Christopher Ward Launches C1 Loco Classic Watch

Christopher Ward has launched the C1 Loco Classic, a refined evolution of last year's C12 Loco. The watch features a 41mm diameter case, a 144-hour power reserve, and is available in three dial colours for pre-order now.

The C1 Loco Classic features a reworked 41mm Lightcatcher case with scalloped flanges, soldered lugs, and a domed sapphire crystal contributing to its 14.1mm height. More than 5.5mm of that total comes from the crystals on the front and back, leaving an actual case height of just 8.55mm. The case, crafted from 904L stainless steel, has a 48mm length and 22mm lug spacing. It offers 30 metres of water resistance. The design includes a mix of brushed and polished surfaces.

Dial and hands craftsmanship

The dial uses grain-sandblasted plates with mother-of-pearl varnish, paired with a domed white ceramic sub-dial and curved, diamond-cut blue PVD-coated hands. Three variations are available at launch: warm gold, delicate light blue, and deep black. The base dial beneath the ceramic dome is grain-sandblasted and coated with a varnish containing powdered mother-of-pearl, creating a subtle, glittering effect. The light blue version has been noted for its particular attractiveness.

The offset time-telling subdial features a heavily domed white ceramic surface. It has laser-engraved Roman numerals and minute markings that are hand-filled with black lacquer. The hands are slender, diamond-cut lance hands with blue PVD coating. They are curved to follow the shape of the ceramic dome.

Movement redesign and finishing

The CW-003 calibre was re-engineered with slimmer, rounded bridges and grained, gold-plated baseplates, each receiving extensive hand-finishing in the Swiss Jura. Christopher Ward redesigned the dial-side elements and bridges to fit the new classic design while retaining the movement's distinctive, symmetrical architecture. The movement retains its technical specifications from the C12 Loco.

The grained baseplate on the movement's rear receives warm textured 2N gold plating and polished bevels. This creates a shimmering effect that mirrors the dial. All three dial colour options are paired with this same gold-finished movement. Each bridge set receives more than five hours of hand-finishing. The rear view shows twin barrels and an intermediate winding wheel arranged in three stacked circles, framed by the new rounded horizontal bridges.

Bracelet and strap options

The watch is offered on a tool-adjustable Consort bracelet or a suede strap with Bader deployant clasp, both in 904L steel or leather variants. The five-row Consort bracelet is made of 904L steel and includes the brand's tool-free iLink adjustment system, quick-release end-links, and an on-the-fly clasp extension. It features brushed and polished surfaces for a jewellery-like appearance.

The suede strap version provides a different wearing experience, described as comfortable and balanced on the wrist. The leather strap option uses Christopher Ward's Bader deployant clasp.

Reception and positioning

Praised for its symmetry, finishing, and technical ambition, the C1 Loco Classic is positioned as a premium evolution in Christopher Ward’s lineup, drawing comparisons to independent haute horlogerie. It is considered an impressive follow-up to the C12 Loco, with observers noting a preference for the new series aesthetically. The watch pushes the brand's standards, placing it in a different league from its regular offerings. Its design, which exposes part of the movement's architecture while maintaining a classic style, has drawn comparisons to pieces from independent makers like Max Büsser. The gold version of its predecessor received a GPHG nomination.

Dave said of the watch: "the images will do the talking, and that’s true for the new C1 Loco Classic as well." The C1 Loco Classic is available for pre-order from Time+Tide Studios in London, New York, and Melbourne.