Hands on with the Christopher Ward C900 Single Pusher Chronograph Timepiece

A Step up for the British based watchmaker….

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

Further to our little sneak peek at the Christopher Ward C900 Monopusher earlier this month we now have the pleasure in bringing you one of the first published ‘hands on reviews’ of this soon to be classic Christopher Ward Timepiece, yes we know it is only on pre-order and not yet released, but if there is a watch that has the qualities and characteristics to be written in the history books, with longevity in design and tweaks in the complication, then the C900 monopusher or single pusher is the timepiece from the Christopher Ward stable that will make it’s mark for a long time on the watch world.  Watch out for it at next years European Watch of the Year awards, I for one will expect to see it there after Christopher Wards Jump Hour was nominated this year.

I’m sure we thanked the guys and girls at Christopher Ward for the loan of the only C900 currently in circulation in the UK in our previous piece but we would like to do it once again, It was a pleasure to be trusted with the Chr.Ward C900 mono pusher even if it was only for 5 days or so. I would just like to point out that the model we had for hands on review was a PR sample produced pre production by Christopher Ward and his ateliers, but have been assured that it is identical to the finished product that is available for pre order on the Christopher ward website now and should be delivered early November 2012.

For our readers that are unaware of what a monopusher or single pusher actually is, well it is what it says, It allows all the functions of a chronograph to be worked by one pusher or crown and is achieved by a complex steps of adjustments to the mechanics of a movement to achieve it. On a normal chronograph you get two separate pushers, a start/stop pusher and a reset pusher, this in its self even though very common mechanically it is still complex. Monopushers are  fairly rare in the watch world and are usually only produced by the top end manufactures leading them to be quite unique and expensive.

So on to the Hands on Review of the C900 Harrison Single Pusher Chronograph (to give the C900 its full name), firstly as you can see its a clean cut design, with its polished stainless steel case and crisp white dial, with long thin baton indicators at the hour points and small ones as minute markers. The only two Roman numerals are at XII (12 o’clock) and VI (6 o’clock) and this plays to the C900’s strong points with the needle like hands and two inner sub dials at 3 and 9 o’clock, these sub dials are large and clear and fit in well with the timepiece. The inner sub dials depict the minutes for your chronograph (3 o’clock) and constant small seconds (9 o’clock) the overall feel of the C900 is clean crisp and effective. At no point did I find it difficult to read the time whilst in normal light conditions but the lack of lume does prohibit the easy reading of the time in very dark environments, but hey who would want to be walking down a darkened alleyway with no street lights looking at your £2,450.00 watch on your wrist, not me that’s for sure…

The black alligator leather strap also fits in perfectly with the dial and overall impression the C900 is trying to achieve, trying may be the incorrect word we should say the impression Christopher have so elegantly managed to achieved with the C900 Monopusher (I cant help it I like calling it Monopusher rather than Single Pusher Sorry). It is also available with a brown alligator strap too.

I would just like to point out that the photo’s of the C900 Harrison Single Pusher (that was for those CW fans who want it called by its official name) may not be our best but due to the time constraints we had we were unable to get our best man on it. One further point on the morning of receipt of the C900 we were made aware of a previous recipient opening the timepiece for some unknown reason and leaving a white hair under the sapphire crystal, so for those of you that see the white line that looks like a crack in the sapphire crystal, its not it is a hair. Someone will be getting a slap on the wrists.

Along with the classic crisp and lovely design of the C900 monopusher, the stand out feature has to be the movement and monopusher or single pusher chronograph functionality, and this is all down to  CW’s second bespoke movement (Calibre JJ02), which was constructed and manufactures with the German” watchmaking wunderkind”, Johannes Jahnke. Johannes who has worked with the legendary watchmaker, Mr Jean Fillon to create a completely re-worked adaptation of the Unitas 6497 calibre for the C900. In adapting the 6497 into the JJ02 we also have a wonderful work of art of a movement when viewed through the case wide sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. A bit of detail regarding the JJ02 movement and a little history of Johannes Jahnke and Mr Jean Fillon can be see here at The Watch Review Site.

Through the full width exhibition case back  the mastery of the JJ02 is revealed in great detail, Jahnke’s JJO2 calibre is supremely elegant, clean and easy to understand. It is even possible to see how the sliding gear, clutch and brake allows the chronograph to be controlled by a single pusher, set within the crown. Lovely to view for the watch aficionado and connoisseur.

It is this monopusher or single pusher complication that makes the C900 a timepiece and not just a watch in my eyes, Christopher Ward is entering an area of the watch world that they have dabbled with in the Jump Hour with the C900, Can we say they have entered the world of Haute Horlogerie, but again at an affordable price point for the complication. We say affordable at £2,450.00 its not exactly that for most, but when you consider other monopushers in the market like the Bell and Ross WW1 Monopusher at £4,900.00, without an in-house movement (it does have a high end Le Joux Perret movement at its heart) and double the cost of the C900, to add we prefer the look of the Christopher Ward.

Another option is the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher at £6,800.00 nearly three times that of the C900, or there is the newly introduced Longines 180th Anniversary Monopusher Chronograph which is marketed at around £3,000.00 for the stainless steel model and over £7,000 for other models, but the stainless steel model is not limited in production like the C900 and again in our opinion the C900 is just simply nicer.

In the words of Christopher Ward “The C900 Single Pusher Chronograph is beyond question our most complicated watch to date and will make an entirely new level of sophistication accessible to more people than ever before because of the unique Christopher Ward value equation.”

“However, it’s the magnificence of the movement that really moves me. I was completely transfixed when I first saw what Johannes Jahnke had accomplished and I don’t mind admitting that I almost cried with a combination of joy and pride. We may produce even more complicated watches in the future but the C900 will always be a very special watch for me”.

So this limited edition monopusher from Christopher Ward has taken us aback a little with its solid workmanship, classic lines and design, beautiful working and looking JJ02 movement we agree with most of our peers that Christopher Ward have Definitely pulled out of the bag one of the most significant timepieces to be launched by the British watchmaker.

Have we mentioned that the movements are all put together personally by Johannes or his assistant and the C900 comes with a certificate of authentication signed by Johannes, again no mean feat at this price bracket. Manually constructed, hand made, hand finished pieces just don’t come at this price… well they do now.

Adding to this it is not only the JJ02 movement that is a masterpiece the actual crown and pusher itself was designed from scratch too, with considerable thought and skill has gone into creating this bespoke crown to overcome the challenge of incorporating the central axis as well as four ‘O’ rings, which allow the pusher to be depressed while still ensuring the watch remains waterproof. Now that’s some feat…

We have yapped on about the movement and initial looks of the C900 Single Pusher now to get down to the normal Hands on Review Stuff, firstly the wrist shots of this Christopher Ward Masterpiece, Well the stainless steel case is 43mm in diameter and nearly 16mm thick but even on my slight 6 3/4 inch (17cm) wrists it still felt comfortable and fit very well. See for yourselves.

