The Twelve by Christopher Ward: Affordable Luxury or Just Hype?
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- My perspective behind the buzz surrounding Christopher Ward's 'The Twelve' in titanium. Is this watch poised to shake up the market and be a game-changer or is it just another overhyped release?
I share my candid thoughts on the Twelve, how I feel about it, how it fits in context with my other titanium and integrated bracelet watches and whether it truly delivers on its promises of affordable luxury.
And I address the question posed by my wife: “why do you feel the need to buy a £1,600 watch when you have all these other nice watches ?”
For ease of reference, there follows a video time index of broad topic headings, so you can skip directly to the sections that interest you most:
00:01 Introduction : Why I bought the Twelve
03:03 What captured my attention
03:44 Movement options
04:02 My reservation with titanium
04:35 Oddities with certain metals
06:17 First impressions from me + Mrs Watch Enthusiast London
09:10 The minute hand
10:19 Comparisons with some of my other watches
11:07 Niggles about the case & bracelet
12:57 Changing the bracelet
13:51 The Tambour by Louis Vuitton
14:45 How the Twelve measures up to the very best watches
15:10 I answer my wife’s question and also a few of my own
This video also features the following watches:
- 00:25 The Bel Canto by Christopher Ward
- 02:22 Tissot PRX
- 04:08 Bulgari Octo Finissimo in titanium
- 04:27 Bremont Endurace
- 04:42 Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda
- 07:55 Moser Endeavour
- 08:03 Moser Streamliner
- 10:19 Rolex Oysterquartz
- 10:29 Bremont Supernova
- 10:42 Rolex Explorer 214270
- 10:47 A Lange & Sohne Odysseus
- 13:51 Louis Vuitton Tambour
- 16:08 G Shock
- 16:10 William Wood Red Watch
#watchreview #ChristopherWard #onthewrist #alangeandsohne #Lange #luxurywatch #hotwatch #personalexperience #BelCanto #TissotPRX #BulgariOctoFinissimo #bremont #endurance #ParmigianiFleurier #Tonda #moser #rolex #supernova #explorer #odysseus #louisvuitton #tambour #GShock #williamWood #redwatch
100% agree on the dial colors. I wish CW would release more conservative and versatile colorways for the Ti models. The Omega AT and Nautilus blue dials are classy and gorgeous.
Completely agree. I have a somewhat conservative taste and the ti blue smoke business is nice but a little too loud/bright for me.
They probably will if the demand is there. I'm not so picky any more (it would have been black or nothing for me at one time) so I really like the gradient blue and I would wear it anywhere without caring what anybody else thinks, just a bit miffed that I'd have to buy the titanium version to get that dial so haven't decided yet.
@@wisamal-hakim5531 I returned it haha. It was flashier than a gold watch for me XD. The purple one I reordered is nice though. I'm actually thinking of buying 1 of the aventurine watches next. Just don't know which one looks better
If you don't like the dial then don't buy the watch. It's YOUR wrist and you have to like the watch overall. A gift is a different story obviously.
Exactly. If it doesn't sing to you, why buy it? The video gives off Robin Leach vibes.
I agree with you on so many points. Grade 2 titanium without a hardness coating is just a scratch magnet. I’d happily pay more for grade 5 titanium. Also, the inability to choose the chronometer grade movement on stainless steel, or non-fume dials on titanium, is baffling.
💯🎯
Wholeheartedly agree. I don't get why CW cosc-certify bronze and titanium - two metals I have zero interest in - and leave the stainless steel at a lower movement grade. It makes no sense.
Brutally honest, amazing yt content! Thanks for the video!
Love this review, so thoughtful and critical. Planning to get the same titanium smoky blue one, and appreciate all the details that you discuss.
been waiting for this video from you!
Hope you enjoyed it!
I think you purchased the wrong model. The 200 movement in the steel is not as poor in it’s timekeeping as you fear. The steel case I think you would prefer and in white or gray, it meets your brief I think much better. It’s what I’m getting to live with my Rolex GMT, Bremont U2 and Tudor Heritage Chrono.
