Christopher Ward C11 Makaira Pro 500

The C11 range of watches didn’t really set the world alight back when they were a current models (2011-2016), but since their retirement, they’ve gone on to become very collectable and desirable indeed. It’s the Makaira and Titanium dive models which are the hottest property - they’re now pretty hard to get hold of, especially in mint condition.

The first C11 (the aviation style MSL) arrived in 2011, but it wasn’t until August of 2012 that CW dropped the dive edition, with its innovative internal rotating bezel (operated by the upper crown). Dubbed the Makaira Pro 500, it initially cost £500 with the silicone rubber strap and £560 on a bracelet - rising to £550 and £610 respectively over the next couple of years.

The Makaira Pro 500 was available with white, blue or orange markers. The two Titanium limited editions had yellow (the £750 Elite) or green (the £1,000 Extreme) markers.

It was thought there were only ever the five dive versions mentioned above, but then in September 2018 a user called Matelot posted on TZ-UK about his friend’s very special Makaira. It transpires the Fleet Diving Unit 1 (think the SAS/SBS in wet suits) commissioned their own run of 50 watches back when the C11 was an active model. Being members of the UK Special Forces, it was no surprise that owners had kept things quiet for several years before its existence became public knowledge. The C11 FDU1 is unique on several fronts: 1) It’s the only C11 Makaira with a black case, 2) It was the only C11 to use a black bracelet and 3) it’s the only CW watch to have been publicly outed as a watch made for members of the Special Forces - with CW’s long history of making watches for the UK military, I’m sure there will be other Special Forces editions, but this is the only one we know about…

This is one of those FDU models.

Condition and strap
It’s a May 2020 watch which is excellent condition. Fitted with a CW Hybrid rubber strap, also in very good condition. It also comes with a brand new black C11 bracelet. Unfortunately the clasp is broken, so I’ve replaced it with another CW DLC clasp that is lightly used. The transferable movement warranty is valid until May 2025.

On the timegrapher it’s keeping great time at +2sec per day.

Supplied as a full set in a 2020 bamboo case with warranty card and polishing cloth. As an archive find, it does not have a manual, but I have a reprinted Makaira Pro 500 which is included.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 12.5mm

• Waterproof: 500m

• Movement: ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 automatic

User Manual
A PDF version of the owner’s manual is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dw234255e3/pdfs/Dive/c11mak_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• Note the first photograph is a library shot, the rest all show the actual watch and package.

• Having followed CW for many years, I’ve observed a few of instances of crowns being pulled out/off of MSL versions. While I’ve not seen it on a Makaira, it’s still advised to take extra care when pulling the crown out to the time-adjusting position three.