Christopher Ward C70GP Italy Limited Edition

Introduction

The C70GP Italy Rossi Corsa is a 500-piece Limited Edition watch which was part of the original six C70 Grand Prix models launched in 2009. The C70 was a brave move by CW, creating a series of very eye-catching motorsport-style models. It turned out to be a hit, paving the way for some 22 different C70 models over the years!

The C70 GP series celebrated the inaugural Grand Prix race at each of six different countries:

• France in 1906 with the C70FR Grand Epreuve

• Italy in 1921 with the C70IT Rossi Corsa

• USA in 1923 with the C70US Cunningham Stripe (a bit of artistic licence used on that one, what with the Cunningham Stripes not actually being used until the early ‘50s!)

• Belgium in 1925 with the C70BR Ascari

• Great Britain in 1926 with the C70GB Brooklands

• And finally Germany in 1931 with the C70DE Silver Arrow

One of the original 6 GP LEs, the C70IT is also known as the “Rossi Corsa”. Italian motorsport and the colour red have long been synonymous, and red has traditionally been used by Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia as their standard racing trim.

The inaugural Italian Grand Prix was held in September 1921 in Brescia, and the winner was Frenchman Jules Goux who won the 30-lap race in a time of 3 hours, 35 minutes and 9 seconds.

Warranty

As a older watch, the five year CW warranty has expired, so it comes with a three month Ward Hoard warranty.

Strap

It’s fitted with the original (fitted end) strap, with its butterfly deployment clasp, which is well used, but still servicable. CW sold out of original replacement straps about a decade ago. The ends often come away, but this one is in pretty good nick.

Will exchange for a black hybrid for an additional cost of £20.

Condition

The C70’s exposed alloy bezel and thinly applied paint make it notoriously delicate, so finding the older ones in good condition is becoming increasingly challenging (CW has long since exhausted its supply of replacement bezels/cases).

The watch in this listing is in good condition - it’s not perfect, there are a few marks and dings on the bezel, clearly visible in the photos.

It comes complete with the original Owner’s Handbook with Certificate of Authenticity and the original covering letter. It has the latest CW bamboo box as the old box has deteriorated beyond use!

In summary, it’s a very good example of a very hard to find watch.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 10.7mm

• Waterproof: 50m

• Movement: ETA 251.272 quartz

User Manual
A PDF version of the owner’s manual is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dwa255857f/pdfs/Motorsport/c70_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• Note the first photograph is a library shot, the rest all show the actual watch and package.