CHRISTOPHER WARD C2 LIDO AUTOMATIC FORUM LIMITED EDITION

2008’s C2 quartz Lido was Christopher Ward’s first 40mm watch. As well as being the only 40mm CW watch at the time, it was also the only CW watch to feature the unusual ‘centre cut’ lug and strap arrangement.

I personally think that its unremarkable sales resulted in CW assuming “40mm watches don’t sell” (try saying that to Rolex!!), but in reality, I suspect it was the unique lug and strap arrangement (and perhaps the unusual spots around the bezel?) which people didn’t love?

It was another seven years until CW did another 40mm watch with its C9 variations - all lovely watches, but not sales superstars. The 2019 40mm Mk3 C60 Trident was CW’s third 40mm watch and was the first one they ‘nailed’. It paved the way for arguably CW’s saviour: the C60 Sapphire range…

Anyway, back to 2008 and the C2. At its time of launch it was only available with a quartz movement. In 2009 the CW and the Christopher Ward Forum collaborated to create their second Forum Limited Edition. They took the quartz-powered C2, added some blue embellishments to the dial, switched out the quartz heard for an ETA 2836-2 automatic movement and fitted an exhibition case back to show off the CW signed movement. The result was the C2 Forum Limited Edition - which paved the way for the C20 Lido auto. So while this Forum Limited Edition is officially known as a C2, most people refer to it as a C20 because it’s an auto.

Condition

It’s a 12 year old watch which has seen very little wrist time. As a result it’s in almost new condition. The only blemish I can fins on the head is a very light line on the back case, only visible in certain lights. I think most would assume it’s a new watch.

Currently fitted with a CW brown leather strap in almost new condition. Also included are a brand new CW black leather strap and an aftermarket blue leather strap in almost new condition.

Supplied as a ‘full set’ including original presentation case (internals starting to get a little ratty), outer cardboard box, unused polishing cloth and owner’s book with Certificate of Authenticity - signed by Chris Ward himself.

In summary, a rare collector’s CW watch in amazing condition.

Specifications

• Case size: 40mm

• Height: 8.5mm

• Waterproof: 100m

• Movement: ETA 2836-2

User Manual

A PDF version of the handbook is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dwd02fb51c/pdfs/Dress/c20_manual.pdf

Final Notes

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