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Christopher Ward Twelve X Black ShadowvsGlycine Airman Vintage The Chief Purist

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow

Owners widely praise the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow's impressive finishing for its price point and the quality of its bracelet. Some owners, however, feel the $4,865 price is high for the brand, while others argue it offers strong specifications for the money. Reviewers note the skeletonized COSC-certified SH21 movement provides a 120-hour power reserve, but legibility suffers due to the skeletonization and the watch's increased thickness is noticeable. One owner reported sharp edges on bracelet links and unfinished clasp surfaces, leading to a return, despite finding the case and dial appealing. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow highly for its finishing and value, with the skeletonized movement being a key draw.

From video reviewers

The machine finishing on the titanium case and bracelet is cited as a key strength. The skeletonized dial is noted as a divisive feature. Reviewers disagree on whether the watch offers good value at its price point.

Glycine Airman Vintage The Chief Purist

The Glycine Airman Vintage The Chief Purist is widely praised for its classic pilot watch design and excellent wearability, with owners highlighting its authentic 24-hour dial as a core element of its identity. Reviewers and owners consistently note its accurate timekeeping, with one report stating it keeps very accurate time and another confirming excellent timekeeping. The sun-ray green dial is specifically mentioned as looking great in different lighting conditions, and the lume is described as great for a vintage-style piece. Owners find the purist model's 24-hour dial more logical than GMT versions, and the 40mm size is noted for offering larger, readable dials. One owner calls it the best pilot watch ever made.

From video reviewers

The 24-hour dial legibility is a key strength. Reviewers disagree on the desirability of the current Purist design compared to Glycine's past Airman 18 series.

At a glance

18 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Twelve X Black Shadow40mm
Airman Vintage The Chief Purist40mm
Power Reserve
Twelve X Black Shadow120h
Airman Vintage The Chief Purist48h
Water Resistance
Twelve X Black Shadow100m
Airman Vintage The Chief Purist30m
MSRP
Twelve X Black Shadow$6,275
Airman Vintage The Chief Purist$2,900

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Skeleton
GMT
Thickness
12.3mm
12.25mm
Lug-to-Lug
44.5mm
Lug Width
25mm
22mm
Finish
Water Resistance
100m
30m
Caseback

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
AR Coating
Dial Color
Black
White
Indices
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Luminous

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Christopher Ward CW-001
Sellita SW330-2
Beat Rate
4 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
120h
48h
Jewels
31
25
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$6,275
$2,900
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