2:30 agreed, I felt the same thing that PRX gives me a cheap feeling. I bought twice and returned them all.
Thank you very much for your input. I truly enjoyed your video. You have officially tipped the scales in favor of myself purchasing The twelve. I'm looking forward to more reviews. Best of luck
Very honest and great review, I likes hearing a little about bremont as well, been peeking at them for a while now.
Reviews are thoughtfully done. Much appreciated.
Thank you🙏
Great Review, really appreciate your view and opinion on these watches.
I purchased this very watch & i love it, you have some lovely watches on show, Great review.
Maybe it scartches so much due to it being Grade II titanium rather than being Grade V ? I think im going to go with the steel purely becuase of the weight
I do believe that your wife has a point about the Twelve being try-hard. The garish dials on the Ti versions are a deal breaker for me, but I do get the nagging feeling that even the more restrained dials on the steel versions are just too fussy. I almost pulled the trigger on a grey steel Twelve, but now I'm finding it harder and harder to justify.
Exactly my own experience. Now I love the watch and am looking forward to be receiving my Belcanto.
Thank you, great video!
I prefer the stainless version. I understand what you are saying about the movement, however the Elabore version of the SW200 generally arrives running quite accurately, and regulation for this movement extremely easy if it isn't if you own a timegrapher of course. O own the grey SS model, and it's lovely
Really enjoyed this review
A stainless steel one is on my shortlist and this was very helpful
Keep up the good work
I’m considering this watch in 36 Glacier Blue, but yet undecided. I must admit the date omission is a snag. It shouldn’t be, but I love the look of these and think they have the PRX beaten there. I hope you enjoy wearing this more often than you imagine, and in the best of health. I subbed to your channel recently, having stumbled upon your Lange saga by chance from the algorithm. Enjoyed it so far, and hope you continue. Cheers.
Same, but I also like the mint one, but it is a combination problem
Good point about the missing date on the 36 version, I hadn't noticed that.
Great review and I feel almost the same as you do.
As a person who owned several other SS intergraded bracelet watches (VC Overseas & Chopard Alpine Eagle, etc), I was impressed by CW's wonderful job done to the overall design and bracelet finish, however the caliber used in the steel version is not suitable with a watch with this level of finishing on the outside. The caliber used in the titanium version matched up a little bit and made this watch a little bit more balanced. In addition, the limited dial color selection might be the reason that I'd rather wait until they release more colors in future for the titanium. 98% agree with your wife. She has a good taste! 😁👍
I bought the 36mm version in what they call "Frosted Lichen" and find it mesmerizing, but then I'm more interested in the aesthetics than in the mechanics. And yes, you're right that re-attaching the bracelet can be a bit of a nightmare.
Why did you buy a woman's watch?
@@lilmoris1because, contrary to you, he’s not a collection of complexes.
great review as always. I agree, this a candidate for a one and done watch.
… Especially if it had a solid coloured dial in a more subdued tone👍
I really like your relaxed delivery.
I think I agree with your wife on the Smokey dial. The steel model would suit me better.
When I saw the Frosted Lichen one in 36mm, I instantly made my purchase and threw in the rubber strap for a more casual look.
It should be arriving tomorrow!
How have you found it? I’ve got a 7in/18cm wrist and undecided on what size to go for 👍🏼
@@manuel_winde I have 7.5 inch wrist and I think it looks great. It definitely feels small compared to my other watches, but not too small if you know what I mean.
11:28 -What has been going on?? Dreadful is precisely correct. Thank you for pointing that out - I would have been absolutely devastated had I purchased this as my first reasonably up-market watch. I do realize this is child's play for a lot of people; but this would have been a substantial purchase for me; and I would come out of my skin seeing scratches like those. Well done, thank you.
It's grade 2 titanium, you could purchase the stainless steel version, which is also less expensive. BTW the scratches in titanium are easily removed with a fiberglass pen.
Great review. I was wondering about the titanium. Perhaps if they used level 5 instead of level 2 it would probably handle scratching better, but the rubber strap will also work. Hopefully they add more colors. After watching this review not sure I want the blue anymore and I feel like the purple limits when I should wear it.