The 15.7mm thickness of the watch, which is no surprise considering the movement it encases, is not overly big or protruding and fits comfortable under a shirt cuff and as I have been asked its probably slightly too large for the better half of the world at 43mm x 15.7mm, so sorry ladies. What I will say is that the thickness does not take away from the elegance and classic look of the timepiece with the slight brushed steel effect on the sides of the case, polished case and full width exhibition case back the C900 is elegantly put together to produce a lovely strikingly subtle yet eye catching watch that can be enjoyed by all even the slightly meagre wrist-ed in the world as myself.

The Watch itself is a very comfortable weight, apologies here as we didn’t get to weigh it as we are doing on our hands on reviews from now on, but if we get it back for a follow up we definitely will, IT is weighty enough for you to know you have a watch on and feel like you are getting something substantial for your money, but not too heavy for it to be a burden on the wrist, in reality I would have forgotten it was on my wrist had it not been for the fact that I couldn’t take my eyes off it and the comments I was getting form others who wondered what I was wearing. What I can say it was easy to get on and off the wrist as I did so on many occasions to show off the movement, as one does…

Christopher Ward has definitely travelled down the dress watch field here with a little sportiness thrown in for good measure, the C900 Harrison Single Pusher Chronograph is a beautifully refined yet masculine timepiece that can adorn anyone’s wrist and sit amongst some of the heavyweight punchers in the world of Haute Hologerie. Just one thing I would of really liked to see a date on the C900, maybe at 6 o’clock.

In our opinion, what you are getting with the Christopher Ward C900 Harrison Single Pusher is a really collectible timepiece and very affordable for what it actually is. If I could I would have one for myself in a blink of an eye, but right now it will probably sit on the wish list until the urge really overtakes and funds enable it… Well its really just the funds the urge and lust is there and its probably here to stay.

As in time honoured tradition here are the Technical details for the Christopher Ward C900 Harrison Single Pusher and following that a little gallery of photographs we have taken of the watch whilst in our care. 

Christopher Ward C900 Harrison Single Pusher – Technical Details

Worldwide limited edition of 250 pieces

Calibre: JJ02, hand-wound chronograph, highly modified from Unitas 6497, hand-wound mechanical chronograph by Johannes Jahnke with Jean Fillon

Vibrations: 18,000 vph

40 hour power reserve

Functions: Continuous seconds and 30 minute totaliser sub-dials operated through central crown function

Case: 316L stainless steel, Diameter: 43mm, Height: 15.9mm

Hand Finished, surgical grade, stainless steel case and crown

Museum-grade sapphire crystal with AR08 coating

Optic white one-piece 3-9 bi-compax dial

Screw-down transparent exhibition case back with full diameter anti-reflective crystal

Serial number engraved on both case and movement

Water resistance: 5 atm/50 metres

Strap: CITES approved, premium Louisana alligator deployment strap

And here is that Gallery of photos of the Christopher Ward C900 Harrison Single Pusher Chronograph, we promised you

Signalman GMT PR

Introducing the Schofield Signalman GMT PR, limited edition timepiece from Schofield Watch Company.

While not a divers watch as such it is water resistant to 500 meters and has a AR coated sapphire crystal.

Signalman refers to a lighthouse as is evident with the engraved watch back. The case shape is based on a specific light used in a lighthouse in England.

Not wanting to offer a simple three-hand dial watch to start, the Signalman GMT watch has a GMT hand as well as a power reserve indicator and date complications. Powering the Signalman GMT is a Swiss Soprod caliber 9335 automatic movement. It has a power reserve of 42 hours and the GMT hand is adjusted in one hour increments with a specific inset case pusher tool.

The Signalman also comes with a number of interesting and exquisite straps. They are all 24mm wide and come in a host of styles including shark and calf skin.

Technical Information

Automatic Swiss Soprod 9335 movement 31 Jewels 28,800 bph (4hz) Rhodium plated, pearlage decoration, blued screws 

Power Reserve of 42 hours displayed at 12 o’clock GMT display at 6 o’clock set via push button at 4:30 o’clock, Date at 3 o’clock 

Water resistant to 500 metres Anti-magnetic movement holder

Signalman case: 44mm diameter, DLC coated stainless steel

Dial: on two levels, applied numerals, SuperLuminova C1

Sapphire crystal: domed, anti-reflective coating on the inside

Strap: special edition black shark-skin, green calf skin lined

Buckle: curved, polished stainless steel, engraved, screw in

You will receive a discount of 20% if you pre order either of Schofields Signalman’s before June 2012.

Pricing – Signalman DLC

Pre Order Price               £2,465.00 excl. VAT and Shipping        £2,958.00 incl. VAT

Post June 2012 Price     £2,958.00 excl. VAT and Shipping        £3,549.00 incl. VAT

UK Shipping is £20.00

Christopher Ward C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage Edition – ‘Hands On’ Watch Review

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site.

Here at The Watch Review Site we would like to start by thanking the good people at Christopher Ward for supplying us with a review piece of their new C8 Pilot MkII, the U-2 Vintage Edition. Which is available on pre order and should be available to buy from the start of June 2012.

Now we have the thank you’s out of the way let’s get on with the real reason we are here, to see and review the Christopher Ward C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage edition and put it through its paces on a Watch Review Site ‘Hands On’ Watch Review.

Our initial views are, that name it’s a bit long winded but it takes nothing away from the watch itself, The New Chr.Ward C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage has moved on from the original C8 Pilot and also the C8 Pilot MkII, Gone are the Rivets on the Strap, the dial indicators and markers differ for that vintage look and it comes in a lovely 44mm PVD black case. Yes you heard right Black PVD (very nice) 

It’s a lovely addition to the Christopher Ward C8 Pilot Collection,which has been around for a while now,  it wears well and looks good in a variety of circumstances. The C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage also performs as well as expected from any Swiss made and Swiss movement timepiece. All in All it’s a great little (well not little really) quality Pilot watch and for the money, well I haven’t seen or played with better.

So have Christopher Ward and their team pulled one out the bag here. Let’s get into the C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage in Depth and see.

First off, when your C8 Pilot is delivered it comes very well presented in a black leather presentation box with light cream interior (which most would probably keep as it is a quality box to store watches that don’t require a winder), Along with this you get a quick start/functions guide, the guarantee and letter congratulating you on your purchase and a Christopher Ward microfibre cloth. All very nicely done. You feel like you have purchased a luxury timepiece from get go.

