Mechanical Resurrection: The New Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph
In a recent discussion I had with someone about Christopher Ward, the question of why the brand doesn’t have any mechanical chronographs in its collection came up. This stands out, as watch enthusiasts tend to love such pieces. But the English brand now has a new series of mechanical chronographs for the enthusiasts. The C63 Sealander Chronograph series follows the updated aesthetic introduced with the Sealander Automatic and Sealander GMT this May. Several variations are joining the catalog, ensuring there is a version for everyone.
In recent years, Christopher Ward has offered the C63 Valour as its only chronograph. Inspired by 1980s British military timepieces, this quartz watch is one of the brand’s more niche offerings. With the introduction of the C63 Sealander Chronograph line, the brand now offers chronographs that will undoubtedly become fan favorites. You can choose from black, white, pistachio, sky-blue, or pink dials, all with black registers. The colors match the dials of the C63 Sealander Automatic models introduced in May. This looks like a varied range of sports chronographs that nicely expand the new Sealander collection.
The details of the new Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronographs
Each version features the updated stainless steel Light-Catcher case with a 41mm diameter, 13.9mm thickness, and 48mm lug-to-lug. The case is water resistant to 100 meters, weighs 84 grams, and features a slim, slightly angled bezel with a matte black ceramic insert displaying a white tachymeter scale. A nice detail is the polished steel facet on the bezel’s edge, which contrasts nicely with the matte bezel insert and the case’s brushed finish.
On the right side of the case, you will find the screw-down crown, protected by crown guards, which also adds character. Above and underneath that are modern-looking pushers to operate the chronograph. Then, inside the case lies a multi-part dial. All color variants feature a polished lacquer finish and recessed black sub-dials with a nice grainy texture. The three counters, all displaying white numerals and markings, are encircled by a polished chamfer that transitions from their edges to the main dial.
A familiar, legible layout
You will find the running seconds at 9 o’clock, the 12-hour chronograph totalizer at 6 o’clock, and the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock. All three sub-dials feature small silver-colored hands. Lastly, the detailed minute track features applied hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova.
Hovering over the dial are the characteristic Sealander hands, complementing the hour markers. The arrow-shaped hour hand and the sword-style minute hand are also filled with white lume that lights up blue like the indexes. The thin central chronograph seconds hand completes the central handset nicely. For the black and white dials, the designers gave the central chronograph hand a red tip for a touch of color.
The Sellita SW510-1
If you turn the watch around, you will find the Sellita SW510-1 movement. This 27-jewel automatic chronograph caliber operates at 28,800 vph and offers a minimum power reserve of 56 hours. Depending on how much the chronograph is used, the power reserve is usually slightly higher, at 62 hours. The caliber is regulated to within -5/+12 seconds per day. Christopher Ward has chosen Elaboré-grade finishing, and the caliber includes a new semi-skeletonized custom rotor.
Completing the watch is the Bader iLink bracelet that debuted with the revamped Sealander collection. As I explained in the article on the Sealander Automatic and GMT, the underside of each removable link features a small button that releases the outermost part. With that removed, the additional pieces of the links slide out for easy removal. After you’ve sized the bracelet, the remaining links click back into place, making sizing a breeze.
On top of the iLink system, the Oyster-style Bader bracelet also features a push-button deployant clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system. Additionally, Christopher Ward offers curved-end rubber straps in white, black, blue, and orange. These also come complete with the Bader deployant clasp.
Initial impressions of the new Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronographs
Overall, I think Christopher Ward is making a smart move by adding this new chronograph series. After six years without any mechanical chronographs in the catalog, this C63 Sealander Chronograph is refreshing. All in all, the black- and white-dial models stand out immediately. They have a sporty, Daytona-esque presence that the brand’s fans will undoubtedly appreciate. The other colors add nice, funky twists to the series. While I would usually go for the black-dial version, I like the crisp white dial quite a bit. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do a hands-on review to learn more about the C63 Sealander Chronographs. My first impression is that this is an impressive series that will quickly find its way to fans.
The new Christopher Ward Sealander Chronograph is available on the brand’s official website starting today. The prices start at €2,475 / US$2,625 / £1,895 with the rubber strap. But if you prefer the stainless steel Bader bracelet with the iLink system, you’ll pay €2,605 / US$2,765 / £1,995. For that sum, it is hard not to be impressed by the complete package these Sealander Chronographs offer. Plus, we know the production quality will be impressive, likely making these chronographs among the best your money can buy around €2.5k. This has become a familiar conclusion to a Christopher Ward article, but if the brand keeps delivering, it’ll be hard to conclude otherwise.
