Christopher Ward – C1 Loco Classic Steel 41mm - 2026
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The C1 Loco Classic represents the latest chapter in Christopher Ward’s Atelier series, continuing the brand’s pursuit of bringing the quality, creativity and emotional draw of haute horlogerie to as many people as possible.
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Work on the project began in early 2024, before the launch of the integrated sports-focused C12 Loco, with a clear objective: to explore a parallel expression of the hand-wound CW-003. Starting from the movement’s raw architecture, Christopher Ward sought to create a refined dress watch combining the original, movement-led design and artisanal finishing that define the contemporary renaissance in high-end independent watchmaking.
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While sharing its symmetrical layout with the C12 Loco, the C1 Loco Classic was conceived to evoke an entirely different emotion. Every visible component was reconsidered. New bridges, front and rear, adopt softer, more rounded forms and are embellished with more than five hours of hand-finishing. The work is carried out by APJ, a specialist based in the Swiss Jura.
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The remarkable C1 Loco Classic is a watch that’s ultra-modern in its outlook, yet traditional in its execution. A watch with curved lines and polished surfaces that stir the emotions, but whose state-of-the-art engineering inspires confidence.
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Its unforgettable face is an exercise in symmetry from top to bottom – and built on the foundation of the glittering base dial. This has been grain-sandblasted before receiving a varnish containing powdered mother-of-pearl: something that delivers an oil-on-water, Monet-at-Giverny effect that shimmers endlessly with the light.
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Placed on top is the time-telling dial, crafted in white ceramic, with Roman numerals that recall the early days of precision watchmaking, yet which have been specially designed for this watch. Each numeral is laser-engraved then hand-filled with black lacquer, using a microscope and tiny needle. Just above, elegant hands – diamond-cut, polished, and coated in blue PVD – curve to follow the shape of the dial and the domed sapphire crystal.
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This commitment to detail extends throughout the watch. A heavily domed ceramic time-telling dial features laser-etched, lacquer-filled Roman numerals and minute track, paired with diamond-polished lance hands subtly curved to follow the profile of the dial.
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Beneath, a deeply grained base dial is treated with a varnish containing powdered mother-of-pearl. Evenly distributed across the surface, the particles create a dense, finely textured shimmer that brings the backdrop to life.
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Beneath sits the free-sprung balance wheel, and whose oscillations don’t just delight the eyes, but also improve the accuracy of the watch. Both the balance and escapement underneath are held in place by slimmer, rounder bridges that have received more than five hours of hand-finishing by Christopher Ward’s specialist polisher in the Swiss Jura. As for the case, it’s made from 904L stainless steel, chosen for its greater lustre compared with the more common 316L.
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“ The Loco Classic story began on a hot, sultry Friday in Biel in July 2024. That evening we joined our Swiss team for a party at the local football club ahead of the summer break. Adrian Buchmann, our design director, had been working on an idea he wanted to show us. He fired up his laptop and transferred the image to the large screen in the meeting room. What little air remained in the room was immediately inhaled by the gasps that followed. Before us was perhaps the most beautiful 3D rendered image of a watch we’d ever seen – a watch we now know as the C1 Loco Classic. Sometimes you just know perfection when you see it. This was one of those occasions. Two years later, the finished watch is even more beautiful than we could have hoped for, and more powerful than you’d believe. It’ll take your breath away”. Mike France, CEO Christopher Ward.
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These elements are housed within a 41mm Light-catcher™ case crafted in 904L stainless steel, chosen for its lustre. Combining high polish with fine brushing, the case measures just 8.55mm in height and is paired with double-domed sapphire crystals front and rear, resulting in a total thickness of 14.1mm.
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A distinctive scalloped groove introduces depth and definition to the case flanks before flowing into the lugs. Achieving this form requires each lug to be individually soldered to the case.
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ll this beauty is only possible thanks to the power within – power that comes from our handwound Calibre CW-003 movement, first created by Frank Stelzer for the C12 Loco, and newly refined for the C1 Loco Classic, still delivering an impressive power reserve of 144 hours (six days).
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Flip the new 41mm Light-catcher™ case over, and through the case back, you’ll see CW-003’s symmetrical architecture is dominated by three stacked circles: twin barrels above and below, with the bevelled intermediate winding wheel between them, all supported by horizontal rounded bridges. The new baseplate features a laser-engraved grained texture, framed with more polished bevels and finished in a warm 2N gold plating.
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Watches of this ilk have traditionally prioritised artistry and finishing above outright performance. The C1 Loco Classic refuses that compromise. Maintaining a 4Hz beat rate, its bespoke free-sprung balance wheel, escape wheel and hairspring are driven by twin barrels that release energy simultaneously rather than sequentially.
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This approach produces a flatter torque curve, preserving amplitude and enabling accuracy of -0/+7 seconds per day throughout a category-leading six-day power reserve.
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Named in recognition of its state of constant motion – and the audacity of creating a watch of this calibre at this price, at volume – the C1 Loco Classic represents a new expression of CW-003: one that combines the precision and reliability of a modern sports watch with the elegance, finishing and emotional appeal of contemporary haute horlogerie.
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The watch also introduces a new Consort™ bracelet developed specifically for the C1 Loco Classic and made from 904L stainless steel. It reverses the usual brushed and polished surfaces, giving the bracelet a more jewellery-like character that complements the highly polished case. It is also equipped with Christopher Ward’s iLink™ system for tool-free adjustment, along with quick-release end-links and an on-the-fly clasp extension mechanism.
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If you prefer something a little more subtle, there’s also a selection of textured suede straps to choose from, which contrast beautifully with the finished surfaces of the case.
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As CEO Mike France, says: “A great watch strap is like a pair of shoes to a Savile Row suit – it brings out the best in both.”
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Presented in Oro, the C1 Loco Classic will be available from October 15th, 2026, with further launch colours and bracelet options to follow.
#ChristopherWard #C1LOcO #timetidewatches
-------------------------------------------TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Collection: C1 LOcO
Model: C1 Loco Classic 904L Steel
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Ref. C01-41H6D1-S00G0-VT - Gold plating
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.jpg)
Ref. C01-41H6D1-S00B1-VB - Light Blue plating
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Ref. C01-41H6D1-S00K0-B1 - Black plating
Material: Light-catcher™ case crafted in brushed and polished 904L stainless steel
Size: 41 mm
Height: 14.10 mm
Lug-to-Lug: 48.0mm
Embossed crown and exhibition caseback
Water Resistance: 3 ATM (30m)
Platine Colour: Gold , Black , Light Blue plating
Movement
Calibre CW-003
Power Reserve: 144 hours
No of Jewels: 29
Vibrations: 28,800 p/hr (4Hz)
Timing Tolerance: -0/+7 sec p/day
Strap
Colour: Beige
Leather Strap: Vacona® leather
🔴 Price EUR 5,595 € / 4’775 CHF/ US $5,995💰
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Press releases - 2026
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www.ChristopherWard.com
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