Fifteen Days with the Christopher Ward C8 Pilot - overview

Okay - it is the final day with the C8 Pilot and it is time to sum up -

Photo courtesy of Christopher Ward

From the very first day, the accuracy of the C8 was very impressive.  With very minimal deviations, it got down to a variance of 5 seconds - which is where it was this morning when I consulted with the government time source.  When you are talking about a non-COSC movement, this is a very good result.      My suspicion is that if I were to continue wearing the C8 as a daily watch, the variance would probably get down to 2 or 3 seconds per day.  The Christopher Ward booklet states that accuracy will be +20 / -10 seconds per day.  So + 5 seconds is a fantastic rate.

In addition to the actual time-keeping, Christopher Ward has done quite a bit to make sure that this watch will perform as advertised.  The watch is 44 mm in diameter, in a matte finished 316L stainless steel.  Apart from the obvious - the movement itself which the booklet references as an ETA 2824-2,  the C8 utilizes an anti-magnetic inner casing composed of soft iron.  Important not only when flying near the poles, but even at the dentist getting x-rays!

And even in the worst of weather, the C8 did not miss a beat.  The strap was repeatedly soaked by rain, and is still in great shape - no stains, looking as good as new.

As you can see, a solid (apart from a small aperture window) case back.  And the engraving on the back is the blueprint of a Spitfire!


The legibility of the C8 is fantastic - nice easy to read dial, with clear numbers of contrasting color and depth - not just printed, they actually stand off a bit (but not too much) from the dial itself.  The crystal is convex sapphire with anti-reflective coating.  The date window is clear and well oriented - not simply cut into the 3 o'clock area as an after thought.

The red second hand is a fantastic compliment to the beige dial.  And that is another great point - how many black dial pilots are there out there?  A lot!  Beige is unique, but still somehow retaining the military aspect of a pilot's watch.  This is further enhanced by the crown -

and the use of a pilot strap.  The strap was at first a small concern for me as it was a little stiff when I first put the watch on.  I must say that it has grown softer and more comfortable every day.  This and the smooth finish of the watch itself have provided a remarkably comfortable wearing experience.  For a large stainless steel watch, this one has been remarkably comfortable to wear.  Christopher Ward lists the weight as 140 g for those of you out there who want the specifics - let me simply say that it has been a joy to wear.

The C8 is available direct from Christopher Ward and for US customers the cost is $420.00

For the US, visit Christopher Ward at:  www.christopherward-usa.com

For the rest of the world - www.christopherward.co.uk