CW Aficionados 2020 Limited Edition

[Frank W]

This limited edition watch was designed with input from all members of the Christopher Ward Aficionados group on Facebook. The process of getting to the final design was fun and interesting. There were several group votes along the way where we decided on the CW model to base this watch on, what type (time only, GMT, date/no-date), colors, movement and more design elements.

This bespoke watch was based on the C65 Darthmouth and the C65 Trident GMT. Many wished for a C65 GMT with non-vintage lume and a GMT version of the Dartmouth. So why not combine the best elements from both and have a unique dial color?

The final design selection had a lot of interest and at least 25 buyers promised they would commit to buy. But when the final design and sign up was posted, we couldn’t get the minimum number of 25 buyers to commit.

This was at the end of November 2019 and probably bad timing for a luxury watch purchase. Black Friday was around the corner and many may have saved their money for the holiday shopping season. We were going to try again in spring of 2020 as this would be a perfect summer watch. But then covid-19 happened and was even a worse time for people to commit and having a bespoke watch made by CW.

So unfortunately this CWA LE 2020 never made it into production and on the wrist of the interested buyers. The entire process of design by group voting was fun and interesting though. Working with the good people at Christopher Ward was fun as well and Chris Ward, Mike France and Adrian Buchmann were very accommodating and patient with all requests and design proposals.

Creating a bespoke limited edition watch is a lot of work and takes time. I am not sure if I would take on another project like this but figured I would share the details of this design.

Some of the designs that CW proposed seem very similar to the current C63 Sealander GMT so we were on the right track with the design of this watch. And this one was 41mm which would please many as being just the right size.

Many watches have names and we wanted to give this LE a name as well. The group proposed several names and the name CALYPSO came out with the most votes.

The final design and sign-up as posted on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CWAficionados/posts/497396870848358/

Discussion contents:

I received the final design proposals and now it is time start an official list with names of buyers! Serious buyers only please so we will get an accurate final number for CW to provide a final price for this LE. In general, these LE watches are not returnable like their regular watches with 60-day returns. Minimum number needed is 25, more buyers will be better. Please share with your watch friends!

£895 (£746 ex VAT) – converts to: €1037 (incl VAT) – US$ 960 – CA$ 1257 – AU$ 1400 at current exchange rates. Tax and import duty may apply when imported in your country outside the UK and EU. Prices quoted are on a leather or hybrid strap, add £100 for a bracelet.

All technical details and price are the same as the C65 GMT

If you want to join in on this group CWA 2020 Limited Edition and add your name to the list, please send me a personal message through Facebook or email to ------- with “CWA 2020 LE” in the subject line and these details:
First and last name:
Email address:
Strap or bracelet:
Personalised engraving (if any):
Requested serial number if any (CWA-002 through CWA-025):

More serial numbers above 25 may become available depending on the number of buyers.
I assume we can specify strap type and color when the watches are at CW headquarters and ready for shipping.

You can also reply in this thread so others can follow what is happening, how many buyers are joining in, requested serial numbers and so on.

When the list is complete, CW will contact each buyer so they can set up an order in their system.

I asked Chris Ward a few questions:

Q: Final pricing details?
A: It depends on final number – will finalise price then

Q: Deposit needed?
A: no

Q: Is deposit non-refundable or refundable if buyer has to cancel for personal or other reasons?
A: don’t worry…

Q: Expected delivery date for customers to receive their LE watch?
A: from receiving the finished list….say 3-4 months

Q: Return policy for bespoke watches?
A: none as will be personally engraved… obviously if problems occur then 60:60 applies

Proposals of the final designs provided by CW. An ombre type dial was optional but I think most group members preferred a smooth dial.

 

The color with the most votes went to the darker turquoise dial.  Green with a red GMT hand and the blue from the Darthmouth were other optional colors.

[Frank W]

More details can be found in this thread: