Christopher Ward is a brand that certainly needs no introduction to readers of this site. We have long been fans of their affordable styles, and have followed with interest their forays into some higher-end models, and variants of existing models. Today, we have one of those variants for you – the new Christopher Ward C11 Titanium Extreme 1000.
The C11 is a familiar watch, as we looked at it back here. From the get-go, the general style of the piece is familiar. This edition is definitely different from those that preceded it, however. For starters, you’ve got the 42mm case made of titanium. Next up, you’ve got a positively massive (4.3mm thick) sapphire crystal topping things off.
When you have a crystal that thick, you know that the watch is intended for diving. This new C11 has actually achieved a WR rating of 1000m. Now, just like the automatic helium escape valve that has been incorporated, that depth rating is something none of us will ever use or need. So why go for it? Aside from the pure marketing aspect of it, it does speak to the robustness of the protection built into the watch.
Tucked away in the almost 15mm thick watch is a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1, which offers a good mix of reliability, accuracy, and affordability. As far as diving capability goes, that movement should work just fine, paired as it is with the internal countdown bezel and massive lume-tipped hands.
If it wasn’t for the diving chops the Christopher Ward C11 Titanium Extreme 1000 carries with it, you would almost be ready to think of the watch as aviator styled, with the single digit numerals and the hand style (and lume application on those hands) used. So, perhaps this watch is a happy medium for someone who can’t decide between and aviator or a dive watch. If that’s you, you can get your pre-order in now (pricing is $1,585) for one of the 1,000 pieces being made; delivery is anticipated for mid-September. christopherward.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Christopher Ward C11 Titanium Extreme 1000
- Price: $1,585
- Who we think it might be for: First and foremost, this is for the person looking for a lightweight diver with a solid Swiss movement
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Probably not – the dive-specific features are overkill for me, and the C11 is not my favorite of their designs
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Perhaps a titanium bracelet, rather than the included rubber strap
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: This one, it’s surprisingly the handset – it is well-executed and -proportioned, and looks to make for the utmost legibility
