WH2306JJ C7 Rapide Mk3 Automatic Chronograph (01/2019)

£795.00

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.

  • Case: Clean with light hairlines only

  • Bezel: Clean

  • Crystal: Clear, no marks

Supplied strap / bracelet: CW Piccari leather strap. Condition: Great condition.

A lovely example.

Timegrapher: +6 seconds per day.

What's included

  • Box: Full set - old-style box

  • Papers / certificates: Owner's manual / Certificate of Authenticity; cleaning cloth

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

  • Case size: 42mm

  • Lug to lug: 48.2mm

  • Lug width: 22mm

  • Height: 14.3mm

  • Movement: ETA Valjoux 7750 Automatic

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.

  • Case: Clean with light hairlines only

  • Bezel: Clean

  • Crystal: Clear, no marks

Supplied strap / bracelet: CW Piccari leather strap. Condition: Great condition.

A lovely example.

Timegrapher: +6 seconds per day.

What's included

  • Box: Full set - old-style box

  • Papers / certificates: Owner's manual / Certificate of Authenticity; cleaning cloth

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

  • Case size: 42mm

  • Lug to lug: 48.2mm

  • Lug width: 22mm

  • Height: 14.3mm

  • Movement: ETA Valjoux 7750 Automatic

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.


Make it yours - strap options

Prefer another option?

  • Head only: £30 off the listed price.

  • Exchange for a brand new standard CW strap: £40 extra.

    Choose from tropic, hybrid or vintage oak leather, subject to availability and compatibility. Please ask about any others.

  • Exchange for another strap or bracelet listed on our straps and bracelets pages: receive the discount for head only above, and then 10% off your chosen strap or bracelet’s price. Ask us to confirm compatibility and the overall price adjustment.

How do I go ahead? Get in touch and we’ll provisionally reserve your choice and adjust the price. However, please note that the watch is only secured once we can act on your email.

Want to secure your watch now? Just buy it as listed. We can sort out your preferred strap or bracelet afterwards, with an additional payment or refund as appropriate. Alternative straps and bracelets remain subject to availability and compatibility.