Christopher Ward C63 Sealander 36 Review: The Best Affordable Everyday Watch

There’s always a contention between watch enthusiasts when it comes to hailing something as “the best”. Throw in the terms “affordable” and “everyday watch” and the playing field becomes packed with eager pitchers throwing their opinions around at 95mph. Today, I am one of those pitchers, and I’m pitching for those with smaller wrists (6.5 inches or below). The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander in 36mm gets my vote for the best affordable everyday watch for those with small wrists. Arguably, for just under USD$1000, I genuinely cannot think of an alternative that falls even remotely close to the C63 Sealander 36.

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander: What’s the History?

Christopher Ward, as a watch brand, was established in an ex-chicken farm in Berkshire, in 2005. Mike France, Peter Ellis, and Chris Ward, three successful entrepreneurs decided to launch a watch brand with the following philosophy: “the cheapest most expensive watches in the world”. Embedded into the company vision, were three simple goals:

1. Sell directly to customers through website
2. Maximum of 3 times mark-up
3. Zero celebrity endorsement

Since then, Christopher Ward has been on an absolute tear in the industry, with their Bel Canto C1 winning the prestigious Petite Aiguille award in Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2023. Not to mention their Twelve in Titanium that easily competes with the Swiss giants, and easily beating the hottest watch of 2022, the Tissot PRX. At this point you can’t really call them a microbrand anymore. They’ve got their own unique designs, in-house movements, AND, still zero celebrity endorsement!

What I admire most about Christopher Ward as a brand is their honesty. In almost all of their marketing materials for the C63, there is consistency in paying homage and tribute to the Rolex Explorer I and II. They don’t hide the fact that the Sealander is their interpretation of the Rolex Explorer. And I’ve gotta say, they’ve essentially gone and created the modern Rolex Explorer 36mm alternative for a fraction of the cost. Seriously, for what how much they’re charging for the C63 Sealander 36, it’s no doubt the best everyday watch out there for those with smaller wrists. Besides, you get 60 months of transferrable warranty, it’s registered to the watch, not the person!

Technical Specifications

Case & Bezel:

The C63 Sealander was first released in the middle of 2021 with a 39mm case. It wasn’t until May of 2022 when Christopher Ward released the C63 Sealander in 36mm. The tagline was simple: “all the watch you’ll ever need”. It’s their version of an everyday GADA watch.

Rolex has their legendary Oyster case, then Christopher Ward has their proprietary light-catcher case. This trademark case design borrows it’s stylish curves and rugged lines from the British car manufacturer, the Aston Martin DB9. It’s meant to showcase the C63 Sealander’s sporty nature, yet introduce sleekness that gives it that luxurious feel on wrist.

The case is a unique mixture of brushed and polished finishing. Unlike others, it’s kind of hard to tell what’s brushed and what’s polished because of how well it’s blended together. The top of the lugs is rather dull, but it’s a whole different story when it comes to the side profile. The C63 Sealander can be best described as a summation of chamfered edges, slim waist, and sexy curves.

The inclusion of a screw-down exhibition case back showing the slightly decorated Sellita SW200 is a plus at this price range. A few blue screws and a “Colimacone” finish on the rotor. To top it all off, the bezel is brushed, which means less scratches, and more adventures.

Dial & Hands

Let’s start off by acknowledging the new Christopher Ward logo at the 12 o’clock, and pay our respects to the fallen Arial-looking text logo.

The C63 Sealander 36 sports a polished lacquered black dial with a matching date wheel. Rectangular-shaped polished indices represent the hours, with the 6 o’clock date window. It’s surrounded by a minute track that runs on the outer edge of the dial, with a numeric indicator every five minutes. The indices are filled with Super-LumiNova C1 and glows nicely in the dark.

The minute and hour hands are familiar Christopher Ward pointy-arrow and sword-style hand set. Of course, topped off with the signature trident counter-balance on the seconds hand. Setting the time and date on the C63 Sealander 36 is a breeze. The crown action and winding is solid as expected from the SW200.

The dial on the C63 Sealander 36 is boring, but it’s also meant to be. It’s a black dial, everyday watch that you can wear to the boardroom, and then straight to a night out.

Bracelet

The C63 Sealander 36 bracelet is my favorite part of the watch, but I also have the most complaints. It’s a really well constructed three-link Oyster-style bracelet that is without a doubt premium in quality. Honestly the links themselves don’t differ much in quality from my dad’s modern sport Rolex. The on-the-fly adjustment is ridiculous at this price range. It’s no Monta and their ceramic bull-bearing adjustment, but it’s also 1/3 of the price. I can’t bring myself to fault the bracelet given how little Christopher Ward is charging for the package. But I do have my gripes.

Firstly, the clasp is too damn long. If the whole point of the C63 Sealander 36 is to accommodate smaller wrists, then why is the clasp the literal length of my wrist? I get it has to house the micro-adjustment, but I would rather sacrifice the adjustment and trim a few millimeters off the clasp. If it tapers to 16mm, even better! Secondly, why the male end links? It doesn’t really go with the whole smaller wrist movement as it’s introducing more lug-to-lug length for no real reason.

Comfort & Wearability

If I had to do all this watch-buying shit all over again with the knowledge I have now. If I wanted a Rolex Explorer 36mm alternative, or just a 36mm everyday watch. The C63 Sealander 36 would be it. If this exact watch was available 8 years ago when I started my journey, and if I purchased it. I probably would’ve just exited the game. There wouldn’t be a need for anything else.

Take it from me, a watch enthusiast who’s made his whole personality about his skinny wrists. The C63 Sealander 36 is everyday comfort you are looking for. The best part is it will never look out of place wherever you take it. I find taglines kinda corny but it really is “all the watch you’ll ever need”.

C63 Sealander 36: Who Is It For?

I’m always on the hunt for the best Rolex Explorer 41270 alternative. There simply isn’t a better representative than the Sealander. The fact that it isn’t just another Oyster-inspired case solidifies it’s spot amongst the 36mm everyday watch category. For those who are just looking for a well-made, luxurious everyday watch that won’t break the bank, well look no further.

This is a special message to my fellow watch enthusiast. If you want to continue enjoying this hobby, buy more watches, or even just wear your rotation, don’t buy this watch. Fair warning, the C63 Sealander 36 will make your other watches in your collection obsolete.

C63 Sealander 36: Closing Thoughts

Aesthetics: It’s a classic black dial meets everyday watch design. The C63 Sealander in 36 is not a “fun” watch, but it’s a watch you can take anywhere and everywhere you go. A true one watch collection at an affordable price.

Comfort: SIXIW-certified without question. It’s one of those watches that I’m going to use as a mental benchmark when it comes to fitting and comfort of other pieces. This is the goldilocks for me.

Price: Just under USD$1000 for something like this is actually ridiculous in today’s hyper-inflated market. I’d say buy one now before they increase the prices.

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