Once you get over the pleasure of unwrapping your new purchase you notice a fabulous looking, Striking Vintage style Pilot Watch, as Christopher Ward have so kindly pointed out on their website, the C8 Pilot is a traditional Pilot Watch which is based upon the 1940’s classic  IWC B-Uhren watch. If you ask me with its Black PVD case there an argument to say it’s akin to the Bell & Ross BR Vintage 123 Carbon Series in looks. Not a bad thing hey.

The C8 Mk2, is very well balanced in style and colour choice throughout, hopefully this comes across in our attempts to do the Christopher Pilot MkII u-2 Vintage justice in our photographs.

What do you expect from a classic Pilot Watch?

Well, whatever it is the Chr.Ward C8 MkII U-2 Vintage has it, from its 44mm Black PVD case to its CW branding on the distressed orange/brown leather strap, its the complete package.

The vintage retro feel begins with your first glance at the Watch, the hands and markers, to slightly contrast its black dial are the in military beige as the use of “Old Radium Super Luminova” is apparent  which gives more than sufficient Lumin for the discerning Pilot along with the vintage feel such a timepiece deserves.

And it just goes on with the new distressed leather brown/orange strap (less rivets – I feel it’s better without the rivets and allows the watch to be worn for different occasions easily) is a great touch by Christopher Ward.  Now on to the piste-de-resistance in my opinion of the C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage, it’s Black PVD Case making this Pilot a competitor in the looks department for most of the (shall we say) more expensive and well known Pilot Watches out there.

Even its large onion style crown has the CW touch on the head. Whilst we are talking large the case is 44mm and I have very small wrists, when I first took the C8 out of the packaging to place on my wrist (after struggling to reduce the strap size to suit me, the struggling bit is due to me being a little impatient and the strap being new and stubborn, but in a good way) I thought this is going to be way too big for me. But no once on it felt very comfortable, the crown did not infringe or extrude at all and the watch sat nicely on my wrist this may be down to the thickness of the watch but whatever it is it fits well even for the limp wristed like me.

Over and above the obvious first impressions you also notice the time and effort and preciseness that Christopher Ward have put into the C8 Pilot Mk2 U-2 Vintage (I really can’t think of a way of shortening this name without referring to previous CW Pilots, Sorry);

Like the date window on the dial, Christopher Ward use a black date disc, others would have used white, and it is placed so it doesn’t infringe on the 3 o’clock marker, another great touch.

The Buckle, it’s the same as previous C8’s but also coated in Black PVD, with the CW logo on it, the placement of the CW logo on the strap end, further the CW logo on the crown, yes it sounds like there are lots of logos but they are done so meticulously well they are not in your face and are just really good touches to an already great watch.

The weight of the watch, it feels like you have made a substantial purchase, it’s weighted very well and is solid and wholesome.

But the thing I like best is the unique case back with a small round window allowing you to see the Swiss Selitta SW200  movement, but that’s not all the case back also has  it also has a stamped image of what can be described an airplane wing, you tell me.

Its these little touches that make the Christopher Ward, not just a good Pilot Watch but a Great one, Now add all the above to the fact that it is powered by a true Swiss movement in the Selitta Sw200-1 and you have the complete package and all for well under £500.00.

Yes, Gasp, Shock Horror, Amazement, This Christopher Ward C8 Pilot Watch – U-2 Vintage in Black PVD which can compete with the four figure equivalents very easily comes in at less than monkey.

To Sum up it has been a pleasure sporting the Christopher Ward C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage Watch for the last few weeks, this is a clean, simple, well built automatic Vintage Pilot Watch that can hold its own in any company.

The Quality and outstanding build quality, along with the clear effort that would have been put in to achieve such a great timepiece far exceeds its price tag.

Taking everything into consideration its British design, Swiss movement, Swiss made I would go as far to say that if you where to only buy one Traditional vintage Pilot Watch to add to your collection the Christopher Ward C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage is the one for you.

For anyone that is interested we have a little photo gallery of the Christopher Ward C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage after the technical details below.

Christopher Ward C8 Pilot Mk2 U-2 Vintage – Technical Details

Case : Steel coated with Black PVD

Diameter: 44mm, Height: 9.7mm,Weight: 114g

Soft iron anti-magnetic inner case

Movement: Selitta SW200-1 Automatic, with manual winding option

26 Jewels

Incabloc anti shock system

Power reserve: 38 hours

Frequency: 28800 per hour

Dial: Black Soft iron anti-magnetic

Anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Hands and Markers Old Radium Super-luminova

Case Back: Screw down back plate , Balance wheel viewing window

Strap:  Tunnel stitch and calf’s leather strap

Buckle: Black PVD Butterfly opening deployment system

Christopher Ward C700 Grande Rapide Automatic Chronograph

The Christopher Ward C700 Grand Rapide is, “quite simply, a magnificent example of the automatic chronograph genre”.

It’s movement is supplied by the Eta 7750, through to the Formula One inspired laser precision carbon-fibre dial, this watch represents the apotheosis of Christopher Wards watchmaking skills upto this point in their short lifecycle.

Christopher Ward say “We were driven by a desire for excellence in creating the C700 and we hope you are equally driven by a desire to own one of these wonderful watches.”

Christopher Ward‘s new C700 Grand Rapide is the British watchmaker’s most ambitious timepiece yet, it is a more modern timepiece in terms of imagery than the watchmaker has previously designed.

Christopher Ward say “Nothing about the watch is a compromise; every aspect of the design has been driven by the desire to create the ultimate motorsport watch.  The C700 has been created for people who prefer to make the most of every second and observe their rivals in their rear-view mirror.” 

The Christopher Ward C700 is inspired by motorsport, and this is apparent from the carbon-fibre dial (first time use by Christopher Ward) and very interesting silicone rubber strap with a carbon weave effect, tyre impersonation at its best, but that aside you cannot forget that even though this timepiece is British in design and styling its internal workings and movements are all Swiss made.

Christopher Ward pride themselves on ensuring they design and manufacture top quality timepieces using the best swiss movements and engineering.

The C700 Grande Rapide comes in three models, the only differnce between them is the strap or bracelet combination. The models are

C700SKSI – Silicone Rubber Strap

C700SKS – Steel Bracelet

C700SKK – Black Leather

There is a choice of a stainless steel bracelet, a leather strap or a rubber strap, which mirrors the dial with its polished chequered flag design. The Chris Ward C700 has a 30 minute and 12 hour counter as well as a 60 second chronograph, which has a circular guilloche pattern at its heart and is inspired by a rev counter – continuing the motorsport theme.

Like all Christopher Ward watches, the C700 has been designed in Britain and hand assembled by the company’s atelier in Switzerland.  Superluminova on the hands as well as the dial ensure there’s never a need to be in the dark when it comes to managing time.

