Quick facts
Reference: C7 Rapide Mk3 Automatic Chronograph
Category: Motor sport
Size: Medium / Large
Movement: Automatic
Condition: Very good
Ward Hoard warranty: Six months from purchase.
Buy it if you want: a motor sport inspired automatic chronograph with a superb case and finish
Description
With the exception of a handful of military specials, the Christopher Ward C7 (and C70) range has always been home to the brand's sport and motorsport-inspired watches. The C7 Rapide first appeared in 2008 as a quartz chronograph and that theme continued with the Mk2 in 2012, which was essentially the original case with a selection of new dial designs.
It wasn't until 2017 that the C7 Rapide received a full rethink, and with it, an automatic movement for the first time. This was the point at which the C7 finally gained a proper flagship model, and the watch you see here is the one that ticked both the 'automatic chronograph' and 'range-topper' boxes.
Power comes from the tried and trusted ETA 7750 Valjoux, a movement used by a long list of well-known brands including Breitling, TAG Heuer, Panerai, Omega and IWC. It was launched in 2017 with a list price of GBP 1,500 and was the first Christopher Ward to feature only the Twin Flags logo on the dial, with the CW wordmark removed entirely. It was not around for long, remaining in the catalogue for roughly a year between 2017 and 2018. Like most watches built around a 7750, it is on the taller side at 14.3mm, though certainly not the worst offender.
What draws people in are the details: the scalloped lugs with polished edges, the contrasting black ring around the case and the complexity of the multi-part case construction. All of that made it expensive to manufacture and quite distinctive on the wrist. I'm a huge fan of this design. The applied indices and textured dial really work for me and give it far more presence than the numbers suggest. It is a shame it was discontinued when it was, because it remains an awful lot of watch for the money.
Condition and performance
The watch is in very good condition.
Supplied strap / bracelet: CW Piccari leather strap. Condition: Great condition.
A lovely example.
Timegrapher: +6 seconds per day.
What's included
Your watch, your way
Prefer the watch head only, a different strap or a bracelet upgrade? Whether you're after the latest straps from Christopher Ward or want to explore our extensive back catalogue of new old stock and pre-owned straps from earlier collections, we'll help you find the right combination.
The easiest way to explore the options is to send us a message before ordering. We'll confirm compatibility, availability and any price adjustment.
If you're viewing this on the Ward Hoard site, you'll find more information about strap options at the bottom of this page.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch, compatible strap options or reserving it, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.
Quick facts
Reference: C7 Rapide Mk3 Automatic Chronograph
Category: Motor sport
Size: Medium / Large
Movement: Automatic
Condition: Very good
Ward Hoard warranty: Six months from purchase.
Buy it if you want: a motor sport inspired automatic chronograph with a superb case and finish
Description
With the exception of a handful of military specials, the Christopher Ward C7 (and C70) range has always been home to the brand's sport and motorsport-inspired watches. The C7 Rapide first appeared in 2008 as a quartz chronograph and that theme continued with the Mk2 in 2012, which was essentially the original case with a selection of new dial designs.
It wasn't until 2017 that the C7 Rapide received a full rethink, and with it, an automatic movement for the first time. This was the point at which the C7 finally gained a proper flagship model, and the watch you see here is the one that ticked both the 'automatic chronograph' and 'range-topper' boxes.
Power comes from the tried and trusted ETA 7750 Valjoux, a movement used by a long list of well-known brands including Breitling, TAG Heuer, Panerai, Omega and IWC. It was launched in 2017 with a list price of GBP 1,500 and was the first Christopher Ward to feature only the Twin Flags logo on the dial, with the CW wordmark removed entirely. It was not around for long, remaining in the catalogue for roughly a year between 2017 and 2018. Like most watches built around a 7750, it is on the taller side at 14.3mm, though certainly not the worst offender.
What draws people in are the details: the scalloped lugs with polished edges, the contrasting black ring around the case and the complexity of the multi-part case construction. All of that made it expensive to manufacture and quite distinctive on the wrist. I'm a huge fan of this design. The applied indices and textured dial really work for me and give it far more presence than the numbers suggest. It is a shame it was discontinued when it was, because it remains an awful lot of watch for the money.
Condition and performance
The watch is in very good condition.
Supplied strap / bracelet: CW Piccari leather strap. Condition: Great condition.
A lovely example.
Timegrapher: +6 seconds per day.
What's included
Your watch, your way
Prefer the watch head only, a different strap or a bracelet upgrade? Whether you're after the latest straps from Christopher Ward or want to explore our extensive back catalogue of new old stock and pre-owned straps from earlier collections, we'll help you find the right combination.
The easiest way to explore the options is to send us a message before ordering. We'll confirm compatibility, availability and any price adjustment.
If you're viewing this on the Ward Hoard site, you'll find more information about strap options at the bottom of this page.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch, compatible strap options or reserving it, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.