Christopher Ward C900 Worldtimer

Introduction

The C900 is a pretty unconventional watch on several levels. Rather than the usual 12 hour dial of most mechanical watches, it has a 24-hour face, so 12 noon is in the usual six o’clock position. Things don’t stop there, though: an internal wheel can be set to display global cities both with a red dot on the map and with the three-digit code for the corresponding major airport. Then there’s the hour hands - two of them. One for your local time and one for your second time zone, identified on that previously mentioned zone indicator - making this a great travel companion.

All the mechanical tricks are thanks to what Christopher Ward call their JJ03 movement - which started life as an ETA 2893 and was then customised by renowned watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke (hence the JJ prefix - read more about him and his custom JJ calibres here).

The C900 Worldtimer was launched in 2013 and was retired in 2017.

This unusual looking piece didn’t generate too much fanfare when it was a ‘current’ model, but since its retirement a few years ago, interest and desirability has steadily grown, with prices going up and availability going down. One previous C900 Worldtimer sold by Ward Hoard went to the Watchmaker Museum in Amsterdam!

Strap options

It’s fitted with a dark blue cordovan leather strap with Bader deployant clasp in pretty good condition. Alternatively I can switch that to one of the straps or bracelets listed in the straps section - please specify the strap and I’ll price it up for you.

Warranty

It comes with a three month Ward Hoard warranty

Condition

It’s in generally pretty good condition, with just some minor scratches and a ding to the bezel as shown in the photos. Running at -12 spd on the timegrapher, so keeping pretty good time within spec.

It comes boxed, with covering letter, the Certificate of Authenticity, unused cleaning cloth and owner’s manual

Specifications

• Case size: 43mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 12mm

• Waterproof: 50m

• Movement: modified ETA 2893

User Manual

The 30-page C900 owner’s handbook makes for an interesting read - a PDF version is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dwb5e7c8da/pdfs/Dress/c900worldtimer_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• The first four photos are library shots, the rest all show the actual watch and package.

• The final photo shows a library pic of the watch fitted with the optional bracelet.