CHRISTOPHER WARD C7 RAPIDE CHRONOGRAPH BLUEBIRD LE

The C7 Bluebird was conceived in 2012 to celebrate 100 since Malcolm Campbell first used the Blue Bird name for his racing car in 1912. That year provides the number of these watches which were made: 1912 (the one for sale here is number 27). Although there were almost 2,000 of these watches made, they’re actually very collectable, with usually only one or two per year coming up for sale.

It’s based on the C7 Rapide Chronograph MkII, but with a number of unique features including the stunning bright metalic blue face and bezel, the case back (which echos the design of the Land Speed Record Blue Bird’s wheels) and the Bluebird icons that can be found on the crown and the centre of the seconds sub dial.

It’s well worth having a read of the owner’s handbook for this watch, where you’ll find details of the Campbell family exploits, a list of records they’ve held and some details of the partnership which CW and the Bluebird Records team had at the time.

So, about the C7 Rapide Mk2. The regular model was introduced in 2012 as a replacement for the Mk1, which arrived in 2008. These Bluebird models were first sold in March 2013. For most CW quartz chronographs the 1/10th of a second hand only moves into position once the timer is stopped, but thanks to the Ronda 3540.D used in MkIIs, it features a constantly sweeping 10th-sec chrono dial (the top one), which I think makes for a far more satisfying user experience!

Condition

The alloy bezel on C7s is known to get pretty easily marked, so with most around a decade old, it’s common to find that even the nicest used examples have picked up a few marks… But that’s certainly not the case with this watch, because it’s absolutely like new! We’re talking CW museum piece material! I’m told it had been worn a couple of times, so you might find evidence of that under magnified inspection, but to my eyes it’s a minter.

It’s offered as a full set box and papers including inner and outer boxes, owner’s book with Certificate of Authenticity and unused polishing cloth.

Minor talking point with the box: CW introduced their CHR. WARD logo in 2012, so many 2012/2013 watches are part of the crossover. The watch and all paperwork feature the CHR. WARD logo, but the boxes feature the original logo and circular CW icon.

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/dwcec29237/pdfs/Motorsport/c7bluebird_manual.pdf

Final Notes:
Note the first four pics are library shots, the rest show the actual watch and package.