This is Christopher Ward’s highest priced model, but saying that as with Christopher Wards ethos the watches are still only priced at £799.00 for the strap versions and £860.00 for the Steel bracelet version and are available directly from Christopher Ward via their website Christopher Ward London Limited

Technical Data

Diameter: 42mm

Height: 13.9mm

Weight: 130g (Silicon rubber & Black Leather strap models) 209g (Steel bracelet model)

Case: 316L Stainless steel

Calibre: Eta 7750

Vibrations: 28,800 per hour

Features

25 Jewel Swiss automatic chronograph

Etachron regulator system

3 counter multi-function chronograph (hours, minutes and stop second)

Internal Tachymeter

Day / Date Calendar

Carbon Fibre Dial

Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Screw-in crown

Water resistant to 100m (10 atm)

Strap: Silicon Rubber with adjustable tongue buckle, Black Leather with adjustable quick release butterfly clasp or Steel with adjustable quick release butterfly clasp.

Hand-polished surgical grade stainless steel case

SuperLuminova SLC1 Luminous indices and hands

Christopher Ward C11 MSL Black Manta MK I – Hands On Watch Review

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

We have the pleasure of undertaking a ‘hands on’ watch review of the New Christopher Ward C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1, which is currently available for pre-order via the Christopher Ward London Limited website. As you probably already know Christopher Ward only sell their watches online via their own website, this marketing method allows CW to reduce marketing costs and hence the market price of their British designed, Swiss made and manufactured timepieces.

The C11 MSL Black Manta MK1 is the latest in the range of aviation watches on offer by Christopher Ward, it is an addition to the already established Christopher Ward C11 MSL Range. The C11 MSL Black Manta comes with an all new PVD black case, this being the primary difference between the previous released C11 MSL which sported a polished steel case, It is available as a Chronograph Watch or Automatic Watch. The later being the one we have to play with and on that note thank you to the guys and gals at Christopher Ward for providing this C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic watch for us at the Watch Review Site to put it through its paces in one of our ‘Hands On’ watch reviews.

So on to the task at hand, The C11 MSL Black Manta MK1 Automatic, Another one of CW’s long names, yes, yes, I know we can call it the C11 but that doesn’t differentiate it from the other C11’s does it so it’s the full name again.

We are not going to go into detail about how it is delivered as we have covered this on previous Reviews as in the C8 Pilot Hands on review, let’s just say you will not be disappointed when you receive your package.

First impressions are that this is an aviation watch that is based on a modern airplanes altimeter so heading away from the traditional pilot watches to a more contemporary version of a pilot watch akin to the Bell and Ross’s of this world. On the C11 MSL Black Manta we have a round dial placed in an altimeter style PVD black stainless steel case, CW have even placed a screw in each corner to depict the altimeter look even further.

Christopher Ward state the following with regards to the design and inspiration behind the Black Manta “Based on the cockpits of fast jets the C11 MSL is indeed an interesting and fast paced addition to the range, whilst less workmanlike than some if its peers, the C11 MSL retains its functionality.”

The C11 MSL black Manta has a very clean and crisp look to it, and makes a bold but understated statement when on the wrist, this 42mm case and 35.2mm dial are strikingly simple and attractive, with very large white numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 and large wide black and white striking hands, the entire piece comes together and has a sense of purpose.

The lack of minute indicators adds to the watches simplicity, but does not impair the reading of the time. Along with the inconspicuous second hand (a good thing in my book) and very well placed white numbers on black date indictor at 4 o’clock, the C11 MSL Black Manta MK1 Automatic ticks all the boxes in the looks department.

It’s a large watch but slim and wears well and fits even on small wrists, It’s light yet weighty enough to feel very comfortable on the wrist, It’s simple yet bold and striking and it can be worn daily with a suit or with casual wear, it’s adaptive and whatever the occasion brings attention to your wrist because of all the above. A wrist watch for all occasions.

As we are talking about looks and styling we should really mention that the Black Manta has a flat anti reflective coated sapphire crystal glass with the anti reflective coating being present on the exterior of the glass and not the interior as in the norm with Christopher Ward watches, this was a step taken as the glare reduction is substantially increased with the coating on the outside of the sapphire crystal as opposed to the inside. You do notice a blue tint to the sapphire crystal , which is down to the anti reflective coating but that doesn’t distract from the look of the watch at all and is only visible when the watch is in certain positions.

Along with the effective use of the coating, museum grade sapphire crystal has been used which further increases clarity and night time visibility of the C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic.

With regards to night time visibility the numerals, markers and hands are all coated with SuperLuminova and its Lumen at night provides a very visible timepiece.    

As you may well already know I have quite petite wrists and need to wear most watches (scrap that, all watches) on the smallest possible fitting and even then may need to add a hole or two myself, not always very successfully, (that’s where custom straps come in) so a 42mm case is always a challenge but this CW C11 MSL fits well and is very comfortable to wear even for me, this could well be down to the slimness of the watch at 10.7mm. See for yourselves in these wrist shots.

It’s a comfort that the C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic fits well as it would be a shame to replace the strap with a customised version as so much attention to detail has been put into this by Christopher Ward from the black buckle, so delicately emblazoned with Christopher

It’s a comfort that the C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic fits well as it would be a shame to replace the strap with a customised version as so much attention to detail has been put into this by Christopher Ward from the black buckle, so delicately emblazoned with Christopher  Ward London and two decorative screws to match the case.  The strap itself feels thick and sturdy and has quality stitching, with the small CW logo at the end.  Oh and it has tool free simple to use quick release lugs.

Again these little touches and attention to detail show how Christopher Ward value your custom and reflect the recent step up in build quality we have seen in the Christopher Ward ranges, we saw it with the C8 Pilot and the C11 MSL Black Manta is also built to exacting standards with quality workmanship.

Moving onto the Case back of the Black Manta, again we see Christopher Wards emphasis upon design and quality,  in normal circumstance you have your serial numbers and water resistance figures, not here on the C11 MSL Black Manta MK1 you have an engraved Latin inscription and a jet, the inscription translated stands for ‘Reach for the Stars’ quite apt for an aviator watch. Oh it also says Swiss made and has a serial number to the lower end but as such are not very noticeable so don’t detract from the main engravings.

We should really begin to mention to movement, again as with other Chris Ward pieces they have opted for the true Swiss mechanism in a Selitta SW200-1 or ETA 2824-2, both mechanisms do the same job and are of similar quality, the reason for two movement selections here is that ETA movements have becoming more and more limited in the market place due to steps by the owner Swatch in restricting supply, but Selitta movements are just as good and are becoming more and more popular.

