ABOUT US
WHY WATCHES?
Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the measurement of time. Mechanical clocks, as we know them, are thought to have originated in Europe in the late 13th century, telling time by striking bells (but without dials and hands). Clock-making flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and broadly runs on the simple principle of the release of energy (weights or springs) through a series of wheels and gears and controlled escape mechanism and regulation.
This site gives a pretty good explanation of how it all works.
For an early birthday, my daughter was the happy recipient of this model set, which gives a hands-on (pun intended) experience of the power source, the gears, the release of that power and the regulation.
I have a fabulous brass dial walnut longcase that dates from around 1710. I am simply blown away by the craftsmanship of our ancestors, who, without power tools, were able to make not only pieces that are stunning, but truly functional. More than 300 years later, it runs for eight days and still keeps time within 30 seconds per week. I’ve no doubt that it will outlive me.
Now imagine the challenge of reducing the size of the gears, wheels and escape mechanism to something that you can wear on your wrist. First, it was pocket watches that were developed in the 17th century and then the modern wristwatch as we know it after World War 1.
So, why do I wear a watch when you can see the time virtually everywhere?
It’s a marvel. A precision instrument that transforms energy into accurate time measurement on your wrist.
It’s got a beating heart. Well, not quite, but the oscillating balance wheel feels like it is alive.
It’s your style. Whatever your thing – whether a big, brash tool watch or a small, stunning dress watch, there’s a design (or designs) for you.
WHY CHRISTOPHER WARD?
I received a small legacy a number of years ago and wanted to buy a “proper” watch as a commemoration. Of course, “proper” to me meant an automatic watch with a sweeping second hand.
I started by googling watches and then promptly fell down the rabbit-hole of watches with both feet.
To cut a long story short, my research led me to Christopher Ward. It ticks so many boxes for me:
Fantastic value
Innovative designs and a huge range of watches (have a browse in the current selection and sold section of this website or the excellent CW archive)
A market leading five year no-quibble, transferable guarantee
Great customer service
Active and friendly Christopher Ward forum
British company with Swiss movements
My first ‘proper’ watch was a 2013 Forum Limited Edition from eBay before I flipped it soon after for a CW Jumping Hour Mk3 40mm, which is still in my collection today.
Over the years, I’ve handled many CWs as well as plenty of other brands such as Bremont, Omega, Tudor, Sinn etc. and whilst they are also great watches, the value proposition of Christopher Ward for me wins through. I still have more Christopher Ward watches in my collection than any other manufacturer.
WHY WARD HOARD?
Ward Hoard was formed several years ago by a fellow watch and CW enthusiast, Dan Lewis, and he grew it to a business with a great reputation. When he put it up for sale to focus on other business activities, it was simply an opportunity too good to turn down.
For those that say, “never mix business with pleasure”, as a watch enthusiast first and foremost, I’m hoping it’s far more like – “find a job that you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”. Do get in touch, always happy to answer and questions or chat about watches in general.
DISCLAIMER
Ward Hoard is 100% independent of Christopher Ward. It is not endorsed by or affiliated to Christopher Ward London Ltd. in any way.