Christopher Ward's latest creation, the Twelve Xander, is a masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sports watches. This limited-edition collaboration with artist Chris Alexander, known as The Dial Artist, is a stunning example of how a simple concept can be transformed into a work of art. The result is a watch that's not just a timepiece, but a canvas of vibrant colors and intricate details.
What makes the Twelve Xander truly remarkable is the meticulous hand-painting process. Alexander's unique style, inspired by the action paintings of the 1960s, involves multiple layers of priming, airbrushing, hand-painting, and hand-finishing. The result is a chaotic yet mesmerizing display of colors that seems to dance across the watch face. Each of the 150 watches in this limited run is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with eight hand-painted components that include the dial ring, main bridges, and rotor. This attention to detail and the sheer amount of time and effort put into each watch make it a true labor of love.
The Twelve Xander is powered by Christopher Ward's COSC-certified Calibre CW-001 automatic movement, which is skeletonized and features twin mainspring barrels with a five-day power reserve. The hand-painted dial ring contains the minute track and indices, which are filled with Super-LumiNova Grade X1 BL C1. The watch also features a 41mm x 12.3mm Grade 2 titanium case with a Grade 5 titanium twelve-sided bezel, and it comes on either an integrated Grade 2 titanium bracelet or a new 'Pure White' integrated rubber strap. Both straps are compatible with the case's integrated quick-change system.
The Twelve Xander is a statement piece, and its price reflects that. At $5,995 on the rubber strap and $6,515 on the bracelet, it's an increase of $620 over the standard Twelve X (Ti). However, considering the limited edition nature of the watch and the intricate hand-painting involved, I believe this price is more than fair. The Twelve Xander is a testament to Christopher Ward's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the watch industry, and it's a watch that will undoubtedly become a sought-after collector's item.
In my opinion, the Twelve Xander is a masterpiece that combines the precision and craftsmanship of a high-end sports watch with the artistic flair of a one-of-a-kind creation. It's a watch that will undoubtedly turn heads and spark conversations, and it's a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. Personally, I think it's a must-have for any serious watch enthusiast, and I can't wait to see what Christopher Ward comes up with next.
