Christopher Ward C11 MSL Automatic

The C11 was Christopher Ward’s second square watch, following in the footsteps of 2008’s C13/C15 Henley models - C13 being the quartz model and C15 being the auto. Rather than being designed as dress watches like the C13/15, the C11 came in aviation, dive and even motorsport styles.

The aviation style C11 MSL (mean sea level) first surfaced in 2011 with the PVD-coated-case ‘black manta’, with its white markers and original CW logo. In 2012, at the same time as the CHR. WARD logo’s introduction, the C11 range exploded with silver and black case MSLs, Vintage marker MSLs, a quartz chronograph and the popular C11 Makaira dive range.

The watch in this listing is a steel-cased, standard marker, self-winding automatic model. It was sold in October 2014 and cost £500. This model was retired in 2015, so this is one of the younger ones.

Condition
A totally original watch complete with box, manual and cleaning cloth case (but no cleaning cloth) that I bought from its owner from new. He also has a PVD model that is similarly good - WH215.

The strap is the correct, original CW brown leather item in excellent, used condition, and with plenty of life left in it.

The head is in lovely condition as well. There are light marks around the case, but nothing really worthy of specific mention. It looks almost new - it’s only when you get in close or magnify photographs that you notice the minor signs of use.

It’s working perfectly and keeping very good time.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 10.8mm

• Waterproof: 50m

• 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/dw7acbc0b2/pdfs/Aviation/c11_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• Note the first four photographs are all library shots, 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 on C11s. This one shows no signs of any issues (it feels perfect), but I still advise taking extra care when pulling the crown out to the time-adjusting position three.