Christopher Ward is undoubtedly one of the most active watch brands today.
The brand consistently demonstrates how to push the boundaries in the affordable watch segment. This has led to the creation of an extensive collection characterized by great diversity. Just compare the Bel Canto, Twelve, and the C63 Sealander series to understand this. Meanwhile, Christopher Ward is almost weekly expanding its already impressive assortment. The latest innovation is the C63 Sealander True GMT - the brand's first flyer GMT movement in history. However, instead of copying the Rolex GMT-Master design, Christopher Ward chose a different path. I had the opportunity to personally explore the new C63 Sealander True GMT and learn more about it.
If you regularly read Onewatch, you might know that I am a fan of GMT watches. The combination of a practical function and the classic GMT appearance particularly appeals to me. I am not limited to one style. Although the Rolex GMT-Master design is close to my heart, I also appreciate the Explorer II, which looks completely different. Therefore, it is not surprising that the GMT-Master ref. 1675 and Explorer II ref. 1655 are among my favorite Rolex models. With this in mind, you'll understand my interest in discovering what the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander True GMT has to offer.
The Creation Story of Christopher Ward C63 Sealander True GMT
I already own a Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT, which has become one of my favorite watches since I purchased it in 2024. I have repeatedly written about how special this model is to me. As a design enthusiast, I am usually critical of some aspects of Christopher Ward watches. This doesn't mean I don't like their watches, but sometimes it prevented me from experiencing the special feeling I had when wearing the C65 Dune GMT. Since then, I've developed a warm relationship with this model.
If I could change anything about these watches, it would be the movement. Don't get me wrong - the Sellita SW330-2 caliber has proven to be reliable and practical. However, it lacks the convenience of a flyer GMT movement, which allows for the independent adjustment of the local hour hand. Although I don't travel across time zones as often as I used to, for many watch enthusiasts, this type of GMT is more convenient.
The movement supplier Sellita doesn't offer a flyer GMT movement - or "true GMT," as it is often called. With the release of the new C63 Sealander version, Christopher Ward is offering a watch with this feature for the first time. For this, the brand developed its own CW-002 caliber. Instead of creating a watch with a familiar design, Christopher Ward chose a new, radically different style. Let me elaborate.
Features of Christopher Ward C63 Sealander True GMT
At first glance, the new C63 Sealander True GMT is not your "typical" GMT watch. Despite the dual time function, it is clear that there is more to it. Let's start with the technical specifications. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 40.4 mm, a thickness of 14.15 mm, a length of 48 mm, and a 22 mm lug width. The water resistance is 100 meters. The case is mostly matte with polished bevels, adding visual expressiveness.
Looking at the dial, the model's uniqueness is immediately apparent. The multilayered dial features an additional seconds counter at the "6 o'clock" position, a power reserve indicator at "9 o'clock," and a date window at "3 o'clock." There are two versions available: one with a black dial and blue accents, and another with a silver dial and orange details. In this review, we focus on the silver version, as it is the one I had on hand.
Dial Design of C63 Sealander True GMT
The stamped dial has a grained texture and is conventionally divided into three zones. The outer silver ring contains a 24-hour scale with numbers for even hours and lines for odd ones. Inside the GMT ring is a gray segment with hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova X1 luminescent material, as well as a white minute track. The center of the silver part houses the Christopher Ward logo, and at the "3 o'clock" position, there is a window revealing the GMT bridge with linear brushing, sandblasting, and manually polished bevels, along with a circular brushed GMT disc.
The two additional dials are asymmetrical and have different hands. The power reserve indicator has a skeletonized orange hand with a luminescent tip, while the small seconds hand is rhodium, matching the central hour and minute hands with lume. The orange arrow-shaped hand indicates the second time zone on the outer GMT ring. A pleasant detail is the orange accent next to the date. The date disc is light gray, matching the dial ring, with black printed date numerals. The dial is protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, which increases the overall thickness but adds visual drama.
Proprietary Caliber CW-002
The design gives the impression that Christopher Ward deliberately created a model closer in style to the Bel Canto rather than the standard C63 Sealander. Although the case is executed in the signature Light-catcher style characteristic of the C63 Sealander, the appearance is more reminiscent of modern Bel Canto models. As a fan of classic GMTs, it took me some time to get used to this style. However, the design choice is partly driven by the new CW-002 movement.
