Christopher Ward’s Latest Watch Drops This Week — And It’s Already Shaking Up the Industry with Award Buzz You Can’t Ignore!
If you’ve ever dipped a toe into the world of watches, you’ll know Christopher Ward isn’t just ticking along — they’re sprinting ahead, leaving some Swiss heavyweights looking a bit, well, bruised. This British brand has been crafting increasingly ambitious timepieces that punch way above their weight, especially when you consider the price tag. Now, they’re back with the C1 Loco Classic, a fresh take on last year’s bold C12 Loco, but this time wrapped in a more refined, classic package. Starting at $5,995, and already shortlisted for one of watchmaking’s most coveted awards, this watch is stirring the pot — but can it keep up the pace and make waves again? Let’s dive in and find out. LEARN MORE
3 min readAnyone with even a passing interest in watches will know that Christopher Ward is on something of a roll. The British brand has spent the past few years producing increasingly ambitious watches at prices that have left some its Swiss rivals looking somewhat, um, punchy.
Its latest is the C1 Loco Classic, a more traditional interpretation of the C12 Loco, introduced last year. It goes on sale today, with prices starting at $5,995, and has already been nominated for one of watchmaking’s most prestigious awards.
The new watch comes in three colors: the previously revealed gold-toned “Oro,” alongside light blue and black versions unveiled today. All three are available on either a suede strap for $5,995 or on a brand new stainless-steel bracelet for $6,275.
The Loco Classic is one of six finalists in the Petite Aiguille category of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), often described as the Oscars of watchmaking, which recognizes watches priced between CHF 4,500 and CHF 10,000. It is the only British-brand nominee in the category.
That matters because Christopher Ward has been here before. In 2023, its Bel Canto, a chiming watch that cost considerably less than most comparable mechanical complications, won the same award. It was the first British watch to win a GPHG prize, bringing Christopher Ward to the attention of collectors who might previously have overlooked it.
The company has since received nominations for its C1 Moonphase in 2024 and the C1 Celestial Moonphase and C12 Loco in 2025. The latter introduced the manually wound CW-003 movement, with its large, exposed balance wheel positioned on the dial side, making the mechanism’s operation a central part of the design.
The Loco Classic uses the same movement, but puts it into a completely new setting. Where the C12 Loco had an angular case and integrated sports bracelet, the new model has a rounded 41mm case in 904L stainless steel, individually soldered lugs, and a white ceramic dial with Roman numerals. The lower portion of the dial is finished with a varnish containing powdered mother-of-pearl, which gives the surface a glimmering, changing appearance under different lights.
Despite arriving later, the Classic was not conceived as a straightforward adaptation of the C12. CW says development began back in in June 2024, before the original Loco went on sale. Christopher Ward redesigned the movement’s visible bridges with slimmer, more rounded profiles, with each set receiving more than five hours of hand-finishing by a specialist in the Swiss Jura.
“The C1 Loco Classic was conceived to evoke an entirely different emotion from the original,” says Christopher Ward co-founder and CEO Mike France. “This is a parallel expression of CW-003 built around the movement-led design and artisanal finishing that we feel has defined the contemporary renaissance in high-end independent watchmaking.”
The case measures a not-insubstantial 14.1mm thick—although more than 5.5mm of that is accounted for by its domed sapphire crystals. Lug-to-lug length is 48mm. The CW-003 movement has an also not-insubstantial six-day power reserve—plus a stated accuracy of between zero and plus seven seconds per day.
The new Consort bracelet, developed for this model, is also made from 904L steel, with alternating polished and brushed surfaces, tool-free link adjustment, and an adjustable clasp.
At $5,995, the Loco Classic is likely to raise more eyebrows in the market.
Its exposed movement, hand-finished components, and unconventional dial arrangement are all features more commonly associated with considerably more expensive independent watchmakers—and now there’s a “classic” version, presumably at least part-intended to appeal to those who found its predecessors color options of Frisco Orange, Pasadena Blue, Ursa Black, and Alabaster White a bit much.
The GPHG winners will be announced in Geneva next month. Three years after the Bel Canto’s victory, can Christopher Ward do it again?
Dr. Elsey's Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag
$22.99 (as of October 16, 2026 03:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags on Refill Rolls, 270 Bags, Lavender | Guaranteed Leak Proof and Extra Thick Waste Bag Refill Rolls
$14.99 (as of October 16, 2026 03:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
DUMOS Dog Playpen 24 Inch 8 Panels Indoor Outdoor Metal Pet Fence | Foldable Dog Play Pen with Door, Portable Exercise, RV Camping, Puppy Small Medium Dogs
$38.99 (as of October 16, 2026 03:21 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Seafood Wet Cat Food, 3 oz Cans, 24-Pack | Variety Pack, crafted with real seafood in savory gravy. Made with no Artificial Colors or Preservatives.
$22.86 (as of October 16, 2026 03:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment