Christopher Ward C12 Loco Review

Last year, Christopher Ward followed up on its hugely popular C2 Bel Canto with an Act II version, featuring a new dial texture. When it was released, I commented on how difficult sequels can be when the original captured lightning in a bottle, and pondered what it might take for the brand to accomplish such a feat again. This week, we’re getting an answer to that with the release of the new C12 Loco, featuring Christopher Ward’s second in-house movement, the CW-003. The C12 Loco is much more than that, though. Once again, Christopher Ward has taken inspiration from far more exotic realms, and has brought a custom-designed free-sprung balance to the dial side, floating underneath the hour and minute display. 

The Christopher Ward C12 uses the same twelve-sided, integrated case as The Twelve collection that was introduced back in 2023. The C12 Loco uses a 41mm steel case, much the same as the Twelve X, though now it clocks in at 13.7mm in thickness — so, while it’s large, it should still be perfectly manageable on the wrist. This is an integrated case, so the length is about the same as the width, with the ends of the case angling downward to meet the strap or bracelet end link. It’s also worth noting that the box crystal accounts for a good bit of that thickness. The midcase section is just 9.75mm in thickness. 

It’s everything between that span that serves as the star of the show here. The CW-003 caliber uses twin mainspring barrels to provide a healthy 144 hours of reserve, and their orientation provides a lovely view around the back of the movement. It has a very Armin Strom-esque appearance, calling to mind a brand that has helped Christopher Ward in the past — though that name is absent from the description of the development of the C12 Loco. Also absent is a view of the escapement at the back of the movement, as these components have been moved to the dial side of the watch. 

Christopher Ward is rather forthcoming in citing the inspiration for its designs, and this watch is no different. The brand’s Design Director, Adrian Buchmann, states: “It’s the high-end indie brands who’ve really been championing open-balance watches.” The fact that CW has managed to bring this vision to market for less than $5,000 means that an entirely new market of enthusiasts can experience this unique configuration who otherwise would not have been able to afford the likes of a Legacy Machine from MB&F. For this, Christopher Ward has done the community a service, all without pretending to be the originators. 

The CW-003 places a custom-designed, free-sprung balance at the bottom of the dial, along with the escape wheel directly underneath it. Both are suspended via full bridges that create a symmetrical design. The hour and minutes are displayed via a separate dial ring at the top of the dial, using a similar design language we’ve seen in The Twelve. Also like The Twelve, Christopher Ward is offering a selection of interesting dial colors and strap options.

The use of color brings a sense of personality out of the C12 Loco, but the overall design feels quite mature in nature, and Christopher Ward is wise to also bring a white-and-black option to the table. These colors bring a sense of refinement to the watch as a whole, while the orange and blue options lean into vibrant fun territory. 

The C12 Loco is mounted to a color-matched rubber strap for $4,595, or to a stainless steel bracelet, with the same design as seen on The Twelve, for $4,825. This is a lot of watch for the price, and one that should serve as a challenge to brands further up the food chain. Whatever your feelings on Christopher Ward, watches like this are a good thing for consumers, and bring new, exciting options into play at a welcome price point.