WH723 C70 French GP 1906 COSC Limited Edition (Undated)
WH723 C70 French GP 1906 COSC Limited Edition (Undated)
Christopher Ward C70 French Grand Prix 1906 Chronometer Chronograph Limited Edition
Introduction
Following the success of 2009’s original C70 Grand Prix series of eight watches, Christopher Ward embarked on a number of stand-alone C70 Specials. They included the GB COSC, DBR1 COSC, BRG, DBR1/2, VW4 COSC, 3527 GT, D-Type and the HRDC..!
At the end of the C70’s lifecycle in 2015, CW released a set of four COSC-certified (accurate to +/-10sec per year) pieces as the C70’s swan song. They made 500 of each of the four watches, which celebrated the first ever Grands Prix of four different countries: The (green) British GP 1926, the (yellow) Belgian GP 1925, the (red) Italian GP 1921 and finally the watch for sale in this listing; the French Grand Prix 1906!
The “C70 French GP 1906 Chronometer” to give its full title, celebrates the first ever French GP which was held at the now iconic town of Le Mans. The event’s ‘grand prize’ of 45,000 Francs (the equivalent of 13kg of gold at the time or half a mi££ion today) was put up by local businesses in an attempt to attract visitors and trade - needless to say, the investment is still paying dividends today!
The 12-lap race was won by Hungarian, Ferenc Szisz in his Renault 90CV in a time of… 12 hours and 14 minutes! You’ll find his name and time on the plate on the left side of the case.
Condition:
If you’re familiar with C70s, you’ll know their exposed aluminium bezel has a reputation for getting fairly easily marked. This is one of the better ones that I’ve seen, there is the odd mark, but nothing much that detracts from the watch.
It comes as a deluxe wooden case (missing cushion). No papers unfortunately (but you can’t wear the papers!).
Strap is worn but still has some life left in it. If you would like other options, please let me know and I’ll see what I can find.
Specs:
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 11.8mm
Calibre: ETA 251.264 COSC
Water resistance: 100m
Strap: 22mm
Owner’s Book:
A PDF version of the owner manual is available on the CW website: www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dw063b0e72/pdfs/Motorsport/c70coscgp_manual.pdf
Final Notes:
The first picture is a library photo, the rest show the actual watch and package.