So once again Christopher Ward have pulled one out of the bag with the C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1, it comes with a unique and attractive case design, and bold simplistic dial and on the wrist, it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Casing point here we had both the C8 Pilot MkII U-2 Vintage and C11 MSL Black Manta MK1 Automatic in for review at the same time, both turned out to be great watches but when I first opened the boxes I was drawn to the C8 Pilot it retro look, and undeniable Pilot Watch look but with time it was the C11 MSL that spent the most time on my wrist. Now that’s saying something as the C8 is a fabulous watch and one I would recommend to anyone who wants a retro vintage Pilot, but the C11 MSL Black Manta is really just that little different and little diverse and that i like…

One very important thing we have not mentioned in this review yet and it’s the price of the Christopher Ward C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic at just £450.00 incl. VAT (UK Price) it just makes it even better, we can’t see many unique aviators with such a build quality and customer service backup in the market to compete at this price bracket.

The C11 Black Manta comes with the option of black or brown leather straps and is also available as a Chronograph at £399.00 incl. VAT (UK Price with) a Ronda 5030.D movement.

We have spoken to the team at Christopher Ward and we can confirm that we will be seeing further variation on the C11 MSL with a HRDC (Historic Racing Drivers Club) edition and a Mercedes Benz Club edition. The HRDC version looks lovely and we will be getting hold of it for review when its available fingers crossed.

As with all our hands on watch reviews here at The Watch Review Site we have provided a little gallery of photos of the Christopher Ward C11 MSL Black Manta MK1 Automatic after the Technical Details.

Technical Details – Christopher Ward C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic

Case: 316l Surgical Grade Steel coated with Black PVD

Diameter: 42mm, Height: 10.7mm, Weight: 108g

Movement: ETA 2824-2/Selitta SW200-1 Automatic, with manual winding option

25/26 Jewels

Incabloc anti shock system

Power reserve: 38 hours

Frequency: 28800 per hour

Water Resistance: 100m/10atm

Dial: Black

Black date calendar

Anti-reflective museum grade sapphire crystal

Hands and Markers Luminous hands and Indexes Superluminova

Case Back: Hand Polished Screw-in back plate

Strap: 22mm Italian leather strap

Buckle: Black PVD

Photo Gallery – Christopher Ward C11 MSL Black Manta Mk1 Automatic

The Soprano by Christophe Claret

Tourbillon minute repeater with four cathedral gongs

Whilst at SalonQP 2012 we had the pleasure in seeing the Christophe Claret Soprano Timepiece in person (persay), the guys at Christophe Claret’s stand were very eager to tell us all about the Minute Repeater and it’s spectacular chimes and how they mimic exactly the note of our very own Big Ben… Can you imagine Big Ben on your wrist? I did joke about the Soprano obviously being a little quieter than the Houses of Parliament’s own Big Ben, but I think it got lost in translation and went over the Christophe Claret representatives head.

He went on to explain the functions of the timepiece and again repeat this fascinating take on how the watch reacts and chimes on the quarter hour (some achievement in the watch world) and how the actual gong or chime is activated, quite a fascinating insight into the movement in this Soprano Tourbillon Minute Repeater, all in all we liked The Soprano not only for what it has achieved in the chime department and workings of a watch, but also in its looks department, as for the price well see for yourself, this is a timepiece available in two variations each limited to a mere 8 timepieces each worldwide.

We enjoyed finding out about the Soprano and it’s patented gong movement so we thought you may be interested too, so here is a detailed overview from Christophe Claret.

The Soprano features a musically accurate 4-note minute repeater striking Westminster Quarters on patented cathedral gongs, a 60-second tourbillon and Charles X style bridges, all on a spectacular dial-free view. The Soprano pays homage to the roots of Christophe Claret’s manufacture, which has innovated in striking complications, tourbillons and sapphire components since its earliest years. Indeed, in 1997 Christophe Claret was the first to incorporate sapphire components – comprising plates and Charles X style bridges − in a wristwatch movement.

The Soprano is a timepiece of contrasts: traditional haute horlogerie with state-of-the-art manufacturing; English Parliament with French King; historic complications with contemporary design; aural indications with visual displays; noble gold with high-tech titanium, and metal components with sapphire elements.

The minute repeater is considered – with good reason − to be one of the most demanding and difficult horological complications to realize due to the marriage of technical complexity with artistic musical tonality. A minute repeater tells the time audibly with two notes created from two small hammers striking two gongs: one for the hours, one for the minutes and a combination of the two for the quarter hours. Even more complex is the Clarion repeater with three notes that can play a simple melody for the quarters.

However, the nec plus ultra of the minute repeater realm is the Westminster– so called for the distinctive tune played by the Big Ben clock at the Palaceof Westminster, home of the British Parliament. Big Ben strikes a complex melody for the quarters with four hammers striking four notes on four bells. To provide an even fuller and richer sound than standard repeaters, the Christophe ClaretSoprano features four cathedral gongs, each circling the perimeter of the movement twice (a normal gong goes around only once). And to further ensure that the rich sound reaches the listen’s ears, the central case band is in grade 5 titanium, a metal known for its superior acoustic properties and used in musical instruments.

A few decades before Big Ben began chiming Westminster Quarters over London, the French king Charles X was making a significant impact on art, architecture and horology. One of the defining characteristics of pocket watches created during this period were stepped bridges, which became known as Charles X bridges. Having spent much of his early watchmaking career restoring beautiful timepieces from this epoch,Christophe Claret incorporated this historic design element into the Soprano.

In 1997,Christophe Claret was the very first to use sapphire bridges (even then Charles X style) and plates in wristwatch movements, and the Soprano makes liberal use of sapphire components to allow visual access into the mechanisms. From the smoked ring circumscribing the movement that discreetly hides yet subtly reveals the cathedral gongs, to the transparent mainspring barrel at the top of the open dial, and turning over to the clear repeater inertia governor cover visible through the sapphire display back. 

“When I created Manufacture Claret over 20 years ago, the very first movement I developed was a minute repeater so the complication has always been very special to me.” Christophe Claret 

Minute Repeater: The minute repeater, which strikes the time on demand (usually by activating a slide on the caseband), is an extremely difficult complication to realize because:

1. Technically, it is a very complex mechanism.

2. Musically, the notes have to ring clear, loud and harmoniously.

With decades of experience developing striking watches, Christophe Claret has not just mastered the mysterious art of minute repeaters, but has brought the genre into the 21^st century. Working with a piano tuner, Claret developed a computer program called Analyser 2000 that records and analyses the notes for pitch, duration and loudness, and even the length of the silent pauses between notes. This enables the Christophe Claret manufacture to consistently create harmonious and musically accurate melodies with strong crystalline notes.

