Hot Take: The New Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT
Twenty years after launching its first watch, British watch brand Christopher Ward seems to be settling into a hard-earned level of maturity. Its latest introduction, the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT, exemplifies everything the brand has learned over the past two decades. It’s an impressive, feature-packed tool watch that combines the brand’s now fully fleshed-out design language with great specs at a seriously tempting price point. It’s a combination that’s easy to get excited about.
Those who have followed along will remember the meandering stages of its adolescence. The last couple of years have seen it reach an equilibrium. The brand now knows what it is and what it wants to do, and has achieved a fully formed identity. Christopher Ward has achieved some impressive feats, reporting over €50 million in sales globally in the year to March 2025, and a 66% increase in US sales. It has also begun establishing physical retail locations in the US and UK. With growing pains behind it, we reach an exciting stage. Christopher Ward has shed its small-brand limitations and can go all-in with its creations. The GPHG-winning C1 Bel Canto, captivating C60 Trident Lumière, and impressively slim The Twelve 660 are clear examples of CW’s current modus operandi, offering high-end features at relatively affordable prices. The brand’s latest offering expands its tool-watch range with the same formula.
The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT
The C63 Sealander Extreme GMT is essentially an updated, adventure-ready version of the C63 Sealander GMT. It does away with the steel bezel, polished elements, and applied markers. Instead, it features a fully brushed 41mm stainless steel case. It stands 11.65mm thick and measures 48mm lug-to-lug. These dimensions are comparable to those of the Omega Seamaster 300M (ref. 2254.50.00), a watch many (myself included) consider a gold standard for proportions and wearability.
The fixed ceramic bezel features a lume-filled 24-hour scale. Water resistance is rated at 150 meters with a screw-down crown. A box sapphire crystal and screw-in caseback with a three-dimensional globe complete the case design. The matte, grained dial is available in two no-nonsense colorways: black and khaki green. It includes 18 applied elements made of Globolight, a lume-infused ceramic material. It’s featured in the hands, indices, and logo, offering enhanced low-light visibility. The dial also features an applied, chamfered chapter ring and a date window at 6 o’clock.
Inside the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT is the Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement with 25 jewels, 28,800vph, and a 56-hour power reserve. It includes a central GMT hand that can be set independently, making it a “caller” GMT. The movement is mounted on a shock-absorbing rubber holder for added protection. Strap options include a fully brushed three-link bracelet or the brand’s new V-Strap in Cordura with Velcro fastening. It adds no bulk under the watch and tapers by 4mm down to the “clasp.” It’s available in black or orange, in standard and XL sizes.
Final thoughts
So, what’s the initial verdict on the new Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT? If you ask me, I’d say it certainly hits the mark. It offers many great features that the brand developed for the C60 Trident Lumière, combined with the Explorer II charm of the Sealander GMT and the more serious, purpose-driven persona of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT and Sinn 105 St Sa UTC. Some people may well get hung up on that. But, as a fan of all the aforementioned watches, I can’t say it bothers me. In fact, the combination of elements filtered through CW’s design works. And the adventure/tool watch spirit is undoubtedly present. I can’t wait to test the watch and get a feel for it in person. I’m also looking forward to trying the V-Strap, as it doesn’t just look the part; it seems like a rugged yet comfortable option.
The price for the C63 Extreme is €1,895 on the bracelet, or €1,695 on the V-Strap. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming hands-on review.
