The C63 Highlander: adding Scottish spirit to a very English watch
Christopher Ward joined forces with Scottish Watches to create a limited-edition remix of the C63 Sealander Automatic
Christopher Ward has announced a collaboration with one of the world’s most listened-to watch podcasts, Scottish Watches.
The now sold-out timepiece, the C63 Highlander, was limited to just 69 pieces, and is a distinctly Caledonian version of the C63 Sealander Automatic. It was released in late-Spring 2022 at a price of £845 on a bracelet.
Rikki Daman co-founder/creator of Scottish Watches says: “When we launched just over three years ago, Christopher Ward was the first watch brand we interviewed. CW has supported us from the start, so when the idea of a collaboration came about, it seemed natural.”
The C63 Sealander Automatic was one of CW’s biggest hits of 2021 – delivering elite-level Swiss watchmaking at an accessible price. CEO Mike France thinks it makes the perfect base for the collaboration.
“Both Christopher Ward and Scottish Watches share the same ethos: a love of promoting real watchmaking, but without the snobbery and elevated prices that put off so many,” he says. “And nothing symbolises that better than the C63 Sealander Automatic.”
Work on the watch took nine months, with Scottish Watches collaborating closely with the Christopher Ward team. CW designer Will Brackfield says: “We tried a raft of different designs with one version boasting a sapphire tartan dial – which we all agreed was maybe a step too far!”
“As we’re Scottish and cheeky, ‘Highlander’ seemed the perfect name”
The final result is a unique, understated timepiece that carries the DNA of both brands – with a name you’re unlikely to forget.
“As we’re Scottish and cheeky, ‘Highlander’ seemed the perfect name,” says Rikki. “The dial is dark saltire-blue, and we’ve taken the ‘twin flags’ logo and changed it, so it features the flags of Scotland and England. In fact, the flags are repeated as a pattern across the dial. The world’s best watchmaker, Roger W Smith, even gave some advice on which colour of date wheel we should choose.”
Another difference with the original C63 Sealander Automatic can be found by flipping the watch over. Here you’ll find a transparent caseback, backed with a tinted disc that shows the Scottish saltire.
For Will Brackfield, the C63 “Highlander” symbolises cooperation and comradeship among watch-lovers of every stripe.
“Working with Dave and Rikki from Scottish Watches was such a pleasure,” he says. “The C63 “Highlander”, like Scottish Watches itself, combines playfulness with quality and a love of real watchmaking.”
The Highlander limited edition is now sold out. If you are interested in creating your own custom CW timepiece, please contact bespoke@christopherward.co.uk.
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