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One thing you can’t credibly accuse Christopher Ward of is being afraid of color. Hot on the heels of their Twelve Xander, a colorful and abstract limited edition collaboration with the Dial Artist that sold out in a single day, the UK based brand is back with the Twelve 36 (Ti) Pick ‘n’ Mix Limited Edition, a series of small Twelves that draw on a nostalgic love of sugary, colorful candy, the kind that you used to be able to buy in bulk by the pound at movie theaters to escape a hot summer day (sorry, but that’s a core memory for me).
These new 36mm editions of the Twelve are available in a total of six colorways, and their defining feature is a dial texture that the brand says replicates the sugar coating on the types of candy that we’re now, years and years later, told is essentially poison and that we should stay away from. The texture looks great in these Christopher Ward supplied images, but I’ll be honest: I’m not sure I immediately think of candy when viewing them, although I’m happy to make the connection. It begs the question, though, if every similar texture we’ve seen over these last few years is actually a candy dial? Something to think about.
OK, the dial colors. The collection consists of Sour Apple (green), Kola Krystals (brown), Fizzy Orange (orange), Cherry Pop (red), Blue Sherbet (blue), and Berry Burst (purple). In terms of candy alone, I feel the strongest pull toward Sour Apple (really, anything sour is immediately at the top of my list). I think in terms of watch dials however I’m most drawn toward Blue Sherbet and Berry Burst. Ironic, perhaps, because sherbet, as an ice cream alternative, has always been quite unappealing, and I associate it most strongly with “orange” anyway. Is blue sherbet even a thing? Is this specific to the UK? I have so many questions, or maybe just a candy blind spot.
All of these watches are built on the Twelve 36 (Ti) platform, constructed from Grade 2 titanium and measuring 36mm in diameter and 8.95mm tall. While I have not seen these specific executions of the Twelve 36 (Ti) in person, I’ve tried on earlier variations and can confirm this watch wears great – it’s just a very versatile size that makes a lot of sense for an integrated bracelet sports watch. According to Christopher Ward, they weigh just 54 grams on the (color matched) rubber strap.
The Pick ‘n’ Mix Limited Edition watches are powered by a COSC certified Sellita SW300-1b movement with 56 hours of power reserve. The caliber is sort of visible via the caseback, which is emblazoned with a large “Pick ‘n’ Mix” logo. I’m sure some will bemoan the obstructed view of the movement, but I find the graphic to be charming and keeping with the sensibilities of the watch itself. If you really want to see what a Sellita SW300 looks like, Google Image Search is your friend, and I think you’ll likely find they are a lot less visually interesting than the colorful graphics found on the casebacks of these watches.
The new Twelve 36 (Ti) Pick ‘n’ Mix Limited Edition pieces are available now via Christopher Ward, at a retail price of $2,350. Each ships on a matching integrated bracelet as well as the aforementioned rubber strap. Christopher Ward
