A Week on the Wrist with the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT (2026) – the best Christopher Ward gets even better?

When Christopher Ward announced that it had updated its Sealander collection a few weeks ago, it came with a lot of expectations. The collection has formed a cornerstone of the brand's image for years, and is widely considered to be one of the best value options in the circa £1,000 arena.

For me, it also held extra weight. My first 'proper' watch purchase was the older C63 Sealander GMT, and it's a watch which has come with me pretty much everywhere ever since.

So, can the new models hold up against one of the brand's most popular? I've been testing it to find out.

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT: key specs

The new model comes with a range of different options, but the model I've got on test is actually fairly similar to those which have been available previously. That employs a 39mm case diameter, sitting 11.3mm tall and crafted from stainless steel,

The model is water resistant to 150m – not quite up to dive watch standards, but likely more than you'll need on a daily basis – and powered by the new Sellita SW330-2 movement. That's got a minimum power reserve of 50 hours, and is accurate to within -5/+12 seconds per day with a 4Hz beat rate.

The model I tested comes with the new Pistachio dial, and sits on a Bader bracelet. That's updated here to include the brand's new iLink bracelet adjustment system, which allows you to make tool-free bracelet adjustments thanks to a locking push-button design.

There are a range of subtle changes to the design, each of which contribute to a slightly more refined profile compared to the previous generation. Perhaps the most noticeable switch sees the bezel use lines in place of dots between the numbered indices.

What is the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT like on the wrist?

If you've never strapped on a Christopher Ward watch before, prepare yourself. What I'm about to say will sound hyperbolic, but it is, in fact, the product of many years testing these watches – there's no such thing as a bad-wearing Christopher Ward.

Something about the way this brand designs its cases and bracelets makes them instantly comfortable – more noticeably than I've spotted with other brands. This is no different, with a homely nature which is as comfortable as sitting in a warm bath.

As mentioned at the top of this article, I've worn the older version of this model for years, so I was never really expecting much less. In fact – despite a handful of minor spec changes like the reduced case thickness – I really would struggle to tell them apart, sight unseen.

For me, this pistachio dial is a real treat. It's bang on trend right now, and feels colourful without being so overtly bright and garish that you can't dress it up. That balance is not always struck.

I will say that some of the design choices – like, for example, the frame around the date window – don't sit quite as well with me. Christopher Ward was keen to adopt a refined approach to this update, but that's one thing I think it just didn't need. It looks boxy and peculiar, where the older colour-matched design simply faded elegantly.

Is the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT worth the money?

This one is an interesting question. When I picked up my watch a few years ago, I paid a hair under £900, thanks to an introductory offer.

Now, the exact model I tested – which is an exact equivalent in the new range – retails for £1,190 / €1,560 / US$1,620 / AU$2,195. It's not a massive jump, but it's worth noting that what was once a circa-£1,000 bargain has crept higher in price.

I do still think it represents great value. Not only are you getting good specs for the cash, you're buying into a brand which has rapidly ascended to be one of the most significant in the watch industry.

There are a lot of watches out there which sit somewhere between the original price I paid and the current list price here. Many of them offer similar specs, and get close to the looks on offer.

But none of them are a Christopher Ward, and in a world where trustworthy brand's are more important than ever, that's worth its weight in gold.

Sam Cross is an award-winning journalist, with nine years of experience in the media industry. His work can be found in publications as diverse as Oracle Time, Metro and Last Word on Sports.

Here at T3, Sam is best known as the brand’s go-to guy for all things luxurious – from exquisite watches to fine fragrances; the latest performance vehicles to intricate audio equipment, and more.

He’s often found travelling around the world to test new launches, complete with high-end backpacks and suitcases in tow. And when he’s not adding to his air miles, Sam can be found in front of a video camera, bringing his distinctive brand of storytelling to T3’s social media channels.

Sam also loves all things analogue including listening to music on vinyl or cassette, and photography on vintage film cameras.