Christopher Ward (watchmaker)

Christopher Ward was founded in 2004 by Mike France, Christopher Ward, and Peter Ellis during a brainstorming session on a boat on the River Thames.{{cite web |title=Small Business Spotlight: Christopher Ward |url=https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2014/sep/13/small-business-spotlight-christopher-ward |website=The Guardian |date=2014-09-13 |access-date=2025-06-29}} The company launched with a direct-to-consumer model aimed at reducing traditional retail margins and offering Swiss-made watches at more accessible prices.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward: Time Stands Still for No Man |url=https://www.watchpro.com/time-stands-still-for-no-man/ |website=WatchPro |date=2020-10-07 |access-date=2025-06-29}} Christopher Ward released its first watch in 2005. By December of that year, the brand was receiving more mentions than Rolex on TimeZone, a major online watch forum.

In 2014, Christopher Ward merged with its Swiss manufacturing partner Synergies Horlogères SA to form Christopher Ward London Holdings Ltd.{{cite web |title=Time Flies for Christopher Ward |url=http://mnpretail.com/time-flies-for-christopher-ward/ |website=MNPRetail |date=2014-07-03 |access-date=2025-06-29}} The same year, the company released its first in-house movement, the Calibre SH21, developed by watchmaker Johannes Jahnke. The SH21 featured a five-day power reserve and COSC chronometer certification.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward Announces New State of Independence |url=https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/christopher-ward-announces-new-state-independence-245081/ |website=Robb Report |date=2014-07-03 |access-date=2025-06-29}} The release was described by industry observers as “probably the most important development by a British watch brand in the past 50 years.”{{cite web |title=GQ Review: C9 Harrison 5-Day Automatic |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/christopher-ward-c9-harrison-5-day-automatic-watch-review |website=GQ |date=2014-07-03 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

In January 2020, co-founder Christopher Ward left the company.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward moves on from the eponymous watch company he co-founded |url=https://www.watchpro.com/christopher-ward-moves-on-from-the-eponymous-watch-company-he-co-founded/ |website=WatchPro |date=2020-01-08 |access-date=2025-06-29}} Later that year, he launched a separate watch brand, TRIBUS, alongside his three sons. The company continued operating under its existing leadership and structure following Ward’s departure.

In September 2018, Jaguar Cars filed a lawsuit against Christopher Ward over the company’s use of the name “D-Type” for a limited-edition watch, alleging trademark infringement.{{cite web |title=Jaguar alleges Christopher Ward infringed its trademark with its D-Type watch |url=https://www.watchpro.com/jaguar-alleges-christopher-ward-infringed-its-trademark-with-its-d-type-watch/ |website=WatchPro |date=2018-09-17 |access-date=2025-06-29}} Christopher Ward denied the allegations and stated it would vigorously defend itself. No public resolution or court outcome was subsequently reported.

From its launch in 2004, Christopher Ward positioned itself as the "world's first exclusively online luxury watch brand," eliminating traditional retail markups by selling directly to consumers.[http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/129703-christopher-ward-we-want-to-be-the-rolex-of-the-internet CW Rolex of the Internet], Pocket Lint, 2014 By cutting distribution and marketing costs, the company offers competitive pricing and higher technical value.{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Matthew |date=2005-12-29 |title=Entrepreneur launches £100 'Swiss' watch |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1506603/Entrepreneur-launches-100-Swiss-watch.html |access-date=2025-06-29}}[http://www.sales-initiative.com/news/sales-people/bad-times,-good-times---christopher-ward%27s-path-to-success/ Path To Success], Sales Initiative, 2012

Sales are conducted exclusively via company-owned channels—primarily online and telephone sales—with one physical showroom in Maidenhead, Berkshire. An earlier showroom in Nashua, New Hampshire was closed in March 2016.[https://www.christopherwardforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=36333 Retail showroom in the United States closed] On 16 September 2024, Christopher Ward opened a new U.S. showroom in Frisco, Texas.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward's Dallas Showroom: Experience a Piece of England, Deep in the Heart of Texas |url=https://wornandwound.com/christopher-ward-dallas-showroom-experience-a-piece-of-england-deep-in-the-heart-of-texas/ |website=Worn & Wound |date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

Customer support is managed remotely: customers submit service requests via the website, after which watches are sent to the company’s service centre for evaluation and repair.{{cite web |url=https://www.christopherward.com/service-and-repairs.html |title=Service and Repairs |website=Christopher Ward |access-date=2025-06-29}}

