CHRISTOPHER WARD C9 5 DAY AUTOMATIC

The C9 range has probably seen more innovations than any other Christopher Ward model: it was their first automatic chronograph, their first Jumping Hour, their first mono-pusher chronograph, their first power reserve display, first moonphase, first world-timer and in the case of the watch for sale here, the C9 5 Day was the first watch to use their now famous, in-house, SH21 COSC-certified movement. In case that’s new to you, the stand-out feature is its twin barrels providing 120 days power reserve, so you can leave it resting for several days after use and the time will still be right next time you pick it up!

The C9 Harrison was introduced as CW’s flagship Dress range in 2010 and was an active model until 2020, with the C9 AM GT Limited Edition being the last piece to use the C9 case (the C1 grand Malvern was the C9’s replacement).

While the C9 models date back to 2010, the C9 5 Day model for sale here wasn’t launched until mid 2014, when the original selling price was £1,350 on leather and £1,500 for the bracelet model. I believe it was the last watch to wear the CHR. WARD logo and it was retired in early 2017.

Until you’ve held one in your hand, felt its reassuringly sturdy weight (109g) and had a close look in the flesh, it’s hard to appreciate what a stunning watch this is. The huge sapphire exhibition case back gives the best possible way to showcase the masterpiece movement that drives those subtle blue hands.

This model was available in both 40mm and 43mm sizes. The watch here is the larger 43mm model. Because of its very thin bezel and relatively large face area, it appears slightly bigger than say a 43mm Dive watch with a thick bezel might - so if you have a small wrist, the 40mm might be a better option than this one.

In summary, I’d say this is a stunning and very under-appreciated watch. It’s currently by far the cheapest SH21-powered watch on the market I think it will make a true classic in years to come.

Strap Options
It’s currently fitted with the original CW croc-embossed, brown leather strap on a Bader deployant buckle. If you’d rather switch it to an alternative strap or bracelet there are various options available:

• Hirsch Rally blue leather (good used) with unsigned tang buckle - £725

• CW croc-embossed brown leather (good used) on deployant clasp - £775

• CW croc-embossed black leather (new) with tang buckle - £775

• CW very lightly used stainless bracelet - £825

• CW brand new stainless bracelet - £875

Condition
Your first impression when you open the box and pick it up is that it’s a brand new watch. Having given it a close inspection I can only find one small blemish on a polished section of the case back - which would easily polish out with a rub of Cape Cod. That mark is highlighted in the relevant zoomed-to-the-size-of-a-wall-clock photo - but in the flesh it’s barely noticeable.

The original brown leather strap on Bader deployant clasp is in great shape. It’s clearly had minimal wear with just some light creasing and signs of use to report.

On the timegrapher it’s showing as keeping time at +4sec per day, so comfortably inside COSC -4/+6 specifications.

Supplied in the upgraded deluxe wooden case with letters and unused polishing close. It’s unfortunately missing its owner’s book and COSC certificate, so the original date of sale is unknown - it will be somewhere between mid 2014 and 2017.

Specifications

• Case size: 43mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 13.45mm

• Waterproof: 50m

• Movement: Calibre SH21 Automatic Chronometer

• Power reserve: 120h

User Manual

A PDF version of the owner’s handbook is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dw7d784d7b/pdfs/Dress/c9-5day_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• The first image is a library photo. The others all show the actual watch and package.

• The final few images show the optional straps, they are not all included!