It took Christopher Ward's technical department three years to develop the new caliber. The main task was to integrate the GMT module into the existing movement without increasing its thickness. A similar approach was previously used by the brand with the FS-01 for the C1 Bel Canto, adding a sound module to the Sellita SW-200-1. A similar construction is used in the JJ01 installed in the recently introduced C1 Jump Hour Mk V.
Three-Year Development of the Movement
The new, aesthetically designed movement is visible through the sapphire case back. The new base plate supports the GMT wheel and limits the thickness of additional parts. The movement includes 23 components, 16 of which are newly developed, and 7 are modified based on existing CW-001 parts. The CW-002 caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Additionally, it is COSC-certified as a chronometer with an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.
CW-002 is a significant technical achievement, adding a sought-after feature that many Christopher Ward fans have been requesting for years. The movement's finish is of high quality: circular Côtes de Genève waves, cutouts revealing the barrels, balance, and bridges. The tungsten rotor is decorated with a combination of sunray brushing and sandblasting for enhanced visual effect. Overall, CW-002 expands the brand's lineup of atelier calibers and adds a long-awaited complicated function.
Wearing the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander True GMT
The two new models are available on a three-row Bader bracelet or a rubber strap with curved ends matching the color accents and a Bader clasp. Both options taper from 22 mm at the case to 16 mm at the clasp. Although the Bader bracelet is the same as on my C65 Dune GMT, I noticed slight differences in manufacturing quality. My bracelet is of excellent quality, surpassing many bracelets on watches costing two to three times more than my €1,600 watch.
However, the new Bader bracelet felt slightly different in tolerances. Despite this, it still surpasses many counterparts on the market, but it feels different.
Nonetheless, the bracelet feels reliable, with links secured by screws, making it easy to adjust. The clasp features a convenient tool-free micro-adjustment system, allowing for easy fitting to the wrist.
User Experience
On the wrist, the C63 Sealander True GMT feels well-balanced and comfortable. The 14.15 mm thickness may seem substantial, but thanks to the box-shaped sapphire crystal and thin case, the watch doesn't appear bulky. The curved lugs make the wearing experience particularly pleasant. It creates a sense of confidence and comfort as the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. Wearing it for several days was comfortable and enjoyable.
Operating the CW-002 caliber is similar to other flyer GMT movements. In the first crown position, you can independently change the local time by moving the 12-hour hand one hour at a time. In the second position, the 24-hour and minute hands, responsible for home time, as well as the date, can be adjusted. The date disc is deeply set under the dial, which makes it difficult to read from certain angles. Nevertheless, the setting mechanism feels reliable, with no play between the crown and the hands, making time and date adjustment precise.
Questions About the C63 Sealander True GMT Design
Since the watch's introduction, I've asked myself why Christopher Ward chose such a contemporary design instead of a classic GMT style akin to the GMT-Master or Explorer II. It's hard for me to believe that this "true GMT" was what brand fans were waiting for. Perhaps this is because I am one of them. I would have liked to see a traditional GMT with the new CW-002 caliber.
However, I understand that three years of development and technical challenges led to the creation of a model that differs from the C63 Sealander GMT or C65 Dune GMT. This is a more expensive model, and as the flagship of the C63 Sealander series, it should look different. Therefore, I understand the brand's desire to distinguish this model from other GMTs. Nonetheless, during the week of wearing, the watch constantly made me wonder "why?"
Final Impressions of the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander True GMT
Objectively, Christopher Ward deserves praise for continually pushing the boundaries of possibility. By releasing the first in a series of new True GMTs, the brand has created a watch that will appeal to many dedicated fans. Therefore, I have no doubt that many will happily acquire the C63 Sealander True GMT. As mentioned earlier, two dial versions are available, priced at £2,895 / €3,775 / $3,995 on a rubber strap and £2,995 / €3,905 / $4,135 on a Bader bracelet. These watches stand proudly alongside the C1 Bel Canto, C1 Moonphase, and C1 Jump Hour Mk V - some of the best in the brand's lineup.
At the same time, I am curious about where Christopher Ward's development will head next. As a fan of GMT and an owner of such watches from the brand, I eagerly await whether this caliber will appear in more classic models. But with the release of the C63 Sealander True GMT and the CW-002 caliber, Christopher Ward has made another impressive step into the future, solidifying its significant position in the modern watchmaking world.
