Just when we thought Christopher Ward had reached an affordable watchmaking ceiling with their 2023 Bel Canto, a skeletonized titanium beauty with 120 hours of power reserve proves worthy of the potential watch of the year in 2024.
The Christopher Ward Twelve X
Christopher Ward proudly introduces The Twelve X, the latest addition to its esteemed lineup, driven by the cutting-edge Calibre SH21, an in-house masterpiece. Building upon the success of the integrated bracelet series launched in 2023, The Twelve X joins the ranks of distinguished timepieces like the C60 Apex, C60 Concept, and C1 Bel Canto.
Distinguished as the premier Twelve models powered by SH21, The Twelve X stands out as the first to incorporate both Grade 5 and Grade 2 titanium in its case, accompanied by CW’s innovative micro adjustable bracelet. Embracing innovation further, The Twelve X marks the debut of full skeletonization, elegantly revealing the intricate mechanical movements beneath.
Designer Will Brackfield enthuses, "We've pushed the boundaries, unveiling hidden intricacies of the movement like never before. The outcome is breathtaking—we've refined shapes, heightened contrasts, and elevated the overall aesthetic."
The SH21 boasts a twin-barrel design, granting an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Wearers can marvel at the mesmerizing sight of the barrels winding and unwinding through the watch's face in its new skeletonized form. Each exposed component undergoes meticulous finishing, with precision down to mere fractions of a millimeter, ensuring unparalleled quality.
"The Twelve X transcends mere commemoration; it's a celebration of exquisite craftsmanship," declares Head of Product Jörg Bader. "By embracing advanced machining techniques, we uphold our commitment to democratizing luxury watchmaking."
The Twelve X Technical Information:
Calibre: Calibre SH21 Automatic COSC
Case: Titanium Grade 2 and Grade 5
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 12.30mm
Case Weight: 51g
Water resistance: 10 ATM (100m)
Vibrations: 28,800 p/hr (4Hz)
Timing tolerance: -4/+6 sec p/day
Lug to lug: 46.30mm
Strap width: 25mm
Strap & Price: Titanium bracelet £4,120/$4,865/€5,220
or Rubber strap £3,750/$4,495/€4,850
Crafted as an open series, The Twelve X embodies CW's belief in accessible high-end watchmaking. Its titanium case, meticulously polished, brushed, and sandblasted, showcases a fusion of Grade 2 and Grade 5 titanium, offering durability and refinement. Featuring box crystals on both front and rear, the watch achieves a sleek profile, while the integrated bracelet introduces a redesigned clasp with a convenient quick-
adjustment mechanism.
Co-founder and CEO Mike France reflects, "2024 marks a significant milestone for Christopher Ward: our 20th anniversary and the 10th year of Calibre SH21 production." He adds, "The Twelve X epitomizes our core principle—that exceptional timepieces need not come with exorbitant price tags. In the £1,000 range, we deliver the quality and craftsmanship usually associated with watches twice or thrice the price. And in the £3,000-4,000 range, the contrast is even more striking."
Ultimately, The Twelve X transcends its role as a tribute to anniversaries or a vehicle for introducing SH21 to a broader audience—it's a testament to the sheer delight of high-end finishing, irrespective of its means of achievement.
You can learn more about Christopher Ward's The Twelve X at the link below. You can also see more about the Bel Canto and Twelve here.
Bravo, Christopher Ward.
And thanks for stopping by.
Balance & Bridge
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