It’s such an easy fix for Christopher Ward to provide more dial colour options for the titanium version… watch this space !
A very interesting video.
Perhaps most notably for your shared experiences and their resonance.
I too tried on the tonda and walked away feeling it was somewhat flimsy, bland, ultimately disappointing.
I too tried on the prx. It feels every bit it’s price.
I don’t know if you’ve looked at the Czapek Antarctique but I have and other than the magnificent movement it’s frankly disappointing
I too purchased the dozen on a whim. The same one. And was wondering about how it would feel and it’s dial colour.
This is the first time I have been reassured to wait and receive rather than cancel the order. I can accept a cosc certified sellita.
Nice to get an unbiased opinion from the same biases as I have.
Many Thanks. If you’re like me you’re probably considering an independent like Garrick or Laine next😉
I'm 6 minutes into your upload & I'm chuckling away to myself at your comments. Were I in your position, owning some of the finest timepieces money can buy, I think I'd find it difficult to view any watch as other than "cheap". What I do love is the fact that you are even entertaining this watch as a possible for wearing.
Well, it’s absolutely wearable IMHO… and as to feeling feeling cheap (as with my Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda experience), sometimes this has little / no bearing on price.
@@watchenthusiastlondon A very good point you make there. The Parmigiani bracelet looked from the clip to be a bit too highly polished? Were that coupled with it being a bit on the light side, it would look & feel cheap.
I have only found myself in the position of being able to purchase watches I had desired since my late teens in the last few years. One thing that has struck me is that you really need to have an open mind when it comes to brands you'd never previously considered.
Grand Seiko, being my most obvious example of my subconscious bias & snobbery. There's a real danger that you assume the quality & finishing of the leading brands is the pinnacle at that price range. As you know, there are many examples of lesser brands at lower prices offering a higher standard.
Absolutely 🎯
I think you made me realize that, if i do end up deciding to buy this watch, i'll be getting the stainless steel one. I don't have a need nor big desire for titanium and the steel one would also fit my budget way more
Never quite understood the fuss over titanium. Sure, it's lighter but it attracts scratches a lot easier and that's too much of a trade off for something that costs considerably more. Doesn't make any sense to me. My only gripe is I wanted the blue gradient dial which is only available on the Ti model.
I must agree with the Misses about the pale green dial color
😱😂
Dial color. To each their own. My wife and I have very different tastes as well. We just let the other get what they like. (Personally, I like the Ti colors, but I agree that it would be great if they offered more colors)
Looks like the bracelet does have half (or 2/3) links to help with the adjustment.
As another viewer pointed out, The Twelve by Christopher Ward has a very similar design and look as the Antarctique Passage De Drake model made by Czapek.
Indeed the designer of the Antarctique is Mr Adrian Buchmann, former head of design at Christopher Ward when the The Twelve was under development. He left the latter company before the release of the watch but the similarities are striking.
Considering the enthusiasm for The Twelve and its design by the author of the video, the Antarctique would have been a fitting choice also taking into account the squisite standard of his watch collection.
Perhaps, but then the Antarctique wouldn’t fill the “gap” that this Twelve does…
The Twelve hits many buttons with me. I see a few brands in one with that piece. I think it's fantastic - in pictures, anyway.
It's just a hype beast. Watches with integrated bracelets are an acquired taste thus has a small and very particular market for them. Also their dial colours of CW 12 are just wack. Price is also a tad too high for what it offers imo.
Would you consider doing a followup video on The Twelve? Or at least reply to my comment because I'm intersted in how the titanium performed in regards to getting scratched :)
All the best,
Alex
Hi Alex - it’s fared better than I feared however I haven’t really worn it much beyond a holiday break & there are some scratches - the thing is, I don’t really know how they got there. My guess is that it’s an easily scratch able watch - I was really surprised at the sample watch I received.
