Christopher Ward C70 US Cunningham Stripe Limited Edition

Introduction

The C70 US was the sixth member of the original C70 Grand Prix series, which launched in 2009. There were 4,000 watches in that initial run; 500 of each of eight different models. They included:

• The GB Brooklands

• The IT Rosso Corsa

• The FR Grand Epreuve

• The DE Silver Arrow

• The BE Ascari

• The US Cunningham Stripe

• The DBR1 (now one of CW’s most collectable watches)

• And finally the MC Monte Carlo

The C70 US celebrates Tommy Milton’s victory in the 1923 Indianapolis 500 - the first time the race was considered part of the International Grand Prix series. Although the Cunningham racing stripe was not introduced by American, Briggs Swift Cunningham II until much later, as the first ever racing stripe, it is highly appropriate that it is sported by the C70US as the famous blue parallel lines on white ground have become synonymous with American motor racing.

While the US piece hasn’t quite achieved the cult-like status of the DBR1, I can genuinely say I’ve seen less far US watches change hands than I have DBR1s - so once they find homes, they tend to stay there for a LONG time!

Warranty

As a November 2009 watch, the five year CW warranty has long expired, so it comes with a three month Ward Hoard warranty.

Strap

It’s fitted with the original (fitted end) strap, with its butterfly deployment clasp, which is in fantastic condition - clearly only seen occasional light use. CW sold out of original replacement straps about a decade ago.

 Please ask if you would prefer an alternative strap.

Condition

The C70’s exposed alloy bezel and thinly applied paint make it notoriously delicate, so finding the older ones in good condition is becoming increasingly challenging (CW has long since exhausted its supply of replacement bezels/cases).

The watch in this listing is in very good condition - in fact it’s one of the better US models that I’ve seen. There are a few mark dings on the bezel, clearly visible in the photos, but the rest of the highly polished case and back are in great condition.

It comes complete with the original Owner’s Handbook with Certificate of Authenticity, plus original CW box (which is also in fabulous condition with the correct blue striped cushion), the original covering letter and invoice and unused polishing cloth.

In summary, it’s a fantastic example of an almost impossible to find watch.

Specifications

• Case size: 42mm

• Lug width: 22mm

• Height: 10.7mm

• Waterproof: 50m

• Movement: ETA 251.272 quartz

User Manual
A PDF version of the owner’s manual is available on the CW website: https://www.christopherward.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cw-library/default/dwa255857f/pdfs/Motorsport/c70_manual.pdf

Final Notes

• Note the first photograph is a library shot, the rest all show the actual watch and package.