels to the music industry with cover versions. If that is a way we can consider "homages" do you think that cover versions released for sale should have to pay a licensing fee to the original artist similarly to the music industry? Like does using another companies handset or numerals (hello Breguet!) count as sampling and the CW releases look more like covers/homage?
Hi Adrian If you can could you please review the 36mm watch. I would be very interested to hear what you think of it. My wrist is 7.15 " and I would love to hear if a 36mm watch like this would suit my wrist. Thanks Peter
Wish you can get the C63 Sealander in 36mm on the channel..