I just took the delivery of my CW in Ti with a purple dial... which I must admit I've chosen simply because it was the least offensive option... the dial variation choices for the Ti option are terrible to say the least which is totally beyond me. I love the watch but it could have been so much more with a simple black dial... albeit for a lot more money. I ordered my Christopher Ward in the midst of summer which would make it a great allrounder but honestly... with its gradient dial, I don't think it has a chance during winter office days. And it's a shame. The frame of the watch is great!
It seems we're on a similar horological journey haha. I have a twelve (the new 36mm in mint green) and a bel canto awaiting delivery. I already own a 36mm Sealander and it's absolutely amazing; the dial is simply spectacular. Many times it simply feels uncomfortable to wear something nice. Even though I have what I consider my favourite "tool" watch of all time, an omega railmaster, even the name "omega" can sometimes attract some unwanted attention.
Overtime I'm starting to become more and more accustomed to the fact that watches have a time and place. Though my definition of "time and place" is not the conventional one. I somehow feel comfortable to go to a nice cafe in the morning wearing a Grand Seiko or JLC at times. But if its a pub or bar, I feel far more attracted to a CW or my Omega. I frequently wear dress shirts with an Oris or a Seiko enamel piece, but wear my nicer pieces with a t-shirt and shorts. Is this some kind of disease? Cheers.
I occasionally refer to it as a sickness… 🤪
I think your wife is spot on !
I wish they would come out with a COSC steel version. I would probably by several if they did that. I dont think titanium grade 2 is worth the extra money.
Im thinking about this watch, the longines spirit 40mm, or the longines big eye chrono with the blue dial. I cant decide.
I agree. The brown/tan is probably on sale for a reason. To San Martin’s credit, just as everyone is starting to use this clasp, they are using an even more compact sized clasp with an on the fly adjustment. I’m really tempted to get the bezelless version of this watch. It’s being offered for a great price during the sale. PX1690-2A.
I think for this type of more dress / casual wear watch the stainless steel is a better option. Titanium is a scratch magnet and is more suitable for tool like watches and only cheaper ones at that. The Stainless will keep its looks . Regarding the faded watch face it’s very attractive but overdone the contrast is to extreme for my taste. What is good about the titanium is the superior movement . The ETA 2892/ Sellita 300 is in my opinion far better than the ETA 2824 / Sellita 200
I have a slightly different opinion on your point of view here, to wit about whether the Twelve can replace a watch like the Royal Oak. Of course it can, most watch enthusiasts will never be in the position to own something like a Royal Oak. While you see this as an alternative wear in situations where you might less likely be mugged (at least that's how it came across to me) for most people this watch offers more than enough quality. That said, for me the ideal Twelve would be in stainless steel with a monochromatic dial, preferably in light blue, but with the better movement of the Ti version.
Agree 👍
This is very much my personal view…
Nice watch, but a bit dissapointing that they went for grade 2 titanium instead of grade 5, especially at this price. Your new iPhone will have better titanium.
Titanium 2 scratches just looking at it unless treated . I have a cheap Seestern Titanium diver and it soon showed scratches, much more than a SS watch. Personally where the bracelet is so much part of the watches look I would-opt for Stainless Steel or hope CW will change to Titanium 5 which is less scratchable. The good point of the Titanium is the movement and I really wish the SS models had the non COSC Sellita 300 .
Mine arrives in November too (Bel Canto next year) but I’m concerned the Ti will be too big for my 6.3in wrist?
I’m not so sure… would be interested to hear what you think when it arrives. It can be very subjective.
I feel like your wife. I would like a more neutral color. Perhaps smoky gray or a less saturated blue or navy blue…
I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video.
I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.
Thank you very much.
16:38 nothing wrong with that!! I wear my casio or seiko 5 for that exact purpose sometimes. Makes you appreciate your luxury pieces that much more.
💯
My wife mostly hates all my watches other than a timex I've had since I was 8, I get it.
I hear you about the weight i went to pick up the pelagos 39 and was shocked it felt like a toy also imo you bought the best looking 12
The only thing I cant get on with on The Twelve is the dial colours. I don't like any of them!