Each note is determined by the precise length and diameter of the gongs. The hammer has to strike forcefully for a loud sound, but immediately leave the gong so as not to deaden the ring.

“The melody chimed by the Soprano is as musically correct as possible.”Christophe Claret

Repeater operation: When the repeater slide is activated, the chimes sound the number of hours with C (Do), the deepest note; followed by the Westminster Quarters’ melody for the quarter hours (unless fewer than 15 minutes after the hour); and then the number of minutes after the last quarter hour.

Patented cathedral gongs: Each cathedral gong circles the movement twice so that one coil lies just above the other. Because the coils are so close together, they can touch each other as they vibrate, which can create a disconcerting buzz. Christophe Claret invented a system that effectively avoids this problem, which was awarded a patent.

Westminster Quarters:Westminster Quarters, also known as Westminster Chimes, is a four-note tune originally written in 1793 for the bells of the St Mary the Great Church in Cambridge,England and was known as the Cambridge Chimes.

However, in 1859 the melody was chosen for the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London. A clock now more commonly known now as Big Ben, though the term originally referred to just the large hour bell. So well known did the four-note chimes become that they came to be called Westminster Chimes.

The melody is played when the watch strikes the quarter hours (each 15 minutes) as just a single deep note is played for the hours and another single (higher pitched) note for the minutes.

While the Westminster Quarters melody is usually played in the key of E major, theChristophe ClaretSoprano chimes in the key of C major to provide longer resonating and happier-sounding notes.

Manufacture Claret is one of a very elite few manufactures with the skills, knowledge and capability to create four-noteWestminsterminute repeaters.

Transmission of Sound: The purpose of a minute repeater is to allow the time to be heard rather than read, which was a very useful feature before the invention of electric lamps (and mobile phones). To maximize the sound of the notesChristophe Claret has incorporated three features into the Soprano: Cathedral gongs, an open dial and a titanium caseband.

“One of the keys of developing an excellent minute repeater is ensuring that the sound can escape easily.” Christophe Claret

Cathedral gongs: Standard repeater gongs (the bell) are usually made from a hardened steel wire that makes a one complete circle around the movement or dial. The Soprano is equipped with four cathedral gongs, each circling the movement twice to provide a fuller and richer sound.

No dial: To minimize barriers to sound − and to maximize visual appreciation of the finely finished movement and the operation of the striking mechanism − the Soprano has no dial which allows the beautiful melody out and showcases the tourbillon, repeater operation, mainspring barrel, winding mechanism and Charles X bridges.

Titanium caseband: The case of the Soprano is in three parts: upper and lower (bezel and caseback) sections in gold and a central titanium caseband. Titanium was selected for its superior sound transmission qualities. Where gold tends to deaden sound, titanium effectively transmits sound from the interior of the case to the exterior. The sound qualities of titanium are so good that the metal is often used for saddle bridges in high-quality guitars.

Tourbillon escapement: Christophe Claret has an affinity for the tourbillon escapement, for both its kinetic beauty and its superior chronometric performance. In fact, Claret is so dedicated to the tourbillon that it is the standard escapement for all of his manufacture movements. The 60-second tourbillon carriage of the Soprano is on full view through the open dial at 6 o’clock and is supported by a single arm stepped bridge in the characteristic style of Charles X.

Abraham-Louis Breguet invented the tourbillon escapement at the end of the 18^th century, so it is only fitting that Claret has complemented the Soprano’s tourbillon with a ‘parachute’ shock protection system – another Breguet invention.

Charles X: In 1824, Charles Philippe the Count ofArtois succeeded his brother Louis XVIII to the throne ofFrance and became King Charles X. While his rule lasted just six years – ending with the July Revolution of 1830 – Charles was a great patron of the arts and his influence was seen throughoutFrance in architecture, art and horology. The watchmaking of this period was prolific, generally of very high quality and distinguished by a particular form of stepped bridge.

Sapphire components: Christophe Claret is a pioneer in making movement components from sapphire crystal and in 1997 was the first to develop a movement with sapphire plates and bridges (and even then his first sapphire bridges were in the Charles X style he admired form his has in restoration of historic timepieces). Since then, Manufacture Claret has been at the forefront in the use sapphire components that allow maximum appreciation of movement and mechanisms.

There is the obvious scratch resistant top crystal and display back as well as the more discreet smoked sapphire hour and minute ring around the open movement. But sapphire is also used to allow the viewer to delve even deeper. A transparent mainspring barrel under 12 o’clock allows both the barrel to be seen turning while being wound and the approximate power reserve to be deduced by the state-of-wind of the visible mainspring. The repeater’s inertia governor at 3 o’clock has a clear sapphire cover so it can be seen silently spinning as it regulates the speed of the chiming gongs.

Christophe Claret – The Soprano – Technical Details

Two limited editions of eight pieces each

CALIBRE TRD98: 

Dimensions: 27.6 x 46.4 x8.45 mm

Number of parts: 450

Number of jewels: 39

Power reserve: 72 hours (approx.)

Barrel: Single mainspring barrel in transparent sapphire crystal

Tourbillon: Escapement: Swiss lever type, Oscillation frequency of the balance: 3 Hz (21,600 vph), Tourbillon rotation 60 seconds, Flying tourbillon, Charles X style stepped bridge, Parachute shock protection

Functions: Hours and minutes, 4-note minute repeater playing Westminster Quarters, Mechanical, hand-wound movement, Transparent mainspring barrel acts as movement state-of-wind indicator: when the movement is fully wound the spring is centered in the barrel

Distinctive features: Four visible hammers, four patented cathedral gongs, Repeater mechanism features silent inertia governor, Tourbillon regulator with parachute shock absorber, Charles X style stepped bridges

Case: Round

Dimensions: 45mm x 56.80mm x 15.32mm

Water resistance: 3 ATM  /30 m/100 ft

Case Material: 5N red gold and anthracite PVD titanium / Anthracite PVD and black spinal hands. Limited edition of 8 pieces or White gold and anthracite PVD titanium / Black PVD and ruby or blue spinal hands. Limited edition of 8 pieces

Slide: Repeater mechanism is activated by a slide on the left side of the caseband

Crown: Red gold and titanium (red gold case) or white gold and titanium (white gold case)

Strap: Black hand-sewn alligator leather with black stitching (red gold case), red or blue stitching (white gold case)

Buckle: Red gold and titanium (red gold case) or white gold and titanium (white gold case)

Limited edition: Each of the two versions is issued in a limited edition of eight pieces

Suggested retail price: From 468’000 Swiss francs exclusive of VAT thats £315,000 plus VAT so more like £380,000

Roger Dubuis – Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon in black titanium

Emblematic of the ROGER DUBUIS identity, the Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon watch in black titanium is presented here under a new reference with a “full black” titanium case. The lightness of the material emphasises, more than ever, the ethereal appearance of the exceptional RD01SQ skeleton movement, all the better to reveal the power of this timepiece designed in a spirit of total transparency. The Excalibur Skeleton Double Tourbillon watch is available in a limited edition of 88 pieces.

