It's incredible to see how Christopher Ward has evolved over the past decade.
The brand has progressed from a favorite among enthusiasts to one of the leading accessible brands in the industry. This rapid growth has been accompanied by a continuous flow of new models that consistently impress. However, Christopher Ward has been around long enough that it's time to refresh the current catalog. With the updated C63 Sealander collection, the brand demonstrates its ambitions. We see revamped case designs in three sizes, new dials, a modern bracelet, and an updated caliber. All of this provides plenty of reasons to take a closer look at the revived C63 Sealander lineup.
If you've been following Christopher Ward's new releases, you've likely noticed a variety of impressive launches - from the Bel Canto series to the C1 line with Jump Hour and Moonphase options, as well as numerous Twelve models utilizing various materials and executions. The English brand has achieved remarkable results in a relatively short time. Yet, for the past five years, the company's main product has been the C63 Sealander line. This successful collection of everyday watches appeals to a broad audience. With a variety of sizes, colors, and executions, it has become an excellent choice for many budding mechanical watch enthusiasts. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the brand has introduced an updated C63 Sealander collection. And the changes are indeed impressive.
Details of the Updated Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Collection
Let's start with an overview of the new lineup. Christopher Ward has introduced the updated C63 Sealander Automatic and GMT models. The Automatic watches come in 36 mm and 39 mm cases, while the GMT is available in three sizes - 36 mm, 39 mm, and 42 mm. All models feature the updated Light-catcher case, which is thinner and looks more elegant thanks to thoughtful details and complex finishing. Additionally, all new watches have lacquered dials with updated faceted indices, an applied frame around the date, and updated fonts. Finally, the watches come with optimized stainless steel bracelets featuring the proprietary iLink system, allowing links to be removed without tools.
An important update for the C63 Sealander Automatic models is the new Sellita SW200-2 Power+ caliber, which provides a significantly increased power reserve. Christopher Ward is the first brand to use this improved movement. Overall, there are plenty of updates, so let's take a closer look at the various models and their features.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic
Let's begin with the updated C63 Sealander Automatic lineup. As mentioned, these watches are available in two sizes. The smaller model has a 36-millimeter case with a thickness of 10.2 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 42 mm, while the larger one measures 39 mm with a thickness of 10.9 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 45 mm. The refined cases look balanced, and sharper lugs give the design a more expressive look. Additionally, the crown guards have been removed, and the new crown features a conical shape, adding character and elegance to the overall appearance. The combination of matte and polished finishes highlights details, making the case more elegant compared to the previous version.
The dials for both models have also been updated. The new lacquered dials feature reimagined diamond-polished faceted indices and an applied frame around the date window. The date discs are colored to match the dial and have corresponding print. Additionally, Christopher Ward's designers have changed the fonts to give the dials a more modern appearance.
The hand design has also been updated: the large arrow-shaped hour hand and sword-shaped minute hand remain, but the second hand has a new design without the controversial trident counterbalance. This is a successful decision that simplifies and improves the dial's perception. In terms of color options, the 36-millimeter model is available in black, white, light blue, and pink, while the 39-millimeter version comes in black, white, light blue, and pistachio.
Updated Calibers for Automatic Models
As previously mentioned, the C63 Sealander Automatic now features the Sellita SW200-2 Power+ caliber. This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 26 jewels, and offers a power reserve of up to 65 hours. Compared to the previous SW200-1 version with a 38-hour power reserve, this is a significant improvement. The accuracy has also been enhanced - from a range of ±7–20 seconds per day to -5/+12 seconds per day. Additionally, the caliber is equipped with a new proprietary rotor.
Another important update is the stainless steel bracelets. Christopher Ward offers both models with the familiar three-row Bader bracelet or the five-row Consort bracelet. Both bracelets are now equipped with the iLink system, allowing links to be removed without tools.
The system's operation is simple: on the inner side of each removable link, there is a small button that releases the end link. Once removed, the remaining links slide out easily for removal. After adjusting the bracelet, the links snap back into place, securely fastening the bracelet.
Price Availability
The Bader bracelet has also received a new clasp, which is 1 mm thinner. The clasp retains the tool-free micro-adjustment system, but the more elegant design enhances wearing comfort. In addition to the two steel bracelet options, the watches are offered on a black rubber strap with curved ends or on a Camel Vintage Oak leather strap.
The price for the 36 and 39 mm models is the same. The C63 Sealander Automatic costs €1,335 on the Bader bracelet and €1,390 on the Consort bracelet. The version on the rubber strap costs €1,255, and on the leather strap, €1,125. Considering the quality and technical specifications, this is an impressive offer.
