We’ve mentioned boutique watch brand Christopher Ward more than once here on Gear Patrol, even reviewing one of their watches. Though its designs are occasionally derivative, the brand also delivers some largely original takes on different types of timepieces, and more importantly, value is a key component of the Christopher Ward business model.
One complication that’s tough to find at an affordable price throughout much of the watch world is the so-called “world timer” complication. A world timer often uses a 24-hour display in conjunction with a table or scale listing different cities throughout the world and a fourth hand to give the user quick access to different time zones, and though brands like Seiko have offered mechanical takes on this complication in the past, there aren’t too many affordable mechanical world timers on the market yet.
Christopher Ward’s new C1 Grand Malvern Worldtimer is, thankfully, fairly well-positioned in the “affordable world timer” camp at less than $1,500. Available in a handsome blue and white dial housed in a 43.5mm steel case, the Grand Malvern features the modified, automatic Calibre JJ03 movement with 24-hour GMT ring, a world map and international cities ring, and multiple leather strap options (camel, brown or blue). Allowing the wearer to quickly ascertain the time in multiple cities around the world, a world timer is a wonderful alternative to the classic GMT complication, and perfect for the modern traveler.
At nearly 44mm wide, the Grand Malvern is certainly not a small watch, but it does pack a large amount of information into the dial. If you’ve got a bigger wrist and you travel frequently (or even if you simply conduct business internationally), then this could be the watch you’ve been waiting for.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Reymond Weil Tango ($1,095)
Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture ($3,995)
IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition ($12,400)
