First Look: Christoper Ward The Twelve 36mm
Christopher Ward wasted no time expanding their The Twelve collection with the the launch of The Twelve 36. These new models are sized at 36mm, a bit smaller than the original watches that were introduced earlier in 2022 at 40mm.
The Twelve collection by Christopher Ward has been an instant success. During a year where it seems like every watch manufacture came out with an integrated bracelet design, CW has appears to have captured the spotlight.
The Christoper Ward The Twelve 36 is available in 4 different dial color and has the option to purchase a matching rubber strap. The available colors are blue, ice blue, white, and mint green. The colorway for this collection plays very well to the finishing of the watch, 3D dial, and to its female target audience.
Initial Thoughts
What is impressive about The Twelve 36 from Christopher Ward is the thoughtful design and high degree of finishing for a watch at the $1,000 price point. It was announced that Christopher Ward designer William Brackfield had spent nearly 6 years developing this collection and it shows. It’s hard to stand out in a crowd but that is exactly what Christopher Ward has done with their The Twelve 36 watches. Everyone has released integrated bracelets in 2022 but somehow what most people talk about is Christopher Ward. Not only are these watches beautifully made but they are actually affordable. The retail price for the metal bracelet references is $1,225 and the retail price for the rubber strap references is $995. I have to commend Christopher Ward for creating a watch seemingly everyone wants and at a price point where most collectors can enjoy.
It is worth mentioning that the movement is above average but not great. In my opinion, I think Christopher Ward did the right thing outsourcing the movement with the SW200-1. Sellita is known for manufacturing really good movements and are used to power many watches within the luxury watch world. I’d rather have a beautiful watch, which it honestly looks better than many watches above its price point, at a price point that is affordable.
The buyer profile of users interested in The Twelve 36 are most likely collectors and are looking for that super fun watch to wear on playful occasions. It’s also sharp enough that in certain settings could probably pass as a dress watch if you have it on the bracelet.
Key Features
Integrated Bracelet: The integrated bracelet has a clean brush finish with interlinking links that form straight into the case of the watch. Polished surfaces line the edges of the bracelet and finally the bracelet is secured with a butterfly clasp
Dodecagonal Bezel: The dodecagon bezel, which has twelve sides, is a standout feature of The Twelve 36 collection. It has a mixture of both brushed and polished surfaces, which allows light to beam off of it any many different directions.
Textured 3D Dial: The dial plays another role is the superb design of this watch. There are lines everywhere but nothing is random. After evaluating these watches, the dial really is the capstone to the whole design and makes it all work. The 3D raised dial provides great depth and another added dimension to The Twelve 36.
Sapphire Caseback: Christopher Ward has taken direct feedback from their customers and are no enhancing their watches with a sapphire caseback. Now there is a window into the SW200-1 automatic movement that has a custom CW rotor with finishing that matches the design of the dial.
Specs
- Case Diameter: 36mm
- Case Height: 9.95mm
- Lug to Lug: 40.8mm
- Weight: 56g
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Crown: Screw-down
- Movement: Sellita SW200-1
- Finishing: Elaboré finish with twin flag
- pattern over ‘Colimaçoné’ finish on the rotor
- Movement: Automatic
- Function: Hour, minute, central second
- Frequency: 4 Hz/ 28,000vph
- Power reserve: 38 hours
- Jewels: 26
- Accuracy: -20/+20 Seconds per day
