Christopher Ward Twelve X Black ShadowvsLongines MASTER COLLECTION

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.

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Longines Master Collection for its excellent fit and finish, heritage-inspired design with features like Breguet numerals and leaf hands, and the value it offers, particularly for complications like chronographs and annual calendars. Specific models are noted for their beautiful dial execution, creamy white barleycorn or blue starburst finishes, and practical complications. Some owners find the Master Collection thin and dressy, appreciating its vintage aesthetic. However, drawbacks mentioned include a subdial potentially obscuring numerals, a bracelet lacking micro-adjustments causing fit issues for some, and a case finishing described as homogenous by one owner. The 30m water resistance on annual calendar models is considered light, and the crown and pushers on the moon phase chronograph are described as uninspiring. One owner reported a broken moon phase setting mechanism.