A hallmark of its direct‑to‑consumer model is the "60|60 guarantee," offering a 60-day return policy and a 60‑month movement warranty on purchases made through its official channels.{{cite web |url=https://www.christopherward.com/60-guarantee.html |title=60|60 guarantee |website=Christopher Ward |access-date=2025-06-29}}

Financial performance has accelerated rapidly in recent years. For the year ending 31 March 2020, the company reported £10 million in revenue (up 19%) and produced approximately 20,000 watches.{{cite web |last=Roulet |first=Christophe |date=2020-06-01 |title=The British watchmaking revival |url=https://journal.hautehorlogerie.org/en/the-british-watchmaking-revival/ |website=The Journal of Haute Horlogerie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527030930/https://journal.hautehorlogerie.org/en/the-british-watchmaking-revival/ |archive-date=2021-05-27 |access-date=2025-06-29}} By mid‑2021, sales had topped £15 million—a 30% increase year‑on‑year.{{cite news |last=Swithinbank |first=Robin |date=2021-07-08 |title=UK watchmakers battle for international credibility |newspaper=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c4f865d6-dbdb-43e1-ba6b-da82a407ecc3 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

Fiscal year 2024 (to 31 March 2024) saw a major leap: turnover reached £30.5 million (vs £16.8 million in 2023), while pre‑tax profit rose from £222,000 to £3.9 million.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward: Sales almost double at luxury watchmaker ahead of US expansion |url=https://www.watchpro.com/christopher-ward-aims-for-50-million-in-sales/ |website=WatchPro |date=2024-11-25 |access-date=2025-06-29}} The company’s growth was attributed to the popularity of models such as the C1 Bel Canto and The Twelve.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward's growth ticks up as designs chime with buyers |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c02c2c48-e39d-4b08-88d7-66c733e98f6d |website=Financial Times |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

In July 2014, Christopher Ward unveiled its first in-house watch movement, the Calibre SH21, following a merger with its Swiss manufacturing partner, Synergies Horlogères SA.{{Cite web |title=British Watch Brand Christopher Ward Develops In-House Movement |url=https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/british-watch-brand-christopher-ward-develops-in-house-movement-p_14441/ |website=Chrono24 Magazine |date=2019-02-14 |access-date=2025-06-29}} The launch of the SH21 marked the first commercially viable mechanical movement introduced by a British watch brand in over 50 years.{{Cite web |title=The Story Of Calibre SH21 |url=https://www.fratellowatches.com/the-story-of-christopher-wards-calibre-sh21/ |website=Fratello Watches |date=2021-06-02 |access-date=2025-06-29}}{{Cite web |title=Calibre SH21: the heart of a horological revolution |url=https://www.watchisthis.com/calibre-sh21-heart-horological-revolution/ |website=Watchisthis?! |date=2016-09-06 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

The SH21 was conceived by master watchmaker Johannes Jahnke and developed in Biel, Switzerland. Its design was intended to provide both high performance and long-term versatility across complications. Notable features include:

• A five-day (120-hour) power reserve via twin barrels;
• COSC chronometer certification;
• A modular architecture supporting automatic or hand-wound variants, with optional complications including date, small seconds, and power reserve display.

The first watch powered by SH21 was the C9 Harrison 5-Day Automatic, released in 2014.{{Cite web |title=Hands-On: Christopher Ward C9 Harrison 5 Day Automatic |url=https://wornandwound.com/hands-on-christopher-ward-c9-harrison-5-day-automatic/ |website=Worn & Wound |date=2014-09-10 |access-date=2025-06-29}} Since then, the movement has appeared in models across the Christopher Ward lineup, including skeletonized and limited-edition variations. The C60 Concept (2021), for example, featured a fully skeletonized version of the SH21 as a demonstration of the company's design and engineering capabilities.

Watch media has widely credited SH21 as a turning point for the company and for modern British watchmaking. Publications like Fratello Watches and Chrono24 described it as one of the most important technical achievements by a British brand in decades.

Christopher Ward has revised its logo multiple times since its founding.

The original logo, used from the brand's inception in 2005, featured a stylized monogram with the letter "W" enclosed in a large "C", typically accompanied by the text "Christopher Ward London" beneath it.{{cite web |title=Original Logo, Old Logo, Current Logo |url=https://www.christopherwardforum.com/general-discussion/original-logo-old-logo-current-logo-t42766-15.html |website=Christopher Ward Forum |access-date=2025-06-29}}

The second version, introduced around 2011, presented a more typographic approach: the abbreviated wordmark "Chr.Ward", sometimes including the word "London". The design aimed to evoke a traditional British character but did not gain lasting popularity.

