By now, you might be in all probability conscious that Christopher Ward is tough to beat by way of reasonably priced luxurious watches. One of many model’s hottest collection is the C63 Sealander, and inside it, the GMT fashions are notably in demand. We by no means reviewed the watch, so it was about time that we did. However not too way back, Christopher Ward launched a 36mm model along with the 39mm mannequin already within the assortment. For a lot of watch followers, it raises the query of the proper mannequin for them. We determined to get each sizes within the workplace and create a comparative evaluation to seek out out extra. We shortly discovered that there was no strategy to go fallacious with both one. However is there a transparent winner? Let’s discover out.
Christopher Ward’s C63 Sealander GMT is a kind of immediately recognizable watches. A look will let you know that the Rolex Explorer II impressed the general look. However zoom in a bit extra, and you will see out that the designers at Christopher Ward created a watch that’s reasonably totally different in its particulars. The clear references to the Explorer II come from the fastened stainless-steel bezel and the colours of the dial and palms. Nonetheless, the totally different execution of sure components separates the C63 Sealander GMT from the well-known silhouette it takes after. No matter your tackle this design, the actual fact is that the collection is extremely well-liked with watch followers. That’s why we needed to seek out out extra concerning the accessible fashions.
The story of the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
The 39mm mannequin debuted in 2021. Over time, the branding on the dial has modified, however the general design has remained the identical. The model launched the smaller 36mm model at the start of this 12 months. It’s a welcome addition to the lineup that many followers have needed to see for a very long time. In consequence, you now have the selection of two sizes and three shared dial colours. The 39mm model has a fourth dial choice, which we’d see within the 36mm mannequin quickly.
The primary two dial colours are black gloss and white gloss. The third choice is the Dragonfly Blue dial. It’s an fascinating blue with a sunray end that first debuted within the 39mm model final August. The 39mm model can also be accessible with a darkish inexperienced gradient dial. Out of the accessible choices, we picked the white-dial variations for this comparability. I normally gravitate in direction of black dials, however this was a pleasant alternative to vary issues up. Because it turned out, it was the proper selection as a result of these two watches drastically modified my opinion of crisp white dials. However let’s begin at the start earlier than we tackle the conclusions.
The case measurement and visible proportions of the C63 Sealander GMT fashions
Each C63 Sealander variations characteristic acquainted C63 instances in numerous sizes. The 39mm mannequin measures 45.8mm lengthy and 11.85mm thick, whereas the case of the smaller 36mm mannequin measures 43mm lengthy and 11.15mm thick. As you possibly can see, the diameter differs by 3mm and the lug-to-lug can also be proportionally smaller on the 36mm mannequin at 2.8mm. The smaller mannequin is 0.7mm thinner, which is welcome, although it doesn’t make a drastic distinction on the wrist. General, the measurements and proportions make each watches completely appropriate for numerous wrist sizes.
Nonetheless, as everyone knows, numbers solely inform a part of the story. In the end, it’s all about what you see and the way that comes throughout. The visible steadiness of those watches is kind of totally different. Each fashions characteristic a slim and steeply sloping stainless-steel bezel with a 24-hour GMT scale. Each bezels are equally slender, which means the dial measurement will increase with the larger case diameter. Consequently, the visible proportions change as effectively. As a result of steadiness between the bezel and the dial, a number of homeowners of the 39mm mannequin state that it wears like a 41–42mm watch on the wrist. I didn’t discover this to be the case for me, however your mileage could differ.
It’s all about visible steadiness
Nonetheless, as I’m very particular concerning the visible side, the 36mm model stood out because the better-proportioned watch of the 2. The bracelet is the following ingredient that performs a component within the general visible side. We had the watches in on the model’s Oyster-style Bader bracelet. Different choices embody the five-row Consort bracelet, an orange Aquaflex rubber strap, and a Camel Classic Oak leather-based strap for each fashions. The 39mm mannequin can also be accessible on a black or black and orange hybrid textile/rubber strap. All of the choices look good, however we selected the Bader bracelet for comparability. Each case sizes have a 20mm lug spacing, so the watches’ bracelets are very comparable.
Nonetheless, a fast peek on the Christopher Ward web site reveals a couple of variations between these Bader bracelets. The one for the 39mm mannequin weighs 92 grams and comes with single-screw hyperlinks and a smaller clasp. The bracelet for the 36mm model weighs 95 grams and has dual-screw hyperlinks and a bigger clasp, which explains why it’s barely heavier. Each taper down properly from 20mm to 16mm and have a push-button deployant clasp providing toolless micro-adjustment. Moreover, because of the quick-release system, altering the bracelet for a strap is tremendous straightforward.
We obtained each the 36mm and the 39mm C63 Sealander GMTs on the Bader bracelet for the 36mm mannequin however fitted with totally different finish hyperlinks. This was particularly accomplished for the evaluation, nevertheless it’s good to know that the top hyperlinks are totally different, so the bracelets are usually not interchangeable. I’ve additionally mentioned in earlier opinions of the C65 Dune fashions that the Bader bracelet is among the greatest, if not the very best, for the cash. I’ve but to discover a higher bracelet than the Bader bracelet on the €1,350 value level of the C63 Sealander GMT. The construct high quality and luxury are sensible.
Impressively detailed and crisp white dials
However let’s get again to the influence of the bracelet on the proportions. I discovered that enjoyed the 20mm lug spacing for each watches. Some Fratello staff members would have most well-liked a narrower 19mm bracelet on the 36mm model. Truthfully, although, it wouldn’t make that a lot of a distinction, and I like the proportions as they’re. So, as you’ll have guessed, I choose the 36mm C63 Sealander GMT by way of visible influence. It appears to be like completely proportioned, and the steadiness of the slim bezel and the massive white dial on the 39mm model creates a barely totally different picture.
