Christopher Ward is known as a brand that regularly releases new models.
With almost every release, the company raises the bar for affordable wristwatches. However, it's not always about technical perfection and manufacturing quality. One of the key aspects for the brand is the joy of creating something unusual and bright. An example of this is the new Christopher Ward Twelve Xander model - the result of collaboration with Chris Alexander, better known as The Dial Artist. For this project, Alexander was given complete freedom to create a unique, vibrant version of the Twelve X.
Features of Christopher Ward Twelve Xander
A first look at the Christopher Ward Twelve Xander immediately shows that it is not just a colorful variation of the Twelve X (Ti) - the brand's flagship skeletonized watch with its own CW-001 caliber. Turning the watch over, one cannot help but be amazed at the amount of work invested in creating this limited edition. Christopher Ward gave Alexander the opportunity to hand-paint parts of the mechanism and apply signature graffiti art to the dial. This is The Dial Artist's first experience in painting mechanism elements, although his custom work is known from other projects, including collaborations with IFL Watches.
The Idea Behind Christopher Ward Twelve Xander
Let's look at the details. Usually, customization of skeletonized watches is limited to the front - the dial or, in rare cases, the rotor. For the Twelve Xander, Christopher Ward allowed The Dial Artist to hand-paint eight components of the mechanism.
As Alexander notes, this was his first experience applying street style not only to the dial but also to the mechanism parts. The brand sent him eight parts from all 150 calibers so he could paint them in his studio in Perth, Scotland. As a result, the artist worked on over 1300 components, each of which is unique.
If you are familiar with Alexander's work, you know that he draws inspiration from graffiti and street art, creating vibrant dials. However, the approach changes for the mechanism parts. According to the artist:
"It should look chaotic, dynamic, as if I just took a brush and splattered paint."
Despite the apparent simplicity, the process is complex: each part goes through several stages - priming, airbrushing, hand painting, and finishing. In total, Alexander spent about 900 hours customizing all the elements.
Technical Details of Christopher Ward Twelve Xander
The painted details include the division ring, mechanism bridges, and pendulum weight. Such multi-layered design gives the Twelve Xander a unique visual effect.
This is a customized version of the Christopher Ward Twelve X with an angular case measuring 41 × 44.5 × 12.3 mm made of titanium. The middle case and case back are made of grade 2 titanium, while the bezel is made of grade 5 titanium. The modern case design is highlighted by vertical brushing with contrasting polished bevels, and the combined polishing, brushing, and sandblasting of the bezel adds detail.
The main technical element is the in-house CW-001 caliber with 26 jewels. The automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of up to 120 hours thanks to two barrels. The caliber is chronometer certified with an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.
The application of artistic painting to the mechanism parts was not only a creative but also a technical challenge. Therefore, Alexander sent the painted elements to the Christopher Ward atelier in Biel, Switzerland, where the watches were assembled. The craftsmen checked whether the paint layers would affect the mechanism's operation, measured tolerances, and tested accuracy.
Wearing the Christopher Ward Twelve Xander
On the wrist, the Twelve Xander presents a bright explosion of color. I am usually not a fan of skeletonized watches, but this model really impressed me. Even before putting the watch on, I examined the details closely and was amazed by The Dial Artist's work. It's hard to imagine that all these colors and elements are hand-painted on over 1300 parts - it requires immense dedication and commands respect. Especially when using a magnifying glass, one can appreciate the scale of the work.
On the wrist, the watch feels very comfortable. With a case diameter of 41 mm, the Twelve Xander fits perfectly on an 18.5 cm wrist. The case feels sturdy and well-made, like most Christopher Ward models. In terms of build quality and attention to detail, the brand can compete with manufacturers whose watches cost twice as much.
Despite the bright coloring, reading the time is easy. The large arrow-shaped hour hand and long minute hand allow you to instantly tell the time. Honestly, I was constantly distracted by the colors, but in the best possible way.
Final Impressions of the Christopher Ward Twelve Xander
The Christopher Ward Twelve X is a vivid visual masterpiece where the depth and layering of the painting create a unique effect. Although I do not always prefer skeletonized watches, this model became an exception.
I am pleased to report that the Twelve Xander joint project made it to the list of such exceptions. It transforms the technically strict Twelve X into a fun, colorful watch that would effortlessly make it to my list of summer favorites for 2026. It was difficult for me to take them off and send them back to Christopher Ward - such feelings are rare even with test watches.
The Christopher Ward Twelve Xander will be available on an integrated titanium bracelet or a white integrated rubber strap. I usually prefer bracelets, but for the Xander, I recommend the rubber strap. In this option, the price will be €5,625 / US$5,995 / £4,325, and on the titanium bracelet - €6,125 / US$6,515 / £4,710.
The Twelve Xander model will be presented for the first time at an exclusive event in the new Christopher Ward showroom in Chicago on Thursday, July 9. From July 10 at 4:00 PM Central European Time, the watch will be available for purchase on the official Christopher Ward website. Also, the Twelve Xander can be seen and purchased at the Windup Watch Fair Chicago from July 10 to 12, where The Dial Artist will join the Christopher Ward team for the entire event.