In 2016, the company underwent a major rebranding, introducing a clean sans-serif wordmark of the full name "Christopher Ward", along with a new emblem: a "twin flags" logo.{{cite web |title=Applied Logo |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/applied-logo.html |website=Christopher Ward |access-date=2025-06-29}} This emblem combines elements of the St George's Cross (England) and the Swiss flag, symbolizing the brand’s Anglo-Swiss identity. Alongside the design update, the logo’s dial placement was shifted from the 12 o’clock position to 9 o’clock.

Over time, the brand began phasing out the wordmark from the dial entirely, leaving only the twin-flags emblem as the primary identifier on many watches. The company has stated its aim for the symbol to be recognizable on its own—similar to other iconic watch brands.

Christopher Ward organizes its watch offerings into several core collections based on design inspiration and intended use. Each collection includes multiple models that share design characteristics and often feature variations in case size, dial color, and complications.{{Cite web |title=Premium watches within the reach of everyone. |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/home |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Christopher Ward}}

The company’s sport category is centered around the C63 Sealander line, introduced in 2020 as a range of everyday tool watches. Designed with versatility in mind, the Sealander models are built for general use and come in several formats including automatic, GMT, and bronze editions.{{Cite web |title=Sealander Collection |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/collection/sealander/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} In 2023, Christopher Ward launched The Twelve, an integrated bracelet sports watch featuring an angular case and textured dial, inspired by high-end 1970s sports watches.{{Cite web |title=The Twelve |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/collection/the-twelve/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Christopher Ward}}

The company’s dive watches are primarily represented by the C60 Trident collection, a range of modern diver’s watches with a minimum of 300 m water resistance and ceramic bezels.{{Cite web |title=C60 Trident Pro 300 |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/dive/c60-trident-pro-300/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} The flagship C60 Trident Pro serves as the core diver’s model, while the C60 Elite 1000—crafted in titanium—features a 1000 m depth rating and helium release valve.{{Cite web |title=C60 Elite 1000 |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/dive/c60-elite-1000/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} Heritage-style diving designs are offered through models like the C65 Aquitaine, which evokes the design of mid-20th century divers, notably the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.{{Cite web |title=C65 Aquitaine Collection |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/dive/c65-aquitaine/ |access-date=2025-06-29}}

The C65 collection, introduced in 2016, forms the basis of Christopher Ward’s retro category. These watches are inspired by mid-century field and dive watches and use vintage design cues like box sapphire crystals and “Old Radium”-style lume.{{Cite web |title=C65 Collection |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/retro/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} The C65 Dune, released in 2023, is a notable model within this range and is designed as a compact, outdoors-oriented retro field watch.{{Cite web |title=Introducing the C65 Dune |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/c65-dune-automatic/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} The C65 Super Compressor, introduced in 2020, revives a vintage EPSA-style compression case that uses water pressure to tighten the seals.{{Cite web |title=Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/c65-super-compressor/ |access-date=2025-06-29}}

Christopher Ward launched its Military Collection in 2019 through a licensing agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence. The range includes the C65 Sandhurst (Army), C65 Dartmouth (Navy), and C65 Cranwell (RAF), each inspired by mid-century British military-issue watches.{{Cite web |title=Christopher Ward's Military Collection |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/collection/military/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} These models feature heritage designs, chronometer-certified movements, and display each branch's insignia on the caseback.

Later military-inspired additions include the C60 Lympstone, honoring the Royal Marines with a rugged, tactical diver’s design, and the C63 Colchester, a lightweight carbon watch designed in collaboration with the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.{{Cite web |title=C63 Colchester |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/military/c63-colchester-elite/ |access-date=2025-06-29}}

Outside of its primary categories, Christopher Ward has developed several technically ambitious models. The most notable is the C1 Bel Canto, a chiming watch with a “sonnerie au passage” complication, which strikes the hour automatically. Released in 2022, it was one of the most affordable mechanical chiming watches available upon its debut.{{Cite web |title=Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/dress/c1-bel-canto/ |access-date=2025-06-29}}

Other models include the C1 Moonglow, which features a moonphase complication with dual 3D moon discs beneath a translucent sapphire dial,{{Cite web |title=C1 Moonglow |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/dress/c1-moonglow/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} and the C12 Loco, introduced in 2023 to debut the brand’s new in-house manual-wind movement, the Calibre CW-003.{{Cite web |title=C12 Loco |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/dress/c12-loco/ |access-date=2025-06-29}} The movement features 144 hours of power reserve and visible finishing.

