Christopher Ward C7 Rapide Chronograph Automatic

Following the retirement of the popular C70 and Mk2 C7 quartz motorsport range, 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’ box in that new range.

It uses the tried and trusted ETA 7750 Valjoux, as found inside the new £1,700 C60 Chronograph and 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 officially retired from website view in 2018, but the last remaining stock actually remained available through 2019 and even the final few into 2020. The watch for sale here is an August 2019 piece, so it’s one of the later ones and the transferable movement warranty is valid until August 2024.

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.

The watch comes in its original case with warranty card and unused polishing cloth. Also included are two covering letters, one of which highlights the lack of Owner’s Handbook (thanks to its ‘historic model’ status) and directs you to the PDF version mentioned below.

Condition
It’s a pretty young watch which hasn’t been worn much, so it’s in great condition. It’s fitted with a CW Italian soft touch (quick release) leather strap with red stitching and red leather lining which is in extremely good condition - just some light creasing where the buckle has sat. There are light signs of use on the watch head; it has the odd tiny blemish and the most significant mark can be seen on the lower right lug - it’s one of those which appears a lot worse in the zoomed-in photograph than it does in the metal. That mark could easily be brushed out by someone who knows what they’re doing. Overall, I’d say it’s 98% perfect.

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 and package.