CHRISTOPHER WARD C7 RAPIDE CHRONOGRAPH MKII V390 (2017)

Christopher Ward launched the first C7 Rapide in 2008. It used the same case as the 2006 C4 (so bracelets are interchangeable between C4s, C7s and C70s), but switches the dive-style rotating bezel for a sportier fixed aluminium bezel with tachymeter markings.

In 2012 CW launched the C7 Rapide MkII. Unlike the MkI which came in all manor of colour combinations (black, red, silver, ivory and brown), the MkII had just four possible face combinations: there was a black or white face and there were batons or numbers for the hour markers (note some limited edition models did come in other colours). The baton models were called C7 Rapide Chronograph MkII and the number models had ‘V390’ added to the end of the name.

So the watch for sale in this listing is a black face C7 Rapide Chronograph MkII V390. Because the applied numbers are polished silver in colour on a black face, it’s a somewhat tricky piece to photograph because the numbers appear black in some reflections and the sapphire appears to attract a lot of glair in others... however in the flesh, the dial and numbers read far more clearly and the glare is no different to any other watch - so don’t be put off by my questionable photography skills!

For most CW quartz chronographs the 1/10th of a second hand only moves into position once the timer is stopped. But the C7 MkII features a constantly sweeping 10th-sec dial (the top one), which I think makes for a more satisfying user experience!

CW retired this model in March 2017, so with this being a January 2017 piece, it’s one pf the younger ones that you’re likely to find. The movement warranty is valid until January 2022.

Condition

The watch head is in great used condition. The side of the highly polished case has picked up some very light marks over the years, but you can only see them on very close inspection. The bezel and sapphire are in perfect condition and to the untrained eye, the watch would appear to be brand new.

In March 2021 it was returned to CW for a new battery installation, so it should provide 3-4 years of reliable time-keeping before it needs another one.

It’s fitted with a brand new black leather Geckota strap with white stitching and light grey lining.

It’s supplied in a CW travel pod (arguably far more useful than the original presentation case which is unfortunately missing) and all the papers are included: used book with Certificate of Authenticity, covering letter and original purchase receipt showing a purchase cost of £362.00.

Specs:

• Diameter: 42mm

• Height: 10.7mm

• Calibre: Ronda 3540.D quartz

• Water resistance: 10ATM (100m)

• Strap lugs: 22mm

• Lug-to-lug: 48.7mm

Owner’s Handbook

A PDF of the owner’s book is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dwe4007463/pdfs/Motorsport/c7mk2_manual.pdf

Final Notes:
Note the first pic is a library shot. The rest show the actual watch and package.