Loco Classic

Description

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Presented in Oro, the C1 Loco Classic will be available from October 15th, 2026, with further launch colours and bracelet options to follow.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.