Christopher Ward launched the Challenger Programme in 2013 to support individuals undertaking ambitious ventures. The initiative began when a group of recent graduates sought sponsorship for an expedition to summit an unclimbed peak in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. The team successfully completed the climb and named the 4,922 m summit Mount Christopher Ward—reportedly the first mountain in the world named after a watch brand.{{cite web |title=Mountain named after Christopher Ward |url=http://www.watchpro.com/15511-mountain-named-after-christopher-ward/ |website=WatchPro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020200422/http://www.watchpro.com/15511-mountain-named-after-christopher-ward/ |archive-date=2013-10-20 |date=2013-10-18 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

The programme has since expanded to support emerging athletes and creatives. Notable participants include Amber Hill, a skeet shooter who became Britain's youngest ever senior world cup gold medallist; Will Satch, an Olympic gold-medalist rower; and Samantha Kinghorn, a Paralympic wheelchair racer. These athletes were supported by the brand early in their careers, reflecting Christopher Ward's focus on ambition and resilience.{{cite web |title=Meet the CW Challengers |url=https://www.kavanaghcommunications.com/press-releases/cw-amber-hill/ |website=Kavanagh Communications |access-date=2025-06-29}}{{cite web |title=Will Satch |url=https://www.kavanaghcommunications.com/press-releases/christopher-ward-strap-fits-wear/ |website=Kavanagh Communications |access-date=2025-06-29}}

In May 2023, Christopher Ward became the official timekeeping partner of the Gallagher Premiership, England’s top-tier professional rugby union league.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward sponsors Premiership Rugby |url=https://www.christopherward.com/int/loupe-magazine/article?cid=cw-sponsors-premiership-rugby |website=Christopher Ward |access-date=2025-06-29}}{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward becomes official timing partner of Premiership Rugby |url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/christopher-ward-becomes-official-timing-partner-of-premiership-rugby-149170 |website=Rugby World |date=2023-05-19 |access-date=2025-06-29}} As part of the agreement, the Christopher Ward logo appears on stadium shot clocks and other official timing equipment. The brand described the sponsorship as part of its broader effort to reach a wider sporting audience.

Christopher Ward became the official global timing partner of Everton F.C. in 2022 and expanded the agreement in 2024 to become the club’s sleeve sponsor for the 2024–25 season—Everton’s final year at Goodison Park.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward becomes Everton’s first Global Timing Partner |url=https://www.christopherward.com/loupe-magazine/article?cid=christopherward-and-everton |website=Christopher Ward |access-date=2025-06-29}}{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward and Everton agree shirt sleeve sponsorship |url=https://www.watchpro.com/christopher-ward-and-everton-agree-shirt-sleeve-sponsorship/ |website=WatchPro |date=2024-08-02 |access-date=2025-06-29}} The company also became a founding partner of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, set to open in 2025. The partnership includes a dedicated showroom and branded hospitality space inside the new venue, a first-of-its-kind integration for a luxury watchmaker.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward announced as Everton Stadium Founding Partner |url=https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/08/02/christopher-ward-announced-as-everton-stadium-founding-partner/ |website=Goodison News |access-date=2025-06-29}}

In 2021, Christopher Ward partnered with Team BRIT, a British racing team composed of drivers with physical and psychological disabilities aiming to compete at Le Mans. The brand provided timekeeping support and featured its logo on the team’s vehicles.{{cite web |title=Christopher Ward backs Team BRIT in inclusive motorsport initiative |url=https://www.watchpro.com/christopher-ward-backs-team-brit-in-inclusive-motorsport-initiative/ |website=WatchPro |date=2021-03-10 |access-date=2025-06-29}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|www.christopherward.co.uk/}}
• [http://wornandwound.com/2014/07/03/introducing-christopher-ward-sh21-game-changer/ INTRODUCING THE CHRISTOPHER WARD SH21: A GAME CHANGER] {{Archive url|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831105716/http://wornandwound.com/2014/07/03/introducing-christopher-ward-sh21-game-changer/|date=2014-08-31}}
• [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/festival-of-business/11057329/British-watchmaker-launches-movement-against-Swiss-monopoly.html British watchmaker launches movement against Swiss monopoly] {{Archive url|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829161528/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/festival-of-business/11057329/British-watchmaker-launches-movement-against-Swiss-monopoly.html|date=2014-08-29}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20141010200323/http://www.watchpro.com/16634-christopher-ward-marks-10-years-with-sh21-calibre/ Christopher Ward marks 10 years with SH21 calibre]

Category:Watch manufacturing companies of the United Kingdom

Category:British companies established in 2004

Category:Manufacturing companies established in 2004

Category:British brands

Category:Watch brands