Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Review: The Classic And GMT Takes On The "Everywatch"

The independent sector is where some of the most interesting, imaginative, and experimental designs are happening in the watch world, and Christopher Ward has been a standout in the category since its Bel Canto hit the scene. But today, I’m turning my attention to one of its less-hyped collections, one that is rather tame compared to the rest of the brand’s catalog, the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander. It strikes me as an outlier within the Christopher Ward universe – not that it’s without its own particular flair, but I would say that compared to the bold experiments with case architecture, haute horology level movements, and general quirky panache that I typically associate the brand with, the C63 Sealander is remarkably tame. The questions of the day are: how is this watch situated within the brand’s own offerings? What works about this watch, and what could be improved? Finally, how did we arrive at this relatively minimal watch in the first place?

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Context

While other watchmakers have centuries-long histories, the Christopher Ward origin story is comparatively contemporary, officially founded in 2004. In that relatively short scope of time, the brand has evolved into one of the most successful independent brands out there, and the Christopher Ward of today has expanded its scope to include just about every flavor of watch utility, aesthetic, and functionality one could dream of, all while keeping its price point extremely competitive in pretty much every category. 

The Sealander name for the collection is somewhat of a misnomer in my point of view, as it is really the brand’s answer to a go-anywhere, do-anything sports watch. I mean, I guess as a combination of sea and land, respectively, it works. But for me, if you start a watch name off with “sea,” I’m immediately assuming we’re in dive watch territory. As for Christopher Ward's more rugged dive watch options, the brand first dived in with the release of the C60 Trident in 2009, which it has only expanded upon since, and features the unidirectional dive bezel and higher depth ratings you’d expect from a watch ready to face some more serious depths, achieving up to 1000 meters of water resistance for its Elite 1000 model. 

The Christopher Ward C60 Trident (above)

At the time of its release in 2021, the C63 Sealander was launched as the brand’s first “everywatch,” and it continues to hold that position today. It’s a bit ironic that its relative minimalism is exactly what makes it stand out against the brand’s other collections; it’s also probably its key selling point. It’s a no-fuss, no-frills watch meant to be put on without a second thought, and I could definitely see it being a welcome change for those who are drawn to the brand’s ethos and price positioning, but find some of their designs to be a little too out there for their own personal sense of style. It’s kind of Christopher Ward's take on what the Rolex Explorer is, without the field-watchiness, and with a decidedly more contemporary edge. 

The Christopher Ward The Twelve (above)

Three years after the C63 Sealander was launched, the brand would follow it up with another GADA watch candidate with an integrated bracelet twist via The Twelve collection. In my mind, these two collections are the ones that share a healthy sibling rivalry, as both the C63 Sealander and The Twelve collection, at their most basic, tackle similar needs, but in a very different manner. And especially given the recent release of The Twelve 660, which takes away some of the flashiness associated with the line, including the textural dial in favor of a flat matte one, along with new, more minimal baton indices, the competition between the two model families has only gotten tougher. 

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Case and Wear

In the years since its release, Christopher Ward has expanded the C63 Sealander line to not only offer multiple sizing options (including something more in my wheelhouse with the 36mm take), but the classic automatic model features very wearable proportions with its 39mm diameter, 45.8mm lug-to-lug, 11.25mm case profile, and 20mm lugs. Being in this sizing sweet spot is again, part of this whole watch’s appeal. The lugs are also sharply angled with comfort on the wrist in mind, and these things fit pleasantly snug without any gapping between the bracelet or strap on nearly every wrist size. For the automatic models, the bezel around the dial has a brushed finish that complements the case and bracelet finishing, and definitely helps this thing mitigate the appearance of scratching over time, which is the main issue with brightly polished finishes. 

While I kind of poked holes in the “Sealander” name earlier in this article, this watch is waterproof to 150 meters, which is nothing to write off. Additionally, the brand offers several strap and bracelet options to pair with the C63 Sealander right out of the box, including the ladder-style “Bader” bracelet, the five-link “Consort” bracelet with Jubilee vibes, and a couple of leather straps as well – all of which have a quick-release changing system. 

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Dial 

Minimalism is the keyword here with the C63 Sealander collection, especially in the case of the dial design. There are two main dial styles to choose from: either the more subtle polished lacquered or the slightly more dramatic sunray finishing. Whatever you’re preference, the layout formula remains the same. We’ve got the lume-filled rectangular indices marking the hours, a color-matched date window at six o’clock, and a printed minutes track along the dial’s perimeter. While those details are fairly typical, there are other quirks that are Christopher Ward specific, like the rhodium-plated twin flags logo under twelve, the dramatic arrow for the hour hand, and the trident emblem on the back of the seconds hand. While I think my preference lies with the lacquered dial models, the teal “dragonfly” sunray rendition is also up there in terms of my favorite iterations on the line. 

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Movement

For the movement on its everyday driver collection, Christopher Ward has smartly gone with a workhorse of a movement – the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic. This 26 jewel movement has Swiss-made chops, beats at 4 Hz, and has a power reserve of 38 hours. In a move not often seen at the sub-$1,200 price point, Christopher Ward has gone with an exhibition caseback, so you’re free to witness the caliber in action and the brand’s twin flag logo engraving on the rotor. 

The C63 Sealander GMT

While the 39mm automatic versions are the most straightforward of the bunch, I have to say that the GMT takes on the line is really where you’re going to get the most bang for your buck. The 39mm diameter is in the same sweetspot as the automatic models, but you’ve got the addition of the fixed bezel 24-hour scale and a dedicated GMT hand, and you don’t have to sacrifice much in terms of the case profile – the C63 Sealander GMT still measures just 11.85mm thick. And, the jump in price (which at the time of writing is a $320 difference) isn’t too considerable for the added functionality. I mean, not everyone needs a GMT, but I’m making this point as food for thought for you to chew on as you make your own opinion. 

Final Thoughts 

Though the C63 Sealander isn’t something I first associate with Christopher Ward, and to be quite frank, it isn’t the collection I find myself pulled towards as far as my own tastes go, I think it does play a necessary role in what makes the brand’s collection feel so well-rounded. It’s a fantastically well-proportioned three-hander without any fluff, and it carries on the spirit of what makes Christopher Ward as a brand so compelling, which ultimately boils down to its ability to continuously deliver a premium product in look and feel at one of the most accessible price points in the industry.

And it does this without any of the perks that come with being a part of a big multi-brand group, which is no easy task. For me, the C63 Sealander collection acts as an anchor for the brand to go big and experimental across other collections, keeping things grounded for those who want something that isn’t so flashy, wears great, and gets the job done. I guess you could call it the everyman’s everywatch. Pricing for the time and date C63 Sealander starts at around $1,140 while the GMT iteration is a bit more at just around $1,505. You can learn more at christopherward.com