Christopher Ward C7 Rapide Chronograph Automatic

Following the retirement of the popular C70 and Mk2 C7 quartz motorsport range in 2017, CW set about creating a completely new range of motorsport-inspired watches, this time including both quartz and automatic models. The C7 you see here is the watch that ticked the ‘auto chrono’ and ‘flagship model’ boxes in that new range.

It uses the tried and trusted ETA 7750 Valjoux, as also found inside inside many premium watch brands such as Breitling, TAG Heuer, Panerai, Omega, IWC etc.

It was launched in 2017 at a cost of £1,500 and was the first watch to feature just the ‘twin flags’ icon on the face instead of the CW logo. It was only around for a year between 2017 and 2018.

Like any watch with a 7750 heart, it’s on the taller side at 14.3mm, but certainly not as tall as some. Many buyers are attracted by nice details like the scalloped lugs with their polished edges and the contrasting black ring around the case. With its innovative multi-part case assembly and sporty good looks, it makes quite a statement on your wrist.

Condition
This is a used watch with light marks and no box/papers - those points are more than compensated for with the very low price tag!

There are light dings on the bezel at 2, 26 and 43 minutes and there are light scratches on the case back from being set down on a rough surface. Those marks look much worse in the pics than they do in the flesh.

It’s fitted with the original CW Piccari leather strap which shows signs of use, but still has plenty of life left in it.

On the timegrapher it’s registering approx. +22 seconds per day - a couple of seconds faster than the +/-20sec specified by CW, but certainly nothing which requires attention.

If you’re looking for a very wearable, top-end CW watch at bottom-end money, you’ve come to the right place!

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 14.3mm

• Waterproof: 100m

• Movement: ETA 7750 Valjoux

User Manual

A PDF version is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dw5c0fb485/pdfs/Motorsport/c7-rapide-chrono-auto.pdf

Final Notes

• The first photo is a library shot. The rest all show the actual watch for sale.