Latest Review
Christopher Ward has smashed practically every boundary in their price bracket and continues to pick up loyal fans and newcomers like a cartoon snowball rolling down a mountainside. The Twelve—named somewhat confusingly for its dodecagonal bezel—has proven to be one of the brand’s most popular models, and likewise continues to expand its line of references since its inception in 2023. Responding to fan fervor, Christopher Ward has announced three The Twelve (Ti) Non-Fumé models to further round out The Twelve collection and prove to its followers that a little bit of fan-pleasing goes a long way.
Each of the three new Non-Fumé models retains several distinctive characteristics from similar Grade 2 Titanium (or “Ti”) models, including a monotone dial finish, which has previously only been used for steel designs. The angular case wears at 40mm in diameter and 44.5mm lug-to-lug, giving it a significant, but not overbearing, presence on the wrist. Being titanium, the watch is a relatively lightweight 41 grams, and the screw-down crown at 3 o’clock paired with a screw-down display caseback ensures a fairly hardy 100 meters of water resistance.
Another shared element across the three Non-Fumé pieces is the repeating pattern on the dial, inspired by Christopher Ward’s “twin-flags” logo. When viewed at different angles—aided by the flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating—the motif’s texture reflects light back in varying ways. This type of textured dial is nothing new for the brand, but it adds a sense of cohesiveness to the Non-Fumé and cements its status as a proper fan-service release.
Color-wise, three shades are available: Arctic White, Glacier Blue, and a new hue, Fjord Blue, which is exclusive to the Non-Fumé. The dial markers and hands are filled with Grade X1 BL C1 SuperLuminova, and a cheeky date window sits at 6 o’clock, truncating the hour marker just enough to give it the appearance of resting atop a mound of snow. On the Fjord Blue model, the date window matches the dial color and the numeral is white, giving it a bit of an aesthetic edge over the Arctic White and Glacier Blue models, which feel more like siblings to each other.
Underneath it all is the COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 automatic movement, which will be familiar to enthusiasts. To differentiate it, however, Christopher Ward has added a custom rotor with a “Colimaçoné” finish visible through the caseback. I don’t mind Sellita movements—I actually prefer them most of the time, given how easy they are to service—especially in the premium-budget space that Christopher Ward thrives in, but this may be a disappointing spot for fans hoping for something a little more exciting. Still, it promises a respectable 56-hour power reserve and a slim profile that will likely be super comfortable on the wrist.
The final notable quirk of the Non-Fumé models is another shared trait from The Twelve lineup: an integrated sport bracelet with vertical brushing, polished chamfers, and a micro-adjustable clasp. My prediction is that fans of the brand will be delighted by the Non-Fumé models, partly because it shows that Christopher Ward is listening to what their audience wants, and partly because it continues to elevate each piece beyond its price range. By mixing up their own rules and conventions and creating a blend of monotone color dials with a titanium case, the Non-Fumé may be just the watch to kick off a summer of exciting new watches from Christopher Ward and beyond.
Pricing starts at $1,450. More information can be found on the Christopher Ward website here.