Wearing the 39-Millimeter Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic Model
How does the watch feel on the wrist? I had the opportunity to try on the black version of the 39-millimeter model on a rubber strap. While personally, I wouldn't choose a rubber strap, the experience was interesting. The strap feels sturdy and rigid enough to hold the watch securely on the wrist. The device itself is a reminder of Christopher Ward's high quality. For this price, no other brand offers such quality watches. They look solid, the finish is meticulous, and the updates are indeed justified.
I especially liked the optimized case design, which sits comfortably on the wrist and feels thinner and more elegant than the previous version. The updated dial design and simplified hands look better than in the previous generation. I was surprised at how quickly I got used to the new look of the C63 Sealander Automatic. If I had to choose an affordable everyday watch in the style of the Rolex Explorer or Oyster Perpetual, I would choose these. They are indeed that good - both visually and technically. The new Sealander Automatic models set a new standard, undoubtedly being the best in their class.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
Let's move on to the new C63 Sealander GMT lineup. I previously reviewed the previous generation C63 Sealander GMT, comparing models with a white dial in 36 and 39 mm. The updated GMT series is now available in three sizes, all with the optimized Light-catcher case. Unlike the automatic models, the GMT has retained the crown guards, giving it a more sporty look. Moreover, the fixed steel GMT bezel has been redesigned for improved proportions.
The smallest version has a diameter of 36 mm, a thickness of 10.9 mm, and a length of 42 mm. The 39 mm model has a thickness of 11.3 mm and a length of 45 mm. A new 42-millimeter model has been added to the lineup with dimensions of 42 × 11.5 × 48.5 mm. This size will be popular among fans of large and expressive watches.
Updated Dial Design of C63 Sealander GMT
In terms of dial choices, the 36-millimeter model is available in white and light blue. The 39 mm version is offered with white, light blue, pistachio, and black dials. Finally, the 42-millimeter model comes in white, light blue, and black variants.
The dial design follows the style of the automatic models: lacquered surfaces with new indices, an applied date frame, and updated hands. The main difference is the additional GMT hand, which has become more noticeable and fully colored, unlike the previous version with only the tip colored. The white dial with black details instead of silver, as in the previous version, particularly stands out. This gives the dial more contrast and a modern look.
Lack of Updates in GMT Mechanisms
Like the automatic models, all three GMT sizes are offered with the three-row Bader bracelet and five-row Consort bracelet, both with the iLink system for easy adjustment. A black rubber strap with curved ends and a Camel Vintage Oak leather strap are also available.
The C63 Sealander GMT series is equipped with the Sellita SW330-2 caliber, which was used in the previous generation. Until Sellita releases a more modern GMT caliber, this movement remains the main choice for GMT models based on Sellita. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 25 jewels, and a power reserve of 56 hours. It is also equipped with an updated proprietary rotor, similar to the automatic models.
The prices for GMT models are the same for all sizes. On the Bader bracelet, the C63 Sealander GMT costs €1,560, on the Consort - €1,615. The version on the rubber strap is priced at €1,480, and on the leather strap - €1,350. Given the equipment and quality, this is an excellent price-to-quality ratio.
Wearing the 42-Millimeter Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT Model
Christopher Ward provided us with the 42-millimeter model with a white dial to assess the new size and updated design. I was impressed with both the wearing comfort and the dial design. While I would prefer the 39 or 36-millimeter versions, I understand the demand for larger watches. The case proportions ensure an excellent fit on the wrist. The build quality is top-notch, and the small details give the watch additional refinement compared to the previous generation.
The new white dial is a noticeable improvement. The design is simplified by removing the numerals marking every five minutes, and black hands, date window, and indices contrast with the white background. The bright orange 24-hour hand harmonizes with the "GMT" inscription at the bottom of the dial and stands out well against the three black central hands. But what I liked most was the feeling of a thinner, more elegant version of the C63 Sealander GMT. Christopher Ward has turned this model into genuine luxury watches, and it feels that way.
Final Conclusions on the New Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Collection
After spending some time with the new Christopher Ward C63 Sealander models, I am deeply impressed. The updated collection raises the bar for quality and technical specifications for affordable watches. For your money, you get a product that easily outperforms models costing two to three times more.
In terms of design, the watches have been updated carefully without losing their recognizability. Of course, they retain signature stylistic elements reminiscent of Rolex, which greatly contributes to the success of the C63 Sealander series. With these changes, Christopher Ward demonstrates how to skillfully update its most commercially successful lineup. After wearing the new models, they seem even more impressive. If you're looking for affordable everyday watches, I highly recommend checking out the new C63 Sealander Automatic and GMT models. They perfectly demonstrate what "best in class" means.