Power, lightness and transparency: this is the triple register in which the new Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying watch in black titanium from ROGER DUBUIS plays its role. This exceptional timepiece is presented for the first time in a “full black” titanium case with a 45 mm diameter, water-resistant to 5 bar (50 metres): a very technical exterior in keeping with the image of the mechanism it houses.

The ROGER DUBUIS Manufacture set off the new craze for skeleton movements back in 2005. It has now given them a totally new dimension by developing skeleton movements with a modern appearance, that is more ethereal and more audacious than before. In parallel to this, the Genevan watchmaker has also devoted its attention to the most emblematic of all watch complications: the Tourbillon. The purpose of this complication is to compensate for the effects of gravity so as to ensure that watches operate more efficiently. ROGER DUBUIS has gone a step further by developing a Double Tourbillon with differential to provide even greater reliability. This is an exercise in high-level watchmaking acrobatics designed to ensure optimal performance.

The skeleton double flying tourbillon movement, treated in grey anthracite, operates the latest arrival in the Excalibur Collection, the RD01SQ calibre, that carries within it an important part of the identity of the Genevan watchmaker’s movements. It incorporates two signature devices characteristic of ROGER DUBUIS, the double flying tourbillon and the skeleton. This hand-wound mechanical skeleton movement has 319 parts and beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (2 x 3 Hz) for a power reserve of 48 hours.

Proposed in a limited edition of 88 pieces, the Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon watch in black titanium is delivered with a hand-sewn black alligator-skin strap with an adjustable folding buckle in titanium.

Technical details

Case: Ø 45 mm, titanium

Dial: Skeleton / Charcoal flange / Red minute – circle and white ROGER DUBUIS transfers / Black screws

Water resistance: 5 BAR (50 m)

Strap: Black strap, genuine alligator, hand – stitched

Clasp: Titanium adjustable folding buckle

Certifications: Poinçon de Genève – Certification COSC

RD01SQ Hand wound mechanical skeleton movement, 16¾’’’, 28 jewels, charcoal rhodium plated, circular grained.

Specific features: Double one minute flying tourbillon with differential, visible between 4 and 5 o’clock and between 7 and 8 o’clock

Number of parts: 319

Height: 7.67 mm

Frequency: 2 x 3 Hz (21,600 vph)

Power reserve: 48 hours

Roger Dubuis – Excalibur Automatic Collection

The new Excalibur Automatic line from ROGER DUBUIS is an ode to power and aestheticism. Dynamic in its shapes, sharp angles and the force of its design, the Excalibur model is a concentration of all the characteristics of the collection combined with a perfect mechanism. The new Excalibur Collection is for the knights of the modern age.

The Excalibur Collection is therefore enriched by an automatic line that remains faithful to the features that have enforced the reputation of this flagship collection of the ROGER DUBUIS Manufacture. More urban, a touch more serene but every bit as dynamic with its tense lines, the collection is distinguished by its pure and uncompromising aestheticism.

The Excalibur Automatic for 2012 is to be manufactured in three models Pink Gold with brushed dial, Pink Gold with antracite dial and Steel.

Ensuring perfect comfort for the wearer, its pink-gold 42 mm diameter case brings out all the dazzling energy of its brushed sunray effect graphic dial, reinforced by elongated Roman numerals. This automatic line gains in lightness and symmetry through the absence of a crown-guard, but retains its powerful look thanks to its strong, bevelled angles. It is the same with the bezel, so typical of this collection, with its more delicate fluting that here reflects the “Dauphine” shape of the hour and minute hands. The impact of the dial is even more strongly marked by the large Roman numerals that radiate from the centre, and by the generously-dimensioned counter of the “small” seconds hand at 9 o’clock. The exterior flange supports the minute circle, interrupted by square applied markers at each full hour.

This pink-gold model is also proposed with an anthracite grey dial and Roman numerals in a slightly darker tone, which give it an extremely elegant and subtle appearance. The version in steel, fitted with a silvered dial, perfectly completes the collection.

At the heart of these elegant timepieces beats the RD620 calibre, designed, developed and produced by ROGER DUBUIS. This mechanical movement with automatic micro-rotot winding represents the new generation of ROGER DUBUIS mechanical movements, combining aesthetic qualities and performance, and based on the most advanced production technology. Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, this movement incorporates 184 parts and offers hour, minute and small seconds functions. Decorated with “Geneva ribbing”, it beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and has a power reserve of 52 hours.

Technical Details – Pink Gold Versions

Option 1 – Pink Gold Silver Dial

Dial:Silver satin sunburst / Black transferred Roman numerals / Silver small seconds counter at 9 o’clock / Black transfers / Pink gold hand and filet / Silver flange / Black transfers / Pink gold appliques

Strap: Black, genuine alligator, hand – stitched

Option 2 – Pink Gold Antracite Dial

Dial 2: Charcoal grey satin sunburst / Charcoal transferred Roman numerals / Charcoal grey small seconds counter at 9 o’clock / Charcoal transfers / Pink gold hand and filet / Charcoal grey flange / White transfers / Pink gold appliques

Case: 42mm, Pink gold

Strap: Brown, genuine alligator, hand – stitched

Water resistance: 3 BAR (30 m)

Clasp: Pink gold adjustable folding buckle

Certifications: Poinçon de Genève – Certification COSC

RD620 Self – winding mechanical movement, 13¾’’’, 35 jewels, finely adjusted in five positions, rhodium – plated, “Côtes de Genève” decoration.

Specific features: Hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock

Number of parts: 184 components

Height: 4.50 mm

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800vph)

Power reserve: 52 hours

T

T

Technical Details – Steel

Case: 42mm, stainless steel

Dial: Silver satin sunburst / Black transferred Roman numerals / Silver small seconds counter at 9 o’clock / Black transfers / Silver flange / Black transfers / Rhodium – plated appliques

Water resistance: 3 BAR (30 m)

Strap: Black, genuine alligator, hand – stitched

Clasp: Steel adjustable folding buckle

Certifications: Poinçon de Genève – Certification COSC

RD620 Self – winding mechanical movement, 13¾’’’, 35 jewels, finely adjusted in five positions, rhodium – plated, “Côtes de Genève” decoration.

