Christopher Ward C11 MSL Automatic Vintage – ‘Hands on’

Written By D.Constant

We got a pleasant surprise one morning when whilst sitting at our desk working away on our computer a knock on the door, we both look at each other thinking I’m not expecting anything, you… yes on that particular day there were two of us in the office. So off I go to the door and to my surprise it was a Christopher Ward Box, when you see one of those without even opening it your eyes have to light up…

Post man said another watch? which one is this then? to my surprise again as I’ve never actually managed to get a word out of him before.

My reply was Hope so… And Not a clue whats in the box but I’m sure it will be good as its from Christopher Ward.

He said “yeah they are some nice watches I’ve got the C5 Malvern” showing me his wrist with a smile on his face

Lovely…

I’m sure you don’t want to know the extent of the conversation, but lets just say the postie is a watch man and I have found a friend for life I think oh and not to mention my post will never go missing again…

On Opening the package, we were presented with the usual top quality packaging and watch box, which wouldn’t go amiss from anyone’s bedside table or dresser and what do we see but the new C11 MSL Automatic Vintage, CW knew our feelings on the C11 MSL Black Manta, which we reviewed a few months ago, so I assume they thought we would appreciate seeing the newest addition to the family and they were right any delivery from Christopher Ward is always received with open arms at The Watch Review Site, shame we have to send them back after a few weeks.

So on to the C11 MSL Automatic – Vintage Edition by Christopher Ward, at first glance its basically the C11 MSL Automatic Black Manta which we reviewed in depth here. The version we received was the one with the brown strap, The biggest difference between the two watches is the lumin coating on the hands, indices and markers.

Christopher Ward state the following with regards to the design and inspiration behind the C11 MSL Vintage “The vintage edition of the much-heralded C11 adds a new dimension to this modern classic CW design and was inspired by the courage and determination of the American test pilots of the post-war era who paved the way for the 1960s space programme.”

This new old radium superluminova coating forms a very light brown, vintage appearance and this is has been applied to the indices, markers, numerals and the tips of the hands, This off sets very well against the black PVD case and black dial. I must say that I personally prefer the Black Manta with its high white lumin, but that is a totally individual opinion. The new Lumin gives a new dimension to the watch and gives the C11 MSL Vintage a distinctive look.

I have to add here looking at the Chr.Ward website the colour of the lumin does not come out in the photo’s its a deeper cream edging brown. hopefully its clearer in our photographs, they may not be as professional and as good as the ones from CW’s Website but hopefully they do a job.

Whilst we are talking about the look of the C11 MSL Vintage, this new addition to the C11 aviation range has the new Christopher Ward London Watches Logo in letters i.e. CHR.WARD LONDON with no Logo. I actually prefer the new style which I know is a no no for a lot of Christopher Ward fans, but given time I’m sure they will get used to this new modern look of the logo.

Christopher Ward have added a new watch to an already great range and have given the customer something else to think about when purchasing a C11 MSL, the case is still extremely sharp and in my opinion quiet unique in its octagonal-ish shape and round dial. we still see the Automatic (which is the only type Christopher Ward have manufactured in the Vintage) with a Sellita SW200-1 calibre at its heart. As with all Christopher Ward Watches the movement is Swiss made.

Another difference, albeit very small is the hand finished case and case back on the C11 MSL Vintage Automatic Watch with unique engraved serial number, I am sure the others didn’t have this, but if they did sorry… the hand finished bit that is.

As we stated before there is no chronograph in the vintage C11 but it does come with two strap options, both triple thickness Italian leather 22mm straps, one in brown and the other in black. Also the straps have a quick release clip too, great for changing straps easily and without the need of any tools.

As this is a hands on review we have to have the obligatory wrist shot or two, and can only but reiterate that the fit of the C11 MSL is very comfortable and its 42mm case does not look overly large or out of place on my slight wrists, The strap is comfortable and the watch has a distinctly nice weight and feel to it.

