he C1 Loco Classic arrives having already received significant industry recognition. In September, the gold model was named among six nominees in the Petite Aiguille category of the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), selected from 26 entries by the 1,028 members of the GPHG Academy.

Work on the new Loco Classic began in June 2024, before the launch of the integrated sports-focused C12 Loco. Rather than simply adapting that watch into a dressier form, Christopher Ward began the project with a ground-up redesign for CW-003: retaining its distinctive, symmetrical architecture while reconsidering almost every visible element in line with the new brief.

While the C12 Loco is characterised by its angular, integrated sports-watch chassis, the C1 Loco Classic takes a deliberately elegant approach.

Its 41mm Light-catcher™ case is crafted from 904L stainless steel and combines highly polished surfaces with fine brushing. A scalloped groove runs across the case flanks into individually-soldered lugs, creating a continuous, rounded profile. More than 5.5mm of the Loco Classic’s total height comes from its dramatically domed sapphire crystals, which act almost as a showcase for the dial-side structure, rather than adding visual weight to the slim 8.55mm case.

That softer design language continues into the movement. The front and rear bridges have been completely redesigned with slimmer, more rounded forms, with each set receiving more than five hours of hand-finishing by APJ, Christopher Ward’s specialist in the Swiss Jura.

At the centre of the C1 Loco Classic is a two-level dial architecture designed to frame the free-sprung balance wheel rather than conceal it. A heavily domed, white ceramic time-telling dial occupies the upper half of the face. Its bespoke Roman numerals and minute track are laser-engraved before being individually filled with black lacquer by hand, using a microscope and fine needle. Above it, diamond-cut and polished lance hands are coated in blue PVD and subtly curved to follow the profile of the ceramic dome. Beneath sits the base dial, grain-sandblasted before receiving a varnish containing powdered mother-of-pearl. The treatment creates a densely textured surface which changes character as it catches the light.

For launch, that base dial is offered in three distinct hues: the previously revealed gold, alongside new light blue and black versions.

“The black, blue and gold suit the watch perfectly,” says Jörg Bader, Product Director. “They’re more Wedgwood pottery than Koenigsegg: the lustrous black of a crushed-velvet lapel; the delicate blue of a Georgian dining room; a creamy gold reminiscent of a crème brûlée. Each individual point of sparkle stands out, while the overall effect is like an oil slick on water.”

The launch also introduces a new interpretation of the Consort™ bracelet developed specifically for the C1 Loco Classic. Like the case, it’s made from 904L stainless steel, chosen for its greater lustre compared with the more commonly used 316L. The new bracelet reverses the usual application of brushed and polished surfaces, giving the bracelet a more jewellery-like character that complements the highly polished C1 case. It is also equipped with Christopher Ward’s iLink™ system for easy, tool-free adjustment, along with quick-release end-links and an on-the-fly clasp extension mechanism.

From the reverse, CW-003’s symmetrical architecture is dominated by three stacked circles: twin barrels above and below, with the bevelled intermediate winding wheel between them, all supported by horizontal rounded bridges. The new baseplate features a laser engraved grained texture, framed with more polished bevels and finished in a warm 2N gold plating.

“The soft, textured suede we’re using on the new straps contrasts beautifully with the polished case,” says Jörg Bader. “But even more remarkable is the bracelet. It’s undoubtedly the most premium and refined pairing we’ve ever offered.”

The C1 Loco Classic represents the latest chapter in Christopher Ward’s Atelier series. Its sculptural movement architecture, artisanal textures and extensive hand-finishing have all the delicacy and refinement of haute horlogerie. Yet beneath that beauty is a movement built to perform, with an extensive power reserve and uncompromising accuracy more readily associated with a sports watch. Bringing those two worlds together is what defines the Loco Classic: the perfect balance of beauty and power.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Material: 904L Stainless Steel
• Case Size: 41mm
• Strap Size: 22mm
• Case Height: 14.1mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
• Case Weight: 64g
• Water Resistance: 3ATM (30M)
• Movement: CW-003
• Power Reserve: 144 hours
• Jewels: 29
• Vibrations: 28,800p/hr (4Hz)
• Timing Tolerance: -0/+7 seconds per day