Christopher Ward

Who are Christopher Ward?

Christopher Ward is a British watch company based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, founded in 2004 by Mike France, Peter Ellis and Chris Ward (Christopher Ward). It sells directly to customers rather than through other retailers, and has an atelier in Biel, Switzerland. This page covers its history, how its watches are made, the collections and who controls it, then what to check when buying a pre-owned Christopher Ward in the UK.

The business trades through Christopher Ward London Limited, a private company registered in England with its office in Maidenhead. Companies House lists its activities as manufacture of jewellery and related articles, and retail sale by mail order or over the internet. The trading company is owned by Christopher Ward (London) Holdings Limited (Companies House).

The history of Christopher Ward

Christopher Ward’s history is short: a business idea in 2004, an online launch in 2005, a Swiss partner from 2008, a merger and its first own movement in 2014, outside investment in 2019 and a second movement in 2025.

The founding. In the company’s own account, written by Mike France, the idea came on a boat trip down the Thames in May 2004. France and Peter Ellis had recently sold the toy retailer Early Learning Centre, and the three friends settled on watches as a shared interest. They chose the name Christopher Ward because “it seemed the most quintessentially English name of the three of us” (Christopher Ward).

The company and the launch. The UK company was incorporated on 1 July 2004 as Pitcomp 345 Limited. It was renamed Horologie Limited in October 2004 and Fennel & Worswick Limited on 1 March 2005, and became Christopher Ward London Limited on 17 March 2005 (Companies House). The brand launched on 2 June 2005, from a converted chicken shed on a farm in Berkshire, selling only through its own website. The first two models were the C5 Malvern Automatic and the C3 Malvern Chronograph (Christopher Ward). Sources give the founding year differently: Wikipedia and the brand’s careers page say 2004, while Private Equity Wire, reporting BGF’s 2019 investment, says 2005. The difference is between the business being set up and the first watches going on sale.

The Swiss partner. In 2008 Christopher Ward began working with Synergies Horlogères, a watchmaking company in Biel owned and led by Jörg Bader. Its master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke, designed the “JJ” calibres: modules added to existing movements, used in watches such as the C9 Jumping Hour (Christopher Ward).

The merger and SH21. In 2014 the two companies announced a merger. On 2 July 2014 Christopher Ward announced its own movement, Calibre SH21, which it describes as “the first commercially viable mechanical movement from a British watch brand in over 50 years” (Christopher Ward). Wikipedia, citing MNPRetail, says the merger created Christopher Ward London Holdings; at Companies House the holding company, Christopher Ward (London) Holdings Limited, was incorporated on 9 June 2014.

Growth and investment. A rebrand in 2016 introduced the “twin flags” emblem, combining the St George’s Cross and the Swiss flag (Wikipedia). In July 2019 BGF invested £6.25m in the business, and BGF’s James Austin joined the board (Private Equity Wire). The same year, a Military Collection launched under a licence from the Ministry of Defence (Wikipedia). Chris Ward, whose name the brand carries, left the company in January 2020 (Wikipedia).

Chiming watches and a second movement. The C1 Bel Canto, an hour-chiming watch, went on sale in autumn 2022; both colours, limited to 300 each, sold out within hours (Christopher Ward). It won the “Petite Aiguille” prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). In April 2025 the C12 Loco launched with CW-003, the brand’s second in-house calibre (Europa Star).

What is Christopher Ward known for?

Christopher Ward is known for selling directly to customers, for its Anglo-Swiss set-up with design in Maidenhead and assembly in Biel, and for bringing its own movements and chiming complications into its range. It is also known for a long guarantee and returns window.

Selling direct. The brand’s plan from the start was to sell only through its own website (Christopher Ward). It calls itself the “world’s first direct-to-consumer luxury watch brand” (Christopher Ward, careers); that is the company’s own description, not an independent finding. It now also has showrooms: Wikipedia lists six as of February 2026, in London, Maidenhead, Liverpool, New York, Frisco (Texas) and Falls Church (Virginia).

Where the watches are made. In the company’s own words, its watches “are designed at its UK base at Maidenhead and engineered and assembled at its atelier in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland”, an approach it calls “twin-flag” (Christopher Ward, careers). Its owner’s handbooks describe the movements in some models as “Swiss made” (Christopher Ward, C63 Sealander GMT handbook). Christopher Ward also says it makes watches for MeisterSinger, the German maker of single-hand watches (Christopher Ward).

Its own movements. SH21, now called CW-001, was conceived by Johannes Jahnke and developed in Biel. It has twin barrels for a five-day power reserve (Wikipedia). CW-003, launched in 2025, is hand-wound, with twin barrels and a 144-hour power reserve, and was designed only for the C12 Loco (Europa Star). Other models use movements from outside suppliers; the Bel Canto, for example, began with a Sellita SW200-1 base and Christopher Ward’s own chiming module, FS01 (Christopher Ward). Our guide to in-house and outsourced movements explains why buyers care about the difference, and the COSC certification guide covers chronometer testing, which some SH21 versions received (Wikipedia).

The 60|60 Guarantee. Christopher Ward offers a 60-day returns window and a 60-month movement guarantee (Christopher Ward). The details matter for second-hand buyers and are set out below.

Which Christopher Ward collections are there?

Christopher Ward’s current range is grouped on its website as Trident (diving), Twelve (integrated bracelet), Sealander (sports and travel), Bel Canto (chiming), Loco, Dune, Military, Atelier, Moonphase and Jump Hour (Christopher Ward). Model names usually begin with a C number, such as C60 or C63.

