r/ChristopherWard

So I recently ordered a green 15 from a watch show. I had heard they had some qc issues but all the examples at the show were fantastic, I decided to take the leap.

This is what arrived. The end links on one side are...tolerable. the other side though i wouldn't accept on a $200 watch, much less a $3,000 watch.

Since it is known cw sells returns, I can only assume that is exactly what this watch is. I am going to initiate the returns process tomorrow on it. Maybe its next owner will be more accepting.

Update: I have attempted to adjust the out of place quick release on the back and the bracelet is not clicking into place. This appears to be a manufacturing defect on either the case and/or bracelet. Maybe it needs to be worn in as others have suggest but at this price point or frankly, 1/3rd of this price point, that is not acceptable.

Update2: CW has authorized removal of the packaging to check for damage without risk of a potential returns process. I will update you guys and them tonight. Hopefully this story will get a happy ending yet.

TL:DR - Great quality of life features expected of a modern watch. Great finishing and reliable movement. Colourway is less versatile. Despite ticking so many boxes, it kind of lacks an X-factor.

Coincidentally, I ordered this watch 63 days ago, so I thought I would share my experience.

Firstly, it arrived quickly to me in Australia (about a week) with no surprise import fees/taxes. It was packaged with zero damage to box corners (that matters to some).

Adjusting To Fit:

I'm well versed in sizing watch bands of any style because I used to sell them. The new tool-less adjustment system is fantastic and made it easy removing links, reattaching, and experimenting with balance on the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock ends to fit right on the wrist. I wish it came with half links, but I landed on a configuration that suited me.

How It Feels To Wear:

I have a 6.75" wrist and ordered the 39mm Sealander. I am used to my usual rotation of the 40mm Grand Seiko White Birch, a 41mm Seiko Speedtimer and a 41mm Longines Hydroconquest so, when I first tried on the Sealander, it felt small. It also weighs less than my other watches. It still had a heft and solidity that put it above a lot of brands I have handled though. After about a week on the wrist, I was used to it and it never felt "off" again.

I gave the micro-adjust an absolute trial by fire recently as I spent 3 weeks in steamy Shenzhen, China where it's 32 degrees (C) during the day with 80% humidity and thoroughly airconditioned inside every building. A VERY welcome addition.

How It Looks:

In short, it looks great. Though not a single person has commented on it (not that I care) apart from my wife (she approves).

The pistachio colour is nice. Though I had a horrible, sinking feeling that it was in fact matcha coloured. I quickly purchased a tub of white chocolate matcha ice cream and a tub of pistachio ice cream and was reassured to find it colour matched the pistachio. Hats off to you, Chirstopher Ward.

I will say this though, the pistachio colour is not so versatile. It works with most things, but I did find it clashing slightly with some of my work shirts. Minor gripe. I have several watches and several shirts.

I couldn't find a single finishing issue on mine up close either, which was reassuring after YouTube clips sparking the fear in me. Though it has earned some minor bracelet scuffing since. It lacks the polishing finesse or chamfering of watches like the Longines Spirit Zulu Time, but it's a GADA watch that does what it says on the tin. No complaints.

The exhibition case back is nice, but spartan movement finishing means it's not exciting. Hell, it's sitting next to my White Birch. It's not fair to expect it to wow me.

How It Keeps Time:

Good. Have measured it on a timegrapher several times over the past two months in various climates. +/- 5 seconds a day. No beat error. GMT function came in useful which I was overseas and makes you feel cool needing to adjust it while sitting in your cheap, economy seat that you know you won't get much sleep in.

The Verdict, 63 Days On:

I'm a happy camper. The Sealander GMT ticks pretty much all the boxes for me, and I am happy to have something with some colour in the collection.

I will say that it does feel like SOMETHING is missing. I can't put my finger on what. It's an X-factor feeling of you'll know it when you see it. Maybe it's an identity thing, maybe it's a buying experience thing, or maybe it's because I purchased it without a milestone in mind like the majority of my other watches.

I also think if it were 40mm it would be perfectly proportioned for me specifically.

Anyway, thanks for coming to my TED Talk and feel free to badger me with questions or give your experiences with your C63s below!