Technical Details – Christopher Ward C11 MSL Vintage Automatic

Case: 316l Surgical Grade Steel coated with Black PVD, hand finished

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

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

26 Jewels

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 Old Rodium Luminous hands and Indexes Superluminova

Case Back: Hand Polished Screw-in back plate

Strap: 22mm Italian leather strap in black or brown

Buckle: Black PVD

 

Photo Gallery – Christopher Ward C11 MSL Vintage Automatic

Why not check out some other ‘Hands on Reviews’ of Christopher Ward Watches on The Watch Review Site, like the C11 MSL Mk1 Black Manta Automatic or the C700 Grande Rapide Chrono.

PAM00337 – Radiomir Panerai Watch

Panerai’s First In-House Movement that has a Sexy Slimmer Profile

Another Hublot move to the forefront of Customer relations.

By D Constant for The Watch Review Site

So Hublot have made a step further towards total customer satisfaction, They have produced a Watch solely for the Loan to Hublot customers whilst their own personal Hublot Timepiece is being repaired…. Not just any ordinary run of the mill watch but a watch that has Hublot at is heart, a watch that is based on all of Hublot’s Fusion principals, introducing the Hublot Atelier Watch…

A Hublot that you can’t buy??? … YES YOU CAN NOT BUY… but they will loan you the Hublot Atelier for as long as required whilst your Hublot is being repaired or serviced, now that’s service with a smile….. And it boldly and proudly states that on the Hublot Atelier “NOT FOR SALE”

Its a simple, (if there is such a thing in a Hublot watch) Timpiece with date indication at 3 o’clock, small seconds ,no markings or numerals, just plain Black case, Black strap, Black Dial. But you cant help but see that even though it is not your typical Hublot timepiece it oozes Hublot, The case shape is that similar look and feel and we have steel screws again placed as with most current Hublots on the case of the Atelier watch.

Hublot state that it is mostly Swiss made and is run by a quartz movement so none of the Hublot panache here, but it is a gesture of some magnitude and one that puts Hublot above the rest in customer service within the luxury watch industry.

This service is only available to customers using Hublots’ own boutiques and is at the discretion of the management of each boutique.

Hublots CEO Ricardo Guadalupe says “The Hublot customer is an integral part of our Hublot family. While his personal watch is being taken care of, we will be very pleased to provide him with an “Atelier Watch”. With this, he will remain both physically and emotionally connected to Hublot until his personal timepiece will be returned in perfect condition. We are very proud to have been able to roll out this concept in all Hublot’s boutiques worldwide, 49 of them to date, and in record time so as to be up and running for the return from the holidays”

The watches are to be loaned out without charge to the customer for as long as is necessary so as to retain the customers connection with Hublot, It is just a token and many may not even want to use it but its there and that is all that is required.

My biggest problem with this watch is as I said will Hublot owners want to wear it, Its a Quartz mostly Swiss Made??? especially after they are used to a King Power or Big Bang on their Wrist. Now they are watches, but I still like it’s simplicity and styling and if they ever marketed them for sale as an automatic i’m sure they will sell and lots of them at that… BUT to a different market than their current we think?

A Closer look at WRYST Timepieces – Airborne Range

Written By: D Constant

As promised in a previous post  on WRYST Timepieces we are bringing you a little more detail on the inaugural timepiece range from WRYST, being the Airborne FW Series, The Wryst Airborne is the first offering from Jacques Fournier a Swiss Watch Designer now based in the UK.

The WRYST Airborne comes in four variations, which are FW3, FW4, FW5 and FW6, with the first three being cased in Black DLC (scratch-resistant Diamond-Like Carbon) and the FW6 in a sandblasted stainless steel case.

All the Airborne FW series watches are fitted with the Swiss made Ronda Startech 3540D Quartz movement, this is a Quartz Chronograph movement and the first quartz movement with the counters at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. The counters represent a 10 hour counter at 12 o’clock, 30 hour counter at 9 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock. The Airborne FW’s also come with a date at 3 o’clock.

