Christopher Ward C70 VW4 Chronometer Chronograph Limited Edition

In 2013 Christopher Ward launched the 1957 piece C70 VW4 COSCs to celebrate the 1957 victory at Aintree of the Vanwall VW4 racing car. Driven by Tony Brooks and Stirling Moss, it was the first time a World Championship Grand Prix race had been won in Britain by a British car, driven by British drivers.

The '20' at 12 o'clock pays homage to the race number on Brooks and Moss' car at the time.

It’s a March 2016 watch, so it’s one of the later ones. Ealier models came with ‘fitted end’ leather straps with the butterfly deployant clasp, being a later watch, this one has a ‘universal’ rounded shoulder strap with a standard tang buckles - the advantage of these later straps is that the watch can be laid down flat when you take it off, which you can’t do with the fitted straps.

It’s powered by the remarkably accurate and COSC certified ETA 251.233 calibre.

Condition

If you’re familiar with C70s, you’ll know their exposed aluminium bezel has a reputation for getting fairly easily marked. Under very close inspection you can see a couple of very light marks on the bezel around 42/43 minutes. The polished case is also in fantastic condition, with just occasional very light blemishes to indicate sparing wear. On the whole I’d describe it as being in fantastic condition, probably one of the best VW4s you’re likely to find.

The strap is also in great condition, showing just light creases as you’d expect from a strap that’s seen very little wrist time.

Supplied as a ‘full set’ including deluxe (optional upgrade) presentation case, covering letter, COSC certificate, user book with Certificate of Authenticity and unused polishing cloth. The outer cardboard box has some marks from storage, but the main inner case is perfect.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 10.7mm

• Waterproof: 100m

• Movement: ETA 251.233 COSC quartz

User Manual

A PDF version on the owner’s handbook is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dwda20ce4b/pdfs/Motorsport/c70vw4_manual.pdf

Final Notes

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