Talking of the white dials, they’re tremendous crisp and good. Each characteristic utilized indices which might be brushed on prime and polished on the sloping ends. The markers are full of Tremendous-LumiNova that lights up blue in the dead of night. Small orange dots and a 60-minute scale with numerals for each 5 minutes are positioned on the surface of the indices. The attribute Christopher Ward handset is executed in darkish grey to properly distinction the white dial.
The 24-hour GMT hand includes a good orange tip that corresponds with the orange textual content on the decrease half of the dial and the orange dots outdoors the utilized hour markers. Situated at 6 o’clock, the date window has a white disc and black printing, so it matches the general design properly. Beneath the window, you will see a cut-off marker full of lume, so studying the time in the dead of night isn’t an issue.
A Sellita SW330-2 inside
For those who flip the watch round, you’ll get a great view of the Sellita SW330-2 that powers each watches. In each instances, the motion includes a customized Christopher Ward-branded rotor and Sellita’s Elaboré-grade end. The automated motion operates at 28,800vph and has 25 jewels and a 56-hour energy reserve. It’s the identical caller-style GMT motion that the model makes use of for the C65 Dune GMT that I personal and adore.
Regardless of not being a extra usually fascinating flyer-style GMT, the caliber is thought to be dependable and simple to make use of. After unscrewing the crown, pulling it out to the primary place permits you to change the date and transfer the GMT hand. Pulling the crown out to the second place allows you to alter the time. The motion affords an accuracy of ±20 seconds per day, which isn’t spectacular. Nonetheless, after three months of proudly owning the C65 Dune GMT, I can say that the identical motion in my watch is effectively inside these margins. A verify confirmed that the 36mm mannequin ran barely quick after we had them however all the time inside a five-second margin.
Sporting the 2 Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT fashions
So, how do the C63 Sealander GMT’s visible proportions have an effect on the carrying expertise? A 39mm case would usually be my go-to measurement out of the 2. Nonetheless, with my choice for the proportions of the 36mm mannequin, I used to be curious to seek out out extra. At first look, the bigger mannequin appears to suit my 19cm wrist higher. However that didn’t imply the 36mm one was too small. It is likely to be a bit too small on the straps, however the bracelet provides to the general presence, so it matches my wrist properly.
The 36mm mannequin on Thomas’s 17.5cm wrist
The 39mm mannequin on Thomas’s 17.5cm wrist
The 36mm mannequin on Thomas’s 17.5cm wrist
The 39mm mannequin on Thomas’s 17.5cm wrist
Thomas, who has a 17.5cm wrist, additionally tried out each watches, and the smaller one did appear extra at house on his wrist. That’s why I initially wore the 39mm model extra. Nonetheless, as quickly as I began altering issues up, I felt the 36mm model additionally suited my wrist effectively. It may appear a tad small for somebody taking a look at my wrist, however I shortly fell in love with the look of the smaller model.
A matter of private choice
For Thomas, the selection was straightforward. He has the smaller wrist of the 2 of us, and the 36mm mannequin seemed proper at house on his wrist, whereas the 39mm model seemed too massive compared. Whereas a 39mm watch is way from too giant on Thomas’s wrist, the visible proportions of this one make it appear greater, particularly with a crisp white dial. The sunshine colour appears to amplify the impact of the dial measurement.
The 36mm mannequin on my 19cm wrist
The 39mm mannequin on my 19cm wrist
The 36mm mannequin on my 19cm wrist
The 39mm mannequin on my 19cm wrist
That may even be why the 36mm model didn’t really feel too small on my wrist. It has a presence that calls for consideration. In the long run, the mixture of the visible proportions and the good match on my wrist made me put on the 36mm C63 Sealander GMT greater than its bigger brother. What each fashions have in frequent is that they’re tremendous snug watches with properly sculpted instances and loads of attract. The end of each watches is predominately brushed, however the polished chamfers on the case and the bezel carry precisely the correct quantity of visible zing to those two timepieces.
Closing ideas on the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT fashions
General, I used to be tremendous impressed by the 2 C63 Sealander GMT fashions. No matter your measurement choice, each watches have quite a bit to supply. They make excellent, trendy every day wearers that stand out due to their unbelievable high quality and nice consideration to element. The design, the construct high quality, the ending, and the good consolation are laborious to beat at this value level. The 36mm model is offered for €1,350, and the 39mm model is barely costlier at €1,365 on the Bader bracelet. However it’s also possible to purchase a C63 Sealander GMT for €1,165 on one of many accessible strap choices.
After spending two weeks with each watches, I fully perceive what makes the C63 Sealander GMT well-liked within the Christopher Ward assortment. Whereas I’ve grown to like the smaller 36mm model, it doesn’t imply it’s the higher watch. I do suppose the general proportions are higher on the smaller model of the 2. However even that’s topic to private choice. It will be greatest to decide on a watch you want; in that course of, there isn’t a goal proper or fallacious with these two watches. Apart from how effectively made they’re (which isn’t precisely information), I realized how a lot I’ve grown to like a 36mm white-dial GMT. Had you instructed me that might occur earlier than this hands-on expertise, I’d have smiled with out believing it. Now, although, it’s on my listing of future needs.
For extra data on these two Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT fashions, go to the official Christopher Ward web site. Within the feedback part, tell us which of the 2 you like.