As these are extreme sports watches and are built to be used in all conditions, the Airborne is also 100 meters water-resistance and will allow for use in scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing and much more

All the timepieces come with vivid, bright and colourful Polyurethane straps which differ in colour dependent on the watch you choose and are fitted with an engraved polished stainless steel buckle. Both these are fitted using screws and not your standard

The crowns are hidden by the unique futuristic design of the 45mm case, a somewhat hexagonal design with a slight arch and all the watches are equipped with K1 mineral crystal glass which is shatterproof and treated with an anti reflective coating.

So far we have four models with little variation, the FW6 is the only model available in a stainless steel case and has an unlimited run, with the FW3, FW4 and FW5 come in the Black DLC and are limited to 75 units of each. I hear you ask what other differences are there to justify three different model numbers, well the significant differences in the FW3, FW4 and FW5 comes in the face/dial of the watches.

As we said previously all three of these models come with the unique designed black DLC coated case, the carbon coating is a highly scratch resistant coating and fits in with the endurance sports ethos of the watch. but the variation is in the face the;

Wryst Airborne FW3 comes with a black dial, with grey inserts and green markings and numerals, due to the counters and date you have no 12, 3, 6 or 9 numerals present on the face. It comes with a Green strap, but can also suit the White or Black strap options.

Wryst Airborne FW4 comes with a black dial, with red outlined grey inserts and yellow markings and numerals, as with all the others you have no 12, 3, 6 or 9 numerals present on the face. It comes with a Yellow strap, but can also suit the Red or Black strap options.

Wryst Airborne FW5 comes with a black dial, with orange outlined grey inserts and orange markings and numerals, as with the others you have no 12, 3, 6 or 9 numerals present on the face. It comes with an Orange strap, but can also suit the White or Black strap options.

And the FW6 is a different beast with Stainless steel case, White dial and black markings. I’m quite a reserved person so my favourite is the FW6, I may be in the minority but that’s my preference, I like the crisp clean dial and the stainless steel case offsets the watch very well.

All in All the Wryst Airborne FW watches have been designed for extreme sports with added flair and style, a Swiss rugged movement that should withstand the wear and tear of an active lifestyle and unique bright colourful design, The materials used are diverse and in some cases at the forefront of innovation within the watch industry.The watches are said to be released in October 2012, but are available online at www.wryst-timepieces.com priced at £475.00 for the FW3, FW4 and FW5 and £415.00 for the FW6.

Wryst Airborne FW3, FW4 & FW5 Watch – Technical Details

Limited Edition of 75 pieces only with serial number engraved on case-back

Swiss Made Quartz Chronograph

Black Diamond-Like Carbon case, scratch resistant

Shatter-proof K1 mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating

Water resistant 100 Meters

45 mm case, 22 mm buckle

Range of Colourful high quality rubber strap

2 years warranty

Wryst Airborne FW6 Watch – Technical Details

Swiss Made Quartz Chronograph
Sandblasted stainless steel case
Shatter-proof K1 mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistant 100 Meters
45 mm case, 22 mm buckle
Black high quality rubber strap, White and Red also available
2 years warranty

All Photos courtesy of WRYST Timepieces.

Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class Watch

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

We’ve seen the Raymond Weil Freelancer Urban Black released earlier this year on the Watch Review Site at  /a-look-at-the-raymond-weil-freelancer-urban-black/ now the master watchmaker is introducing another note on their musical score with another male version of the Freelancer, This is Raymond Weil’s Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class Watch, or reference 7730.

Raymond Weil have given us a few new notes this year including the Ladies Freelancer Lady Sunshine, which we feel is a lovely timepiece, so does the New Men’s Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class Watch stand up to the other additions to the 2012 Musical Score from Raymond Weil.

Here at The Watch Review Site we loved the Freelancer Urban Black so does the Steel and Rose Gold Class stand the Watch Review Critics, lets see

So Raymond Weil, one of the last man standing independent Swiss watchmakers reinterprets one of it’s classics and has unveiled a new variation of its best-selling chronograph, the Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class. The Freelancer was first introduced to the world in 2007 and today we see it in a 42mm Polished Stainless Steel case the Steel & Rose Gold Class looks and feels like a timeless classic Raymond Weil Chronograph.