The collections table on this page gives a line on each family. A few points help when you read listings:

• The C numbers. The C number is shared across a family: the C60 is the Trident diver, the C63 the Sealander and the C65 a retro range (Wikipedia). Two “C60” listings can be very different watches, so check the full model name and reference.
• Series and versions. The Trident has gone through several generations; the company calls the 2019 version the third (Christopher Ward). Military watches also come in series, such as the C65 Sandhurst Series 2 (Wikipedia).
• Limited editions. The C1 Bel Canto launched as two colours of 300 each (Christopher Ward). Christopher Ward sells many limited editions; check the edition number against the papers.
• Movement inside. The same family can contain watches with outside movements and with Christopher Ward’s own calibres. The listing should say which; check it against the caseback or the owner’s handbook.
• Dates differ. Christopher Ward dates the C65 range to 2018, while Wikipedia says 2016, and Wikipedia gives 2023 for the C12 Loco against April 2025 in the launch press release (Europa Star). This page uses the press release date.

Who owns Christopher Ward?

Christopher Ward is privately owned. The trading company, Christopher Ward London Limited, is controlled by its parent, Christopher Ward (London) Holdings Limited, which holds 75% or more of its shares and votes (Companies House). At the parent, BGF GP Limited has been registered as a person with significant control since 25 July 2019, with more than 25% but not more than 50% of the voting rights.

BGF is an investor in growing businesses; its £6.25m investment was reported in July 2019 (Private Equity Wire). The register lists only holders of more than 25%, so it is not a full list of shareholders (Companies House).

Mike France is co-founder and chief executive (Europa Star). The company is not listed on a stock exchange; it files accounts at Companies House.

Buying a pre-owned Christopher Ward in the UK: what to check

Check that you have the warranty card or original purchase documents, because the movement guarantee can pass to a new owner only with proof of ownership. Then check how much of the 60 months is left, who has serviced the watch, and run a stolen-watch check.

1. Papers and the full set. Christopher Ward’s movement guarantee can be transferred if the new owner provides “suitable proof of ownership, such as the warranty card or original purchase documents” (Christopher Ward). Ask the seller for these and for the owner’s handbook. Our guide to what “full set” means explains what each item proves.

2. The guarantee. The movement guarantee covers mechanical faults for 60 months. Christopher Ward’s page dates the start from despatch, though one answer on the same page says it starts two weeks after despatch, so ask the seller for the despatch or order date. It excludes cosmetic damage and water damage from not keeping up water resistance (Christopher Ward). The 60-day returns window is part of the original purchase from Christopher Ward; a private sale or a dealer sale has its own terms. See watch warranties explained.

3. Servicing. Christopher Ward recommends a service every three to four years (Christopher Ward, owner’s handbook). A service by anyone other than Christopher Ward invalidates the movement guarantee, and Christopher Ward’s own service and repair work carries a one-year warranty once the original guarantee has ended (Christopher Ward). Ask who has opened the watch, and for the paperwork.

4. Authenticity and the movement. Make sure the movement matches the listing, especially if it is described as having a CW-001 (SH21) or CW-003 calibre. Buy from a seller who will put authenticity in writing, and have the watch checked by a watchmaker you choose.

5. Stolen-watch check. Check the serial number against a stolen-watch register before you pay. Our stolen-watch check guide lists the UK registers.

6. Who you buy from. Christopher Ward sells new watches only through its own channels, so a pre-owned one will come from a private seller, a marketplace or an independent dealer. Each gives different protection: our guide to buying from a private seller or a dealer sets out the differences, and your consumer rights when buying a watch online explains what the law adds when you buy from a business.

For the full process from setting a budget to collecting the watch, see the guide to buying a luxury watch. If you are comparing British brands, our page on Bremont covers another one.

Frequently asked questions

Is Christopher Ward a British company?

Yes. Christopher Ward London Limited is registered in England (no. 05167936) and based in Maidenhead (Companies House). Its watches are engineered and assembled at its atelier in Biel, Switzerland (Christopher Ward).

Who founded Christopher Ward?

Mike France, Peter Ellis and Chris Ward, in 2004 (Christopher Ward). Chris Ward left the company in January 2020 (Wikipedia).

Where are Christopher Ward watches made?

In the company’s words, they are “designed at its UK base at Maidenhead and engineered and assembled at its atelier in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland” (Christopher Ward).

Does Christopher Ward make its own movements?

For some models. CW-001 (formerly SH21) launched in 2014 and CW-003 in 2025 (Christopher Ward; Europa Star). Other models use movements from outside suppliers.

Who owns Christopher Ward?

It is privately owned through Christopher Ward (London) Holdings Limited. BGF GP Limited is registered at Companies House as holding more than 25% but not more than 50% of the holding company’s voting rights.

What is the Christopher Ward 60|60 Guarantee?

A 60-day returns window and a 60-month guarantee against mechanical faults in the movement (Christopher Ward).

Is the Christopher Ward guarantee transferable?

Yes, if the new owner can provide suitable proof of ownership, such as the warranty card or original purchase documents (Christopher Ward).

How often should a Christopher Ward be serviced?

Christopher Ward recommends every three to four years. A service by anyone else invalidates the movement guarantee (Christopher Ward).

Can I buy a Christopher Ward from a shop?

Christopher Ward sells through its own website, phone line and its own showrooms, including London, Maidenhead and Liverpool in the UK (Wikipedia).

This page is general information. Watch60 is independent and has no commercial relationship with Christopher Ward.

We check the facts on this page against the sources listed, and it is correct to the best of our knowledge as of October 2026. Brands change their warranty, servicing and sales terms, so confirm them with the brand or the seller before you buy.