Specific features: Hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock

Number of parts: 184 components

Height: 4.50 mm

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800vph)

Power reserve: 52 hours

Gorgeous Watch Brands from Spain

Who are you wearing around your wrist? Is it Chanel, Prada or Marc Jacobs? You know a handsome watch is a man’s best friend. It’s not difficult to find one in Spain, where you can choose from more than 30 brands. From casual occasions to parties or even casino nights, you can find local boutiques in Spain offering gorgeous lines of watches. Spanish Brands such as 666 Barcelona and Adolfo Dominguez offer exquisite designs that aren’t as expensive compared to Chanel or Prada. In addition to this, you no longer have to order abroad and wait for the delivery.

If you want a complete list of Spanish-branded watches, you can visit Watcheroo online for reference. You may also consult with your online poker buddies at portals such as partypoker’s virtual lounge. The largest online gaming site in Spain, aside from allowing you to play poker games like 7 Card Stud and No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, also features a community section for enthusiasts to chat and interact with. You might even find a watch collector in partypoker Spain’s community sites and social pages. Since a watch, as we know, is a status symbol, having a high-end watch might help you land a VIP table at one of the poker rooms at Casino de Barcelona, Casino Costa Calida, or Casino Gran Madrid. Plus, who doesn’t want to be on time during tournaments? Furthermore, an expensive watch can be traded into multiple poker chips.

Try to consider the following Spanish-branded watches:

666 Barcelona’s Cool Alphabet Chrono Watch

666 Barcelona offers various products from men’s watches, women’s watches and unisex watches. In their Man Collection, The Alphabet Chrono Watch features a unique design and concept for a wristwatch. Instead of using Roman numerals or bullets as time indicators, 666 Barcelona made use of Alphabets A to L to replace 12 to 11 o’clock. Alphabet Chrono Black is available in four colors: Blue, Silver, Maroon and Black. They also have an Alphabet Clock Lady counterpart. It may be a bit confusing to identify the time at first but you’ll definitely get used to it. The current price is 262 Euros.

Armand Basi A-0161G-01

This Armand Basi A-0161G-01 is a quartz type analogue watch with round the clock time indicators. The watch is made of stainless steel metal and is protected by a mineral glass. The bracelet is made of genuine leather strap. What’s unique about this watch is the dual analogue display: one for the primary time zone and the other one for the second time zone.

Armand Basi A-0291G-09

If you prefer a trendy digital watch, then choose the Armand Basi A-0291G-09. It looks like a thick leather bracelet with 80 black dots. The black dots display the electronic time. This is a unisex watch and a waterproof one.

Bultaco Polyceramic Watch

Bultaco Polyceramic Watch is engineered with advanced technology and machinery. The watch is made of pure gold including its crown and screw. Numeric figures are engraved around the clock. Bultaco Polyceramic also features two small analogue clocks for milliseconds and the date.

Graham London Chronofighter Prodrive – Professional Divers Watch

Press Release by Graham London

Darkness, strange creatures, high pressure, abyss, sea caverns, words that describe the unknown deep underwater world sound mythical and full of thrill. GRAHAM wanted to make these words become reality and create a true luxury diver’s watch for professional adventurers and watch addicts. The Chronofighter Prodive is for the first time equipped with a patented start/stop/reset mechanism which allows the watch to be used to the limits the human being can dive to. However, each watch is tested to resist and go beyond 2000 feet. Advanced manufacturing processes have been used to develop the perfect and stylish diving instrument.

Clear, colourless, odourless, water covers 70% of Earth and is essential to all living creatures. GRAHAM is devoted to the creation of timepieces which respect nature and unknown territories and also give boldness to our users to experience the GRAHAM exciting world.

Equipped with an isothermal diving neoprene rubber suit and gloves, the diving experience must be a sequence of easy and successful operations.
GRAHAM has developed a brand new diving chronograph, Chronofighter Prodive, which will give life and light to this incredible world of deep water and make you perfectly amphibian. The yellow-coloured Chronofighter Prodive professional shines forth from underwater and will be the diver’s watch to find your way to venture in total assurance.

The lever, famously GRAHAM and patented system, is undoubtedly the best system to activate the chronograph without fail. Placed on the left side of the case, the trigger is completely rethought to become the only control pusher of the chronograph start/stop and reset. Easy for any divers to activate the functions with thick neoprene gloves.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is adorned with a special pattern to ensure a better grip in addition to a 120-position notched wheel. And the rubber strap with the folding buckle featuring a diver’s extension will become a part of your suit.

Sea, lake, river, ocean, the GRAHAM Chronofighter Prodive is able to adapt to all types of diving and light changes. Deeper you go down weaker is the light and darker is the underwater world. A dark blue and black zone that spreads around you like ink in a glass of water. It will prevent you diving into troubled water thanks to a new generation of luminescent coatings, totally free of radiation. Two colours of luminescent indications are displayed and will be perfectly visible in great depths. The watch is perfectly readable from 25 cm in murky conditions.

Equipped with an automatic helium valve and a yellow rubber crown with an automatic locking system (bayonet) and a red safety ring which notifies the crown unlocking, this dependable chronograph will assure you safe diving quests.

Pressure, water, temperature change resistant, functional and fully readable in the dark, sophisticated design. The GRAHAM watch is free of electronics and depends on absolutely reliable mechanical timekeeping. The Chronofighter Prodive becomes the reference luxury diving watch.

Technical Details – Graham Chronofighter Prodive

CHRONOFIGHTER PRODIVE PROFESSIONAL
Ref. 2CDAV.B01A
Limited edition: 200

Functions

Chronograph (seconds, 30 minutes counter) to measure decompression time. Date at 9 o’clock. Black PVD automatic Helium escape valve
Hours, minutes, seconds

Calibre G1734, automatic mono-pusher chronograph, 28’800 A/h (4Hz), Incabloc shock absorber
25 jewels
Power reserve : 48 hours

Case 45 mm steel case
Integrated steel with black PVD left hand fast-action start / stop / reset trigger.
Screwed yellow rubber coated crown (automatic locking system (bayonet) and red safety ring)
Steel with black PVD bezel, unidirectional rotating rim (120 positions) to measure dive time
Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both faces
Steel case back with shark imprinted and limited edition serial number

Water resistance 2000 feet / 600 m / 60 bar

Dial Black dial and counters, propeller-shaped seconds counter
White Super-LumiNova hands and indexes, yellow chrono and minutes counter’s hands
Double luminescent indications: blue and green
Strap Integrated yellow rubber

Price 13,500 CHF

Ref. 2CDAV.U01A

Blue and Black Dials

Blue Integrated Rubber Strap

Price 11,500 CHF

Ref. 2CDAV.B02A

Black Dial and Counters

Black Integrated Rubber Strap

Price 11,500 CHF