The stainless steel Case is mounted on a brown leather strap and with the contrasting rose gold hands and indexes looks stunning and enhances its Dial, which three seperate counters at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock as well as the 3-day date and day window at 3 o’clock. All this is behind an anti reflective sapphire crystal glass. The indexes and hands are rose gold plate are coated with a luminescent material allowing visibility in low light.

As for the strap mentioned previously it is made of calf skin leather in dark brown and has light brown saddle stitching with a Raymond Weil folding clasp. This combination of materials and pure lines assures this new model of The Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class a natural distinction from its predecessors.

At the heart of the Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class is the In-House RW5000 Movement, which provides a power reserve of 46 hours and is a mechanical automatic winding movement.

In the words of Raymond Weil “More than a successful collection, freelancer is a true reference for the Swiss Brand’s independent family heritage. It is also a range that was created in honor of free spirits, of personalities wishing to remain the masters of their own destiny. Consequently, the collection has never stopped evolving over the years, free of all constraints, but always keeping its true character: having an urbane personality, with an elegant yet casual appearance, with beveled horns and emblematic screws.”

“In 2012, the famous collection combines the robustness of steel with the distinction of the rose gold. Subtle, the combination is perfect. The chronograph, the collection’s best-seller, illustrates its harmony”

The Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class also has a water resistant rating of 10 atm or 100 meters.

The Freelancer Class’s emphasis on classic urban style and elegance can be worn on any occasion and is very current with the size of its case and current market trends would suggest that the Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class is a winner, But we still prefer the Urban Black… or do we really?

Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class – Technical Details

Reference - 7730-STC-65025

Movement Chronograph – RW5000 Winding Automatic

Power-Reserve 46 hours

Jewels 25 rubies

Functions Watch Central hours and minutes, small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, 3-day date and day windows at 3 o’clock, Day and date adjustment using push-piece at 3 o’clock, Chronograph Start, stop and restart using push-piece at 2 o’clock, Return to zero using push-piece at 4 o’clock, 30 minutes counter at 12 o’clock, 12 hours counter at 6 o’clock, Tachometer ring

Case Round – Polished and satin finished steel, Diameter: 42mm, Thickness: 13.7mm

Bezel Polished steel

Crown Polished steel – fluted with RW monogram

Crystal Sapphire crystal with dual-sided antiglare treatment

Dial Sun-brushed silver galvanic dial

Small counters surrounded by a rose gold plated applique with a screw at 9 o’clock and a rose gold border at 6 and 12 o’clock

Indexes Rose gold plated index appliques, capped with luminescent material

Hands - Hours/minutes Rose gold plated, bombé, enhanced with luminescent material, barrel-shaped, Sweep seconds hand Rose gold plated, baton, Small second at 9 Rose gold plated, barrel-shaped, Counters Rose gold plated, barrel-shaped

Case back Screwed, with sapphire crystal

Bracelet Dark brown, full skin calf leather strap with saddle-stitching, equipped with a RW folding clasp, opening with a double push-piece security

Water resistance 10 ATM

Breitling Superocean 42 White Water

Written by: D Constant for The Watch Review Site

In Breitlings’ Words “The great white sports watch”

Well Breitling have just increased their Superocean range by adding this stunning All White 42mm Divers Watch to be known as the Breitling Superocean 42 White Water.

When we say in White, we mean all white with a hint of stainless steel, the 42mm Superocean White Water has a white bezel, white strap, white dial and white hands… Do you think the movements white too? Now that would be going a step too far.

With current fashion trends this watch will be suitable to both sexes in my opinion, the whiteness will attract the ladies vote and the size of 42mm is not too oversized to put the fairer sex off this Breitling Divers watch. It’s also a workable watch and is fit for purpose all the way to the strap – its White Rubber you Know… (Some people don’t like divers with leather straps, its rubber or steel.)

So we now see this sporty and robust divers watch in all white, this is a well known, much respected and envied timepiece and to top it off is Water Resistant to depths of 1,500 meters or 5,000 ft for the older readers on The Watch Review Site.

