Christopher Ward C7 Rapide Chronograph Automatic

Following the retirement of the popular C70 and Mk2 C7 quartz motorsport range in 2017, CW set about creating a completely new range of motorsport-inspired watches, this time including both quartz and automatic models. The C7 you see here is the watch that ticked the ‘auto chrono’ and ‘flagship model’ boxes in that new range.

It uses the tried and trusted ETA 7750 Valjoux, as also found inside inside many premium watch brands such as Breitling, TAG Heuer, Panerai, Omega, IWC etc.

It was launched in 2017 at a cost of £1,500 and was the first watch to feature just the ‘twin flags’ icon on the face instead of the CW logo. It was only around for a year between 2017 and 2018, but there were a few the slipped out in 2019 and 2020.

To the best of my knowledge, the July 2020 example for sale in this listing is potentially the very last one that CW ever sold - if you have a younger one then please let me know!

Like any watch with a 7750 heart, it’s on the taller side at 14.3mm, but certainly not as tall as some. Many buyers are attracted by nice details like the scalloped lugs with their polished edges and the contrasting black ring around the case. With its innovative multi-part case assembly and sporty good looks, it makes quite a statement on your wrist.

Condition
This watch was sold by CW as being in nearly new condition and for multiple inspections I couldn’t find any flaws. Then when photographing it I finally found some very light blemishes on the polished twin flags logo on the case back - they’d come out with a bit of Cape Code, but I’ve left it exactly as is was sold by CW.

The CW black leather strap with white stitching is in brand new condition.

On the timegrapher it’s registering approx. +12 seconds per day - comfortably inside the +/-20 seconds specified by CW.

Supplied boxed and with all the papers if left CW Towers with. They include: original bamboo box with sleeve, warranty card, polishing cloth and covering letter explaining it was sold as an historic model, so they didn’t have any owner’s books left. Instead the letter directs you to the PDF version on their website, mentioned below.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 14.3mm

• Waterproof: 100m

• Movement: ETA 7750 Valjoux

User Manual

A PDF version is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dw5c0fb485/pdfs/Motorsport/c7-rapide-chrono-auto.pdf

Final Notes

• The first photo is a library shot. The rest all show the actual watch for sale.