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Christopher Ward “the twelve” 40mm titanium

Watch Interest
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I have purchased this watch, received it but not opened it and it can be returned within 60 days.

I love the design but the company makes me nervous. They have a reputation once discontinuing a watch to give it limited support with repairs.

This model has a Selita SW300-1 COSC so ok for an independent to service.

If the crown needs replacement could a generic stem and crown be ordered if CW no longer offer it? Would the third part crown fit in relation to crown guards? Also, the crystal is a bit flat are these available for independent watch makers to order third party? Or a similar crystal equivalent? At least the movement is serviceable.

Thank you in advance

Pavlos
 
josiahg52
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Who knows? What style tube is used? What size tube is used? What are the dimensions of the crown? What is the size of the crystal?
 
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josiahg52 josiahg52
Who knows? What style tube is used? What size tube is used? What are the dimensions of the crown? What is the size of the crystal?
Not sure I am not a watchmaker. Just wondering if anyone in the forum has experience of this model.
 
tikkathree
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Watch Interest Watch Interest
Not sure I am not a watchmaker. Just wondering if anyone in the forum has experience of this model.
Yes I have a Twelve Ti and love it.

Pavlos you don't say where you live but if it's of comfort to you I have a 10-year+ Christopher Ward collecting habit with currently over 40 watches in the collection and I guess my total ownership covers over 100 individual watches. CW have never failed to come up with the goods either on their 60/60 guarantee or on spec repairs; I have a minor habit of "rescuing" dead CW watches - usually obsolete models no longer in the current catalogue from EBay and sending them back to CW to have new life breathed into them: sure I could use a "local" watchmaker for such repairs but I don't have one of them.

My honest opinion about CW and service long term? Examining my own experience I believe you'll be fine. I know that there are doubters and moaners out there in the chatosphere but none of them ever say more than "I didn't like my one experience of the brand so I'm going to play the "watch influencer" card" - that's how it seems to me anyway.

CW watch service timescales? I don't think they're out of line with other brands: none of us want to be deprived of a watch for six weeks but who has a corner shop joe who can do the job today?

CW have an established reputation for not selling spare parts and I'm wondering why you think you'd need a new crown and stem?

5 year guarantee

"What is the 60|60 Guarantee?
  • The 60|60 Guarantee is our industry-leading guarantee program. Which offers you a 60 day returns window and a 60 month warranty on your watch purchase."
 
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tikkathree tikkathree
Yes I have a Twelve Ti and love it.

Pavlos you don't say where you live but if it's of comfort to you I have a 10-year+ Christopher Ward collecting habit with currently over 40 watches in the collection and I guess my total ownership covers over 100 individual watches. CW have never failed to come up with the goods either on their 60/60 guarantee or on spec repairs; I have a minor habit of "rescuing" dead CW watches - usually obsolete models no longer in the current catalogue from EBay and sending them back to CW to have new life breathed into them: sure I could use a "local" watchmaker for such repairs but I don't have one of them.

My honest opinion about CW and service long term? Examining my own experience I believe you'll be fine. I know that there are doubters and moaners out there in the chatosphere but none of them ever say more than "I didn't like my one experience of the brand so I'm going to play the "watch influencer" card" - that's how it seems to me anyway.

CW watch service timescales? I don't think they're out of line with other brands: none of us want to be deprived of a watch for six weeks but who has a corner shop joe who can do the job today?

CW have an established reputation for not selling spare parts and I'm wondering why you think you'd need a new crown and stem?

5 year guarantee

"What is the 60|60 Guarantee?
  • The 60|60 Guarantee is our industry-leading guarantee program. Which offers you a 60 day returns window and a 60 month warranty on your watch purchase."
Thanks for your message I am in the UK.

Other brands like a Tissot or Omega state how long they keep parts for. I am concerned that down the line if my crystal or crown simple stuff needs replacing it can be done.

I know it is a flat round crystal similar to PRX. I hope that an independent watch make can order at least a third party replacement if needed. Or a similar alternative at best.

These watches are £1250 not that expensive but don’t want to be left with a watch that can’t be repaired for simple parts.
 
tikkathree
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Pavlova, I can't help wonder if you're overthinking this. I've got a watch which I received new in 1963 and it has not needed a new crystal or a crown. Do you know anyone who has needed such a repair?

I'd like to offer the suggestion that if it's in the nature of your work/hobby/lifestyle to be destructive to wristwatches you maybe shouldn't wear one?
In my ten year career with CW watches I've not experienced such a catastrophic failure.
 
Watch Interest
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tikkathree tikkathree
Pavlova, I can't help wonder if you're overthinking this. I've got a watch which I received new in 1963 and it has not needed a new crystal or a crown. Do you know anyone who has needed such a repair?

I'd like to offer the suggestion that if it's in the nature of your work/hobby/lifestyle to be destructive to wristwatches you maybe shouldn't wear one?
In my ten year career with CW watches I've not experienced such a catastrophic failure.
My work not destructive but I cracked a crystal once on a watch by bumping into a door. Just hoping standard items are replaceable
 
tikkathree
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I've bounced, we've probably all bounced, off a door or wall at some stage. I try not to do it too often. I don't think you're going to find the answer you're looking for. Before you buy any watch, are you going to get certainty that spares will be available say ten years down the line? I know what the sales rep is going to tell you - anything to close the sale.
Good luck chap.
 
Watch Interest
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No worries I have done more due diligence and the crystal on the CW “the twelve” is similar to Tissot PRX. Spoke to 3 independent watchmakers and they said 40mm crystals of this type can be easily obtained. They can even be cut if needed.

Good to know if crystal chipped or cracked can be replaced.

Movement is SW300~1 COSC so can be serviced, I ordered spare straps
 
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