Talking about size the watch is not too thick either bearing in mind the excellent water resistance rating of 150 bars. This rating is courtesy of the screw locked crown and screwed in stainless steel case back. Oh not forgetting the compulsory helium escape valve for decompression protection.

We are used to Breitling watches being available with an extensive strap choice but as the name and nature of this watch suggests the only available strap for the Breitling Superocean 42 White Water is the white rubber Diver Pro band as in the photographs.

The Breitling 42 White Water is powered by the in-house Breitling caliber 17 automatic self winding movement certified to COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) standards.

The white rubber-molded unidirectional rotating bezel and the distinctive dial are adorned with dynamically styled numerals, even though these are not Luminous, viewing in the dark is not an issue as the bezel has Lumin squares and the hands are also coated with Lumin.

The thick sapphire crystal is glareproofed on both sides.

So have Breitling come up with another fashionable, effective Divers Watch for all markets in the 42mm White Water?

Breitling SuperOcean 42 White Water – Technical Details

Movement: Breitling Caliber 17, Self Winding  officially chronometer-certified by the COSC

25 Jewels

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour

Power reserve: 42 hours

Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date, Calendar

Water-resistant to 1,500 m (5,000 ft/150 bars).

Stainless Steel Case
Case Diameter: 42 mm.

Case height: 15 mm
Lug width: 20/18 mm

Screw-locked Crown.

Case back: Solid, screw-in

Unidirectional ratcheted Bezel.

Cambered sapphire crystal, glare proofed on both sides.

Dial: white.

Numerals: Arabic, applied
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Steel, luminous

Strap: white rubber Diver Pro (with raised central ridge).

You may also be interested in the Breitling Superocean Chronograph II RED, or Other Breitling Watch Reviews and News which can be found at /category/breitling/ and for the readers out there interested in Dive Watches why not check out our Dive Watch Reviews and News Page Here.

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

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

Breitling Colt 33 – Closer look at Ladies Divers Watch.

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

We have another Ladies Diver Watch, we are looking at to review, this time it’s the turn of the Breitling Colt 33, This watch was first introduced by Breitling about a year ago and this Colt 33 with its in house movement gets a Breitling update which introduces a wider range of strap options and adjustments to various other elements of the watch such as the matching hour markers and other elements on the Breitling Colt 33’s Dial.

The Breitling Colt 33 watch, now comes in a range of colours as can be seem by the Press Release Shot.

This 33mm (as depicted by the nameColt 33) Ladies Divers watch is a usable timepiece it actually is made to do what it says on the box, with the exception of the Breitling Colt 33 with the diamond set bezel. All the other pieces a suitable to be used as an actual Dive Watch, yes they are not just astetically pleasing and designed so a woman feels she has a pretty watch on her wrist these Colt 33′s are practical. Breitling has made the Colt 33 water resistant to a deepth of upto 500m, again a very good depth for a Ladies Divers Watch, to be honest theres not many around that can go that far down in the deep blue only one comes to mind and thats not exactly a well known brand. This is something Breitling pride themselves on and too right they should.

As we touched upon earlier as with all current breitlings the Colt 33 has an inhouse movement being the Caliber B77 which is a thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement which breitling claim is 10 times more accurate than a normal quartz movement.

The dial also houses large numerals at 12, 6 and 9 which gives the visual impact of the Breitling Colt a kick along with the polished steel case and  satin brushed unidirectional bezel with its stamped numerals.

All in All Breitling have updated the Colt 33 to be more appealing to it’s user base with limited loss of functionality and usability. A divers watch with a hint of feminism and good looks.

The Breitling Colt 33 Ladies Diver Watch retails in the UK with prices starting at £2680 and ranging to in excess of £6500 for the diamond studed version.

Breitling Colt 33 – Ladies Dive Watch – Technical Details

Movement: Breitling Caliber 77, thermocompensated. SuperQuartzTM.

Battery end-of-life indicator.

Calendar.

Case: steel.

Water-resistant to 500 m (1,660 ft/ 50 bars).

Screw-locked crown.

Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel.

Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.

Diameter: 33 mm.

Dials: silver with red, blue, pink, orange or white hour markers.

