Christopher Ward - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 2004 by Christopher Ward, Mike France and Peter Ellis, the British watch brand Christopher Ward quickly established itself in the industry by adopting a direct-to-consumer sales model, eliminating traditional middlemen. This approach allows the brand to offer high quality watches at competitive prices, while maintaining transparency appreciated by its customers.

Origins and Philosophy

The idea for Christopher Ward was born aboard a boat on the Thames, where the founders envisioned a brand combining British design and Swiss know-how. From the beginning, the objective was to democratize luxury watchmaking by offering watches "Swiss Made" at affordable prices. This vision came to fruition with the launch of their first model in 2005, which quickly attracted the attention of enthusiasts and critics.

Design et Fabrication

Christopher Ward watches are designed in England and manufactured in Switzerland, guaranteeing impeccable quality. The brand is recognized for its aesthetic combining classic elegance and contemporary touches. Among the emblematic models, we find the C60 Trident Pro 600, a diving watch waterproof up to 600 meters (60 ATM), and the C1 Bel Canto, celebrated for its innovative design and passing ringing mechanism. The latter also contributed to a significant increase in sales in 2024.

Innovation and Movement SH21

In 2014, Christopher Ward marked a turning point by launching his own mechanical movement, the calibre SH21. Developed in collaboration with Synergies Horlogères SA, this entirely Swiss movement offers a power reserve of 120 hours. This achievement has been hailed as one of the most significant advances for a British watch brand in half a century.

Growth and Expansion

Since its inception, Christopher Ward has experienced remarkable growth. In 2024, the brand recorded an 80% increase in turnover and a tenfold increase in pre-tax profit. This expansion is largely attributed to the success of flagship models like the C1 Bel Canto and the Twelve, an integrated sports watch. To support this growth, the company has invested in its supply chain and moved its headquarters to Maidenhead.

Commitment to Excellence

Christopher Ward stands out for his commitment to quality and innovation. The brand offers a 60-day guarantee for returns and a 60-month warranty on movements, demonstrating confidence in their products. In addition, the program CW Challenger supports promising young talents in various disciplines, reflecting the spirit of adventure and surpassing oneself dear to the brand.

Conclusion

By combining British design, Swiss manufacturing and direct sales model, Christopher Ward has redefined the standards of accessible luxury watchmaking. With a diverse range of watches combining tradition and modernity, the brand continues to innovate and seduce watch enthusiasts around the world.

Get inspired by Dialicious owners’ reviews to find the Christopher Ward that suits you.

(Updated February 2025)