I agree with your wife.
nice watch.
i bought the ice blue and mop in 40 and 35mm for the price of one twelve :3
Have you consider the Czapek Antarctique
I have seen it online, but have never held it, or worn it personally. It looks beautiful.
I read somewhere the designer for the czapek Antarctique also designed the CW12. The movement on it it’s a thing of a beauty, I strongly urge you to see/try one in person.
If theyd offer the steel variants with the better movement id be far more tempted.
This is definitely not a watch for me. I'm tired of hearing about how every integrated bracelet watch is an AP or Patek Phillipe homage, its annoying that people cannot accept that there is only so much you can do with an integrated bracelet style watch but where this one fails in my opinion is that it drew too much inspiration from too many places and none of it is unique. Its a chimera. Many good design features that are good on their own but overwhelming when all mixed together.
Brands are under pressure when it comes to the integrated bracelet style and I can appreciate that CW tried to not get nailed down as a _this_ homage or a _that_ homage but they ended up creating a watch that is a smorgasbord of conflicting ideas instead, when if they had kept it simple they could have committed to a good idea and made a more cohesive watch. Moser and your ALS Odysseus show that it is possible for a small brand to come up with a novel integrated bracelet watch design. I thought CW was on a good trajectory with the Bel Canto, I wish they had seen that design concept through to the Twelve instead of making just another indistinct integrated bracelet watch a full two years after the trend started.
That's my opinion, I hope you enjoy this watch and that's really what matters. Great video, thanks!
Never tried to set the minute hand perfect, it's quite difficult (that means I cant do it, but I think it could be done!) on my Submariner, that's a £10k watch with an in house movement!
As for the scratches, so what? It's a watch, wear it, I wear my Sub every day, it is scratched to hell.
I bought it grey market, 2nd hand (don't ask how much!) with one significant scratch on the case, a scratch I can no longer pick out!
Finally tried on a Tonda in vancouver last week, the skeleton no less, and has the exact same underwhelming feeling when wearing it...
Thanks for sharing. Interesting to hear your perspective. I just received an email from someone who has put down a deposit to receive one, asking me to elaborate. As I explained, it might just be me ! and I did wonder whether the artificial lighting isn’t he shop might have had something to do with it…
It's funny hearing you say you could wear the Twelve without fear of being mugged. As someone whose most expensive watch is an Apple Watch Series 8, I would feel like a target wearing the Twelve. It's something I'm taking into consideration now that I'm looking for a quality mechanical watch (that won't break the bank)
The Christopher Ward is a nice watch maker, but the twelve in Titanium I don't like the color of the face of the watch or the Dial. I like the stainless steel C12, I hope someday all of the caliber in CW use a COSC.,,,
Have you seen the Zenith yoshida blue? I like it. Also checkout the seiko Morpho.
Will take a look…🙏
I somehow can imagine it beside my Omega AT. But somehow the design is different
I want stainless steel with cosc movement. The $200 inaccurate movement is unacceptable. Put the sw300 cosc in the stainless model.
Hi, i love your videos by the way. I have a question, is it possible for you to review some homage watches? Just want to know your views and opinions on them, thanks!
Thanks. Which ones?
@@watchenthusiastlondon Thanks for the reply! Well there are lots of options to choose really, from Sugess Tourbillon, Lobinni Interlaken with micro rotor or standard Pagani Design. All won’t cost a fortune. 95% of the looks for 5% of the price? Love the free market 🤣
@@RolaTakizawa-ok8hlSugess certainly aims for awesome quality combined w/ low pricing
Honestly, I like the Twelve more than the Lange and the Bremont looks like a Royal Oak clone.
I think everybody who owns expensive watches are "watch snobs". I don't mean that in a bad way, but I've never seen the point of paying £25k for something that does the same job as one costing £25. I'm not suggesting people go out and buy the cheapest junk out there, but I don't know why you would want to buy one that costs the same as a small car. Of course, all those who can afford it think the rest of us are just jealous. Maybe some people are. But for me, I've seen watches that cost 10x more that don't look or feel any better. I bought a £90k car so I could buy a £10k watch, and I do understand and appreciate craftsmanship and quality, but with watches I just don't see the point. Isn't it really about buying an expensive watch because you can?
