Christopher Ward C11 Titanium Elite 500 LE COSC Chronometer

Introduction

Here we have a rare and very desirable Christopher Ward C11 Makaira Titanium Elite 500.

Christopher Ward's C11 watches have long since sold out, but when they were available, the dive range consisted of five different versions: There were three 'standard' C11 Makaira 500 watches - white markers, blue markers and orange markers.

The above three models were made from steel and were not limited editions, however they're highly coveted and very desirable in CW circles, so they rarely come up for sale.

The 'top of the range' was the C11 Titanium Extreme 1000. This had green markers and was limited to 1,000 COSC certified pieces. It was rated as suitable for 1,000 mtr dives. While awesome on paper, the Extreme model had an upgraded (thicker) back plate and crystal, making it 15mm tall - some 2mm thicker than the rest of the range and making it too tall for some.

Siting between Extreme and the steel Makiaras was the Titanium Elite 500 - which is the one listed here.

It has a lightweight and corrosion resistant Titanium case and at its heart lives a Sellita SW220-1 COSC automatic movement. It's limited to 500 pieces. Its 500m rating means it's just 13mm high and for many people (myself included) it sits better on the wrist than its Extreme 1000 big brother.

Its yellow markers help identify it as by far the most desirable C11 model ever made (perhaps with the exception of the impossibly rare Royal Navy Fleet Diving special).

One of the standout features for me are the three ‘crowns’. The one at 3 o’clock is the actual the crown, 2 o’clock rotates the internal bezel and 8 o’clock is the Helium escape valve.

Condition

Lovely condition - one of the best I’ve seen. There’s the occasional blemish on the case and bezel (visible only when you get in very close). I've bought it from the original owner and whilst it has been used, it has clearly been well cared for.

The silicone rubber straps from this era are prone to splitting around the holes which are used regularly, so most have failed and gone in the bin years ago. This strap is in good, used condition, with just the early signs of splits starting on a couple of holes.

Mechanically, it’s in awesome shape - working exactly as it should and keeping near perfect time at approx. +2sec per day.

This is a ‘full set’ box and papers watch, with both boxes (interior box just starting to deteriorate), cleaning cloth, COSC certificate and owner's manual with certificate of authenticity.

Warranty

It comes with a Ward Hoard three month warranty.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 13mm

• Strap: 22mm

• Waterproof: 500m

• Movement: Sellita SW200-1 COSC automatic

Final Notes

• The first few photos are 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 of some C11 models. It’s advised to take extra care when pulling the crown out to the time-adjusting position three.