Is This Model the Finest Bang-for-Your-Buck in Watches?

British watchmaker Christopher Ward continues to shock. A model constructed largely on $1,000-ish homage watches simply launched a brand new mannequin that questions what’s doable within the decrease finish of the worth spectrum. The brand new C12 Loco, a part of the “Twelve” household of built-in bracelet sports activities watches, facilities round an in-house motion and a whopping six-day energy reserve. Most significantly, the watch showcases its escapement on the dial, which mimics the look of a tourbillon. Obtainable in 4 launch colorways at slightly below $5K, it’s a powerful feat of horology with out many direct opponents.

Christopher Ward’s C12 Loco is extra compelling proof that the model isn’t blissful simply pumping out your ho-hum sport watch fare. The model continually pushes what it could possibly pack into a comparatively reasonably priced piece. A watch with a dial-side escapement from a watchmaker like Breguet, Greubel Forsey, or MB&F will run you tens to tons of of 1000’s of {dollars}. In years previous, the model has put out absolutely skeletonized dials ($4,725) and even introduced the texture of the very grand minute repeater all the way down to earth ($3,795). Pricing for the brand new C12 Loco is $4,595 on a rubber strap or $4,825 on the built-in bracelet.

All that is executed with Christopher Ward’s personal equipment. The model’s new hand-wound CW-003 motion has a number of distinctive options which might be positive to pique collectors’ curiosity: The escapement, as talked about above, is seen from the watch’s entrance, the place it sits under an offset time show that dominates the higher half of the dial. Its free-sprung stability oscillating at 28,800 vph is adjusted by way of tiny screws moderately than regulating pins, permitting for a set hairspring size and elevated accuracy. Held in place with two massive bridges, the look is placing—and, once more, extraordinarily uncommon at this worth level.