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v7.3 (A.I. Watch & Collection Reviews)
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Model Name:
Reference:
Christopher Ward Twelve Glacier Blue
C12-40ADA1-S00B1-B0
Country
UK
Current Rating
1353
Rating Implied Value ($)
$
1225
Expected Rating Based on Price
1353
Rating Alpha
0
Price ($)
$
1225
Date Added:
Oct 26, 2024
Watch Description
A watch for the whole of your life
Christopher Ward doesn’t do luxury. Tool watches, yes. Innovative complications, of course. Value for money, most certainly. But luxury – with its show-off implications and forced scarcity – we’ve largely shied away from. If we were to approach this world at all, it would be on our own terms.
Well, we did. And here’s the result. The Twelve is our first integrated bracelet sports watch since the C20 Lido of 2008, and represents a new peak for Christopher Ward. Combining reassuringly beefy build quality with a sleek fit and finish, it brings five-figure quality levels into the real world, making its home in that ever-widening gap between the strictly dressy and the purely sporty. A place, after all, where most of us live our lives.
The Twelve references a style that came to prominence in the 1970s with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Both featured bracelets that flowed seamlessly into the watch head, the entire thing feeling of-a-piece. Both were made of humble stainless steel, scandalously eschewing precious metals. And both seemed immensely individual and desirable, while allowing a conservative industry to have fun with design.
The Twelve brings the pleasures of such pieces with none of the downsides. Fittingly, it’s home to some of Christopher Ward’s boldest design moves. It has a twelve-sided bezel – dodecagonal, no less – which gives a subtle scalloped look. It features a heavily textured three-dimensional dial, built of little moguls referencing the ‘pluses’ of the twin-flags logo. And it has a remarkable combination of intriguing surface finishes on case, bracelet and bezel.
Indeed, as you turn The Twelve in your hands, you’ll find intriguing details everywhere. In a playful tip of the hat to the Royal Oak, six exposed screws hold down the 12-sided case-back surround, while Christopher Ward’s sword and triangle handset is rendered in a slim, sophisticated fashion.
A highly polished piece in every sense, The Twelve sparkles in the sunshine, comes alive under dimmed lights, and feels at home everywhere.
40
44.5
10
100
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Automatic
Sellita SW200-1
38
Blue
A.I. WatchMetrics Review:
8.4
### Christopher Ward Twelve Glacier Blue Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
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**Overall Watch Rating: 8.4/10**
A unique blend of modern design and traditional Swiss craftsmanship, the Christopher Ward Twelve Glacier Blue offers a sophisticated, contemporary take on the integrated bracelet sports watch. The Glacier Blue dial sets it apart with a visually stunning appearance, emphasizing both style and quality. It appeals to collectors looking for an affordable, Swiss-made alternative to luxury integrated bracelet models.
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#### Metric Breakdown
- **Brand (8.0/10)**
- **Explanation**: Christopher Ward is highly regarded in the microbrand community, known for delivering value-focused timepieces that balance high-quality materials and reliable Swiss movements. While still relatively new in the watch industry compared to traditional brands, it has earned a solid reputation for quality and innovation.
- **History & Innovation (7.5/10)**
- **Explanation**: Though not steeped in heritage, Christopher Ward has pioneered direct-to-consumer luxury with modern designs and unique approaches to watchmaking. The Glacier Blue incorporates impressive details like a bespoke Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, demonstrating the brand's commitment to quality innovation.
- **Rarity (7.8/10)**
- **Explanation**: While not a limited edition, the Twelve Glacier Blue’s niche appeal and distinctive design make it somewhat rare, especially in the microbrand space. The unique blue dial and integrated bracelet design offer a distinctive alternative to mainstream brands, enhancing its appeal among collectors.
- **Material (8.8/10)**
- **Explanation**: Constructed with a high-grade stainless steel case and integrated bracelet, the Glacier Blue is built for durability and longevity. The meticulous brushing and polished surfaces offer a quality finish. The use of sapphire crystal also ensures scratch resistance, contributing positively to the material quality score.
- **Movement (8.2/10)**
- **Explanation**: Powered by the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, this watch offers a strong balance of functionality and dependability, with a 38-hour power reserve. This movement provides consistent accuracy and is respected among watch enthusiasts as a durable Swiss option.
- **Versatility (8.5/10)**
- **Explanation**: The Twelve Glacier Blue combines sporty aesthetics with refined elegance, making it adaptable for both casual and formal settings. Its 100m water resistance and integrated bracelet also add to its functionality, making it suitable for everyday wear and occasional adventures.
- **Complications (6.5/10)**
- **Explanation**: As a time-only watch with a date function, the Twelve Glacier Blue is straightforward but lacks advanced complications. This simplicity aligns with the clean design ethos of the model, though it may be seen as a limitation for those seeking more functionality.
- **Functions (7.9/10)**
- **Explanation**: The Twelve includes key functional features, such as 100m water resistance, lume, and an exhibition caseback. These elements make it a practical choice for daily use, though its functional scope is modest given the absence of additional complications or tool-watch elements.
- **Dials & Design (9.2/10)**
- **Explanation**: The Glacier Blue dial is a standout feature with its eye-catching color and intricate detailing, setting a high standard in its price range. The design includes a subtle textured pattern that adds depth, while the applied indices and finishing elevate the visual appeal. This exceptional attention to design and craftsmanship is one of the watch’s defining traits.
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#### Summary
The Christopher Ward Twelve Glacier Blue is a compelling option for those interested in a refined sports watch with a striking aesthetic. With its integrated bracelet, modern design, and Swiss-made reliability, it serves as a versatile choice for collectors who appreciate Christopher Ward’s value-driven approach to horology. While it may lack the name recognition of more established brands, its quality and design align closely with higher-end integrated bracelet models.
This watch is best suited for someone who values a unique, modern aesthetic in their collection. The Glacier Blue dial adds a bold touch, making it a statement piece for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Overall, the Twelve Glacier Blue exemplifies Christopher Ward’s dedication to design and detail, delivering a distinctive, Swiss-crafted watch at a compelling price.
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*_"A.I. WatchMetrics Review v7.3"_*