Christopher Ward C11 Titanium Elite 500 LE COSC Chronometer

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 make 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 which cost £995. This had green markers and was limited to 1000 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 Makiaras was the Titanium Elite 500 - which is the one listed here.

It has a light weight and corrosion resistant Titanium case and at its heart lives a Sellita SW220-1 COSC automatic movement. It's limited to 500 pieces. Its 500 mtr rating means it's just 13mm high and for many people (myself included) it sits better on the wrist than its Extreme 1,000 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 mentioned here).

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.

The original selling price was £750, rising to £800 by the time it sold out.

Occasionally Christopher Ward run special offers on 'end of line' stock. This C11 was never subject to any special deals because it sold out at the full price.

This is a very desirable model with many collectors classing them as ‘keepers’, so they’re coming up less and less often.

Condition
This is number 326 of 500. It’s in very good used condition. There are light blemishes here and there on the case and bezel, caused by sparing use over the last eight years, but no significant damage to report.

It’s just returned from CW after having had a £150 service and is keeping perfect time - well done whoever regulated it!

The strap is the original silicone rubber which are prone to splitting around the buckle holes, so many have been binned by now and switched for alternatives. This one has the small beginnings of splits around a couple of the holes, but with careful use has many years life left in it. It’s fitted with the correct Titanium buckle (many were mistakenly fitted with alloy tangs).

It’s a December July 2014 watch and is offered with the fullest of full box and papers! Many C11 Elites went out in standard boxes, but this one has the correct deluxe case with engraved plaque. Literally everything is included from the original tag, to the user book (with Certificate of Authenticity), COSC Certificate, covering letter, unused polishing cloth, the recent service receipt and even the little card wallet all the papers came in.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 13mm

• Strap: 22mm

• Waterproof: 500m

• Movement: Sellita SW200-1 COSC 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/dw3074da03/pdfs/Dive/c11make_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• The first image 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. It’s advised to take extra care when pulling the crown out to the time-adjusting position three.