Strap/Bracelet: Sahara leather/Colt.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX VINTAGE 1945 TOURBILLON WITH THREE GOLD BRIDGES

Before we get to the press release, I just wanted to express my humble view on this exquisite Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Tourbillon, This is a Ladies Watch with Three Gold Bridges and was the favourite of a couple of the Girard Perregaux Young watchmakers in our recent GP New Face of Tradition series where we saw Girard-Perregaux introduce eight of their latest young watchmakers giving us an insight into their background and lives. You can see our articles in respect of the same here, New Faces overview, No.1, No.2, No.3&4, No.5&6 and No.7&8.

Its an interesting addition to the already extensive Vintage 1945 range of timepieces and a very welcome one by Girard-Perregaux enthusiasts, So lets see what the fuss is all about shall we…

Press Release by Girard-Perregaux

Haute horlogerie, elegance and technology

The heritage of Girard-Perregaux’s acclaimed Tourbillon with three gold Bridges places itself squarely in the twenty-first century. Combining noble materials and a high-tech finish, its elegance and majestic architecture underscore its singular character. A rarity limited to 50 pieces.

Fashioned in pink gold, the case and the bridges form a striking contrast with the color of the main plate. Its matte anthracite coating is the result of a particular combination of precious materials similar to platinum and draws on cutting-edge technologies. Other elements, such as the barrel, the lower gearwheel bridges and the bridge supports, adopt this finish, resulting in a stunning visual effect.

In a bold leap across time, this limited edition of the Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three gold Bridges offers a new take on a movement whose origins date back to the end of the 19th century. Drawing on the latest technological progress, it concentrates rare technical and Manufacture expertise within its delicately curved Art Deco-inspired case.

The satin-finished skeletonized bridges, with their pure, contemporary geometry, are the fruit of extremely delicate design: first finely openworked, they are then carefully hand-polished. Seven days are necessary to obtain a perfect finish, since the numerous closed angles form a considerable challenge. The tourbillon system also requires special attention, as its 72 components must be meticulously assembled inside a diameter of just 12 millimeters. To cap these feats, a precious matte anthracite coating gives this timepiece its distinctive personality.

The self-winding caliber GP9600 movement has an integrated micro-rotor housed under the barrel, patented by Girard-Perregaux. The mechanism’s architecture, also visible through the sapphire back is further enhanced by the matte anthracite-coated components. The Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three gold Bridges is a formidable demonstration of the Manufacture’s expertise. In other words, how aesthetics and technique manage to reinvent and renew the rules of the watchmaking art.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX VINTAGE 1945 TOURBILLON WITH THREE GOLD BRIDGES - Technical Details

Reference - 99880-52-001-BA6A

Pink-gold case with domed anti-glare sapphire glass

Back: with anti-glare sapphire

Dimensions: 36.10 mm x 35.25 mm

Water resistance: 30 meters

Crown: pink gold, engraved with GP logo

Dial: matte anthracite surface treatment (NAC) on the mainplate

Hands: gold regatta, diamond polished

Movement Girard-Perregaux 9600-0019, Mechanical self-winding

Functions: Tourbillon, hours, minutes

Dimensions: 28.60 mm x 30.30 mm

Total thickness: 3.20 mm

Jewels: 31 jewels

Power reserve: minimum 48 hours

Winding: automatic, hand-brushed platinum rotor

Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)

Components: Number: 257

Balance wheel: variable inertia with gold regulating screws (diameter 8.35 mm)

Balance-spring: Breguet, Philips terminal curve

Mainplate: anthracite (NAC) surface treatment, vertical guilloché on top, pearling and guilloché below, hand-polished angles

Lower gear train bridge: vertical guilloché, hand-polished angles

Barrel: engraved cover with hand-applied circular guilloché and brushing

Rhodium-plated barrel, central and tourbillon bridges: in gold, hand-polished angles brushed top and edges

Tourbillon: 72 components weighing a total of 0.3 grams, one rotation per minute, upper and lower carriages beveled and polished by hand, escapement and pallet bridges beveled and polished by hand

Alligator strap - Folding clasp in pink gold

Limited edition of 50