I can see that as a risk for sure. They've done the releases quite intelligently by pacing them so that the same target audience don't get releases back to back. Meaning that I assume Bel Canto and C1 Moon phase are for people into watchmaking and complications whereas Twelve is more for sports watch fans. Twelve Halo is for people with minimalistic taste, etc. Of course there's a lot of overlap among those audiences.
-KFAD-
joined 1 year ago
Okay hear me out. Christopher Ward is here to stay. They are no more that interesting British micro brand with horrible name and logo. They are a great independent watchmaker that puts out extremely interesting designs at very competitive price points. The strategy of modifying Sellita movements and not having a distribution network is paying off big time. They are way more agile than any of the big watchmakers out there. They introduce unique and interesting watches at such a rapid speed. They take no hostages.
Whereas big watchmakers take around 12-24 months to release different size variations of their popular models, CW does it in just mere months (look at Longines Spirit vs. CW Twelve). CW doesn't YET have the brand reputation but also not the baggage to stay in certain dedicated niche. They are free to experiment on whatever they want.
Within last 12 months or so CW has released: Bell canto, Bell canto's new colors, Twelve in 40mm , Twelve in 37mm, Twelve Halo, new C63 Sealander and Sealander GMT colors, and now this C1 Moonphase! They've ventured into totally new movements, into different materials in titanium, aventurine and rose gold, they've taken really bold design choices by taking out indeces, by taking out the logo, by blastering the whole dial with textured logo pattern... IT'S WILD AND I'M LOVING IT!!!!
They earned my respect. They haven't yet earned my money as nowadays I'm super selective with my watch purchases and I avoid impulse purchases by all costs, and they simply haven't released anything that is 100% up my alley. I have no issues with their logo, their resale practice, their designs, their prices, or anything tbh. I'm sure they'll only keep growing from here.
These screws will be a talking point for sure (and have already been). They make the watch more interesting. Personally I'm not a fan but the watch would be kinda dull without them so idk... This specific color variation is definitely the star of the show. Others don't feel that "studio underdog" to me.
Every time I see Spirit 37 I need to take a moment to admire it. Such a beautiful watch. Especially in blue dial. You are a lucky man to own one. So am I. ๐