But I love this watch, to the point where I've decided I have to have one, even though I've never previously spent more than £300 on a watch. I think these are decent value but I'm miffed that to get my colour choice I will have to pay extra, as the gradient blue is only available on the Ti version. But I really don't know why I'm buying one at all. My £30 Timex Explorer tells me the time, and probably more accurately. Maybe I'm just tight.
12 sided bezel
We need an update on your experience with your own Twelve.
It’s much the same as the sample watch, with the exception that I haven’t (yet) found the titanium bracelet to attract quite as many scratches and marks 👍
@@watchenthusiastlondon Thank you!
Should look at Citizen Tsuyosa. It is only 300 quid. I also don't like Tissot PRX either. Felt cheap.
*Its good to see another of your shows.* *Your wife has some good points, but not necessarily 100%; the dial looks good for what it is, certainly not beautiful as with the H. Moser.*
*Ti is a soft easily scratched metal; the claims of it being stronger than 'steel' on a weight basis, is relative to the cheap type of steel in comparison, generally 316L, and 904L.* *This stated, Ti can be alloyed heavier, and extremely scratch and dent resistant, much more than the above steels; and the heavier alloy wouldn't have the cheap unappealing feel to many.*
@@AnonZero0904l isn’t harder than 316 in any meaningful way.
What does one do for a living I wonder?
Given your experience with integrated bracelets, how does the oris aquis compare to regular sports watches given its price point?
calling the watch "try hard" ...so brutal, I had a laugh at that...cheers to your Mrs.
I would instantly buy it if the movement was better. At that price is a no go
In my opinion the twelve is the best looking watch in your collection.
Thank you. It’s a super watch…
Wife is right. CW sabotaged the Ti versions with those garish colours.
Binge ing these videos like a Liverpudlian with £20quid in home bargains
Just confess: have you pre-ordered the Bel Canto?)))
Er, no. But it’s a remarkable watch nevertheless.
Nothing with a sellita movement inside is luxury
I'm absolutely certain that Mrs. Watch Enthusiast London is a lovely & brilliant woman, as is my lovely wife...but I must say, I don't agree with anything either of them have to say on the subject of watches. Let me have my things, Dear. Do I complain about your purchases? Do I query you on the pool boy, whilst we have no pool? Then please, let me be about my watches.
I wouldn't care what my wife thought of the colour of my dial. In fact if she asked me if her dress made her look fat, I'd say "no honey, but your lipstick does."
To me that's the most frustrating thing is that they limit the colors to particular sizes or particular watch band types. The white with gold dial in the 36 mm is my favorite but they don't offer it in the 40 mm.
Spends 10 min talking about the dial color? Get over it- talk about the movement etc. and you don’t understand titanium obv
Not gonna lie your girlfriend cooked here, I'm still waiting for them to drop some more dial colors
“Remarkable affordability” 😂 this dude does NOT live in the same universe as most
I think that’s fair.
Christopher who?
This must be the most self-absorbed, self-referential channel on RUclips. Try counting how many times this guy says "I" per minute in his videos.
Ah, you've caught on! You must be an 'I'-spy expert! This is indeed a one-man show, and 'I' am the star. Stick around, the plot thickens in the next episode! 😉
That was unnecessary harsh. Like you made all the effort in the world to try and sound fair but critical - but it actually came across nit picky in ways you never are with more expensive brands. You spent half the time complaining about the colour - seriously? Get a different colour then. It’s like getting a grape OP and complaining the OP isn’t versatile.
Personally this whole thing felt disingenuous. Just my two cent.
I mean the issue is that there are no other colors (except for another eye catching color) if you want to have the better movement.
It’s funny that people are complaining about the color of the ti versions. I was upset that I would have to buy the ti version to get the cooler colors lol
GET A NEW WIFE!
5:04 Yeah watches are weird. I want to fall in love with the Formex Field. Just with the specs. But impossible😂🫠 Thanks for the video🇩🇪🙏😉