Christopher Ward C9 Jumping Hour Mk3

Introduction

We have master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke, to thank for the Mk2 (and all other) Christopher Ward Jumping Hour watches. He took the ETA 2824-2 calibre and modified it with his JJ01 Jumping Hour complication and create one of the most affordable Jumping Hours ever made.

The Mk1 Jumping Hour was something of a watershed watch for Christopher Ward. At £1,000 it was their most expensive watch and represented something of a gamble - would a customer base used to their lower budget watches handle the jump in price forced by the additional complexity of the JJ01 movement? Would it be a hit of a miss? Launched at the end of 2011 and sold out by April 2012, it was pretty clear hit - paving the way for the C9 Mk2 JH, the C9 Mk3 JH and most recently the C1 Grand Malvern JH. It also gave CW the confidence to create watches using JJ’s other custom movements which include the JJ02 single-pusher chronograph, the JJ03 Worldtimer and the JJ04 Moonphase.

The Mk3 Jumping Hour was the first full production piece (the Mk1 and Mk2s were limited edition) and it came in a number of different colours and sizes - it was offered in 43mm and 40mm. This one, a 43mm, is a particularly nice combination of a white dial and gold indices.

Warranty

Unfortunately the manual has been lost, but the CW warranty would have expired in any event. Accordingly, it comes with a three month Ward Hoard warranty.

Strap

Price includes this CW brown leather strap in good used condition - I think I might have a compatible C9 bracelet somewhere in my box of straps. Please ask if you would prefer on a bracelet and I’ll see what I can arrange.

If you would prefer a brand new modern leather strap then please ask and I’ll be happy to exchange with no change in price.

Condition

It’s been worn, so it has the odd mark but nothing significant. The worst is a small ding at around 10pm on the side of the case. Whilst it doesn’t come with the papers, I bought it from the original owner. Keeping reasonable time at -23 spd.

Presented in its box in good condition.

Specs:

• Diameter: 43mm

• Height: 13.3mm

• Calibre: CW JJ01 (SW-200 Mod)

• Water resistance: 5ATM (50m)

• Strap lugs: 22mm

Owner’s Handbook

The 24 page owner’s manual is well worth a read if you’d like to learn more about the history of Jumping Hour watches and how the C9 Jump Hour was created. It’s available from the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dw68e68be2/pdfs/Dress/c9jhmk2_manual.pdf

Final Notes:
Note the first pic is a library shot. The rest show the actual watch and package.