CHRISTOPHER WARD C9 5 DAY AUTOMATIC (2017)

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 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, making this April 2017 example one of the younger C9 5 Days you’re likely to find. The CW movement warranty is valid until April 2022.

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 a smooth black leather strap on a Bader deployant buckle, as fitted to newer C1 Grand Malvern models, but there are various options available:

• No strap at all - £

• Hirsch Duke croc-embossed brown leather (used) with tang buckle - £

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

• CW smooth black leather (used) on Bader deployant clasp (as shown in pics) - £

• CW croc-embossed black leather (new) with tang buckle - £ (this is the strap they originally came with instead of the bracelet)

• CW very lightly used stainless bracelet (pics available on the Straps page.) - £

• CW brand new stainless bracelet - £

Condition
Your first impression when you open the box is that it’s a brand new watch. Once you get down to a close inspection you’ll find a few tiny blemishes and signs of use, the ‘worst’ of which are highlighted in the highly zoomed photo showing the left side of the case. The strap has seen very little wear and is in great shape. Overall, it’s an extremely good condition used watch.

Supplied as a ‘full set’ with the original inner and outer boxes, owner’s book with Certificate of Authenticity, unused polishing cloth and COSC certificate.

Specifications

• Case size: 43mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 13.45mm

• Waterproof: 50m

• Movement: 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 images is a library photo. The others all show the actual watch and package.