Christopher Ward C8 Pilot Mk2

Introduction

Christopher Ward has a long history of making aviation-inspired watches, starting with 2006’s C5 Malvern Aviator, which was based on CW’s first ever watch, the C5 Malvern. Their next aviator was… the introduction of the C8 casing with the 44mm C8 Pilot Mk1, released in 2008. It has been used in multiple guises and iterations since - to date it was and still is, the largest case diameter CW has ever used, but because it is relatively slim (just 9.7mm tall for the MkII watch listed here), it has never really felt or worn like CW’s biggest watch (a 15mm tall 42mm C60 feels much larger than a 10mm tall 44mm C8 watch).

In 2009, CW released the scarce and very short-lived C80 Sector range (I seem to remember reading about a copyright case at the time, but it was 12 or 13 years ago and I now struggle to remember what I had for breakfast, so I can’t recall the exact details!).

In 2010 the C8 Mk2 arrived - that cost just £335 at launch and was £500 for a DLC one by the time of its retirement in 2015. Considering the C60 cost £300 in 2009 (the cheapest is now £795), £335 for a C8 probably felt pretty normal at the time, but it sounds very cheap today.

The watch for sale here is a black PVD C8 Pilot Mk2 bought in January 2014.

In 2013 CW introduced the C8 Regulator Mk1 - an instant cult classic thanks to its minute hand being the only main hand, the hours being counted on the top sub-dial and the seconds being counted on the lower sub-dial (good work by CW on a modified Unitas 6498 movement). In 2015 the C8 was the basis for the very special C8 P7350 and later in 2015 the C8 Flyer was born. 2016 saw the introduction of the best (IMHO) C8s to date: the C8 Power Reserve and the C8 UTC Worldtimer.

In 2018 we got the somewhat under-appreciated (and dare I say over-priced?) Al Deere and Birkin’s Blower editions, both with very special SH21 movements and very expensive art metal in the back, but neither hit the mark like 2019’s M2.04 Concorde edition.

In recent history (2022) we saw the C8 Revival pieces hit the market. They were the first C8s to use a full size exhibition case back (nice touch), but there was no getting away from the fact that it was CW trying to give a modern twist to a load of old cases they found in the store room! Traditionally when that happens, there are bargains to be had because CW have made a PR opportunity out of selling ‘new’ retired watches at retired prices, but this time CW went for strong money, which resulted in slow sales for the 200 silver pieces, but the 50 PVD black ones were gone within a few days, so they’re a bit more desirable.

CW doesn’t currently offer an aviation themed watch – the closest now are the military models.

Warranty

As a January 2014 watch, the five year CW warranty has long expired, so it comes with a three month Ward Hoard warranty.

Strap

Fitted with a stitched tan CW leather strap with DLC deployant in good used condition. I’m pretty sure that is the original – it certainly fits the period and style of the watch. The only thing that causes me some doubt is that it has quick release spring bars, and I didn’t think that they were available from CW until much later.  Of course, a previous owner may have added these at a later time but, either way, the quick release spring bars are pretty handy.  

Price includes this strap - other options are:

• Fitted with a brand new CW black Tiber leather strap: increase of £30

• Without a strap: discount of £30.

Condition

For a watch that is approximately ten years’ old, it is in good, used condition.  There are a some light marks on the DLC – please see photos for condition. 

It’s offered as a ‘full set’, including original box, manual with warranty card, polishing cloth and covering letter.

Specs

• Diameter: 44mm

• Height: 9.7mm

• Calibre: ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1

• Water resistance: 5ATM (50m) (not guaranteed on a used watch)

• Strap lugs: 22mm