Introducing: The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Stones

February 26, 2015

Christopher Ward expands its versatile Sealander family with a striking set of four new models, the C63 Sealander Stones. This time, the spotlight is on natural stones, crafted into dials that make each watch one of a kind. The lineup includes malachite, charoite, turquoise, and tigers eye.The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Stones models are limited to just 150 pieces per variant. For a price between $1,050 and $1,295 (depending on strap/bracelet choice), CW manages to overperform in the value department once more. Lets have a closer look!The Christopher Ward C63 SealanderSince its debut, the Sealander line has served as Christopher Wards modern all-arounder - a true GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch, if you will. However, the brand often pushes its core designs into more daring territory. A good example is the C63 Sealander Celest with its aventurine dial, paving the way for more exotic dial options today.With the C63 Sealander Stones, Christopher Ward takes it to the logical next level. I say logical in part because stone dials are all the rage at the moment. Four minerals now form the faces of these watches. As you would expect, each gives the traditional C63 Sealander a distinct vibe.Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Stones specsThe Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Stones uses a 36mm case with a 10.75mm thickness and a 42.9mm lug-to-lug. Crafted from stainless steel, it provides water resistance to 150 meters. Buyers can choose from the three-row Bader bracelet, the jewelry-like five-row Consort bracelet, or a Seta leather strap.Inside the C63 Sealander Stones ticks the dependable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. This 26-jewel caliber, visible through a sapphire-equipped exhibition case back, beats at a 4Hz frequency, offers a 38-hour power reserve, and dons a custom CW rotor.The highlight of the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Stones is, of course, the dials. Malachite shows green banding, charoite offers purple swirls, turquoise displays vivid blue-green tones, and tigers eye reveals golden stripes with a shimmering effect. Each dial is naturally unique, as is always the case with stone dials. Finishing touches include diamond-polished indexes, an applied twin-flag logo, and hands with Super-LumiNova X1 BL C1.First impressions of the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander StonesWe live in an age of democratization of stone dials. Okay, our times will probably be remembered for very different reasons, but you catch my drift, right? Once reserved for only the fanciest of and Piaget offerings, brands such as Formex, Dennison, and Christopher Ward bring them within reach of most watch enthusiasts. And thats great!Admittedly, I have never been a huge fan of the C63 Sealander. I always felt it was a bit bland and reminiscent of other watches that preceded it. That said, I cannot deny the value it offers. You will be hard-pressed to find a more solidly built and well-finished do-it-all watch for the money. Throw in some stone dials, though, and I reckon no one can call the Sealander bland anymore.However, putting stone dials in existing watches can sometimes result in a look that isnt entirely cohesive. I have to admit that these new Christopher Ward models give me that impression. The cases are perhaps a bit too sporty or modern for the outspokenly classical vibe of stone dials. In my eyes, the whole package doesnt quite come together. Does that matter?Crucially, I dont think this matters one bit. Christopher Ward has a unique positioning and fan base. The brand has always been about giving you as much watch as possible for the least amount of money. In fact, it has been revolutionary in this sense. The new Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Stones fits right into that narrative and isnt trying to please the most finicky of design purists.I expect CW will sell all of these in no time. The Stones models suit the maximizing spirit of the brand, which its core audience will surely appreciate. My pick of the bunch would probably be the malachite version. Which would be yours? Let us know in the comments section below!Watch specifications Brand Christopher Ward Model C63 Sealander Stones Limited Editions Dial Malachite, yellow tigers eye, charoite, or turquoise with diamond-polished applied indexesCase Material Stainless steelCase Dimensions 36mm (diameter) 42.9mm (lug-to-lug) 10.3mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back Stainless steel and sapphire crystal, screw-in Movement Sellita SW200-1: automatic with manual winding and hacking 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, custom Christopher Ward rotorWater Resistance 15 ATM (150 meters)Strap Stainless steel three-row Bader bracelet, five-row Consort bracelet, or Seta leather strapFunctions Time only (hours, minutes, seconds)Price $950 / $1,250 / US$1,385 (on Bader bracelet) - $985 / $1,295 / US$1,430 (on Consort bracelet) - $795 / $1,050 / US$1,175 (on Seta leather strap) Special Note(s) Each version is limited to 150 pieces. Christopher Ward's US tariff rollback applies, so US customers pay local sales tax but no additional tariffs or import duties.