Christopher Ward C9 2011 Forum Limited Edition

Here we have what was the third Christopher Ward Chat Forum Limited Edition watch. It’s the 2011 edition (although dates from 2012) and is affectionally known as the ‘red 12’.

There have been eight different FLEs over the years and you can read all about them here: www.christopherwardforum.com/forum-limited-editions/

Usually, the FLEs took existing CW models and just changed one or two items, such as different bezel colour or different colour hour markers, things like that. But for 2011 they went all-out to create an almost entirely unique watch. While the case and sapphire is based on a C9, pretty much everything else is unique to this model. That includes the face design, hands, the choice of movement (decorated ETA Unitas 6498-1), the huge exhibition case back (CW had never used one so large) and even the strap was commissioned exclusively for this model. It seems CW had totally blown the budget on the watch, because C9 FLEs never came with any user book, just a paper Certificate of Authenticity!

It’s a 43mm watch, but the lack of automatic rotor means it sits at a relatively modest 11mm tall - so you don’t need a huge wrist for it to look tidy.

A total of 80 were made (or 81 if you include the #000 prototype that I had a few years ago). This particular watch is number 17 and dates from July 2012.

Condition

It’s in good used condition. There are little dings and blemishes here and there from normal use, but nothing worthy of specific mention. They certainly look a lot worse under the harsh LED lighting of my photography cube than they do in the flesh!

It’s fitted with the original quick-release CW leather strap on butterfly deployant clasp, which is in decent condition with plenty of life left in it. Also included is a leather Gekota strap. I also have a 99% perfect CW strap which the buyer of this watch can have for an extra £100 - I can pretty confidently say that will be the last brand new C9 FLE strap that you’ll see. That optional strap is shown in the last two photos.

It’s keeping great time at approx. +8sec per day.

Supplied as a full set including original box, Certificate of Authenticity, unused polishing cloth and a copy of the standard CW covering letter.

Specifications

• Case size: 43mm

• Lug width: 20mm

• Height: 11mm

• Waterproof: 10m

• Movement: Decorated ETA Unitas 6498-1 (hand wind)

• Power reserve: 50h

Final Notes

• The first image is a library shot. The others all show the actual watch and package (strap shown in final two pics is a cost option).