Side by side

Christopher Ward The C12 LocovsVaer G5 Meridian GMT

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

The C12 Loco
Christopher WardThe C12 Loco
MSRP $5,250
G5 Meridian GMT
VaerG5 Meridian GMT
MSRP $935

At a glance

16 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
The C12 Loco40mm
G5 Meridian GMT39mm
Power Reserve
The C12 Loco144h
G5 Meridian GMT40h
Water Resistance
The C12 Loco30m
G5 Meridian GMT200m
MSRP
The C12 Loco$5,250
G5 Meridian GMT$935

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
GMT
Diameter
40mm
39mm
Thickness
13.7mm
13mm
Lug-to-Lug
47.5mm
46mm
Lug Width
25mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
30m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Blue
Green
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
CW-003
Miyota 9075
Type
Manual
Automatic
Beat Rate
4 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
144h
40h
Jewels
29
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$5,250
$935

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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 The C12 Loco

Owners widely praise the Christopher Ward C12 Loco for its impressive technical ambition, well-finished movement aesthetics, and value, with many calling it a "hell of a lot of watch for the price" and noting its "insane" finishing. Specific praise is given to the dial-side floating free-sprung balance and the 144-hour power reserve from the SH21 movement. However, opinions are split on wearability, with some finding the 41mm diameter and 13.7mm thickness awkward, and the dial design is described by some as toy-like or bland, while others find it sophisticated. The manual-wind movement, 30m water resistance, and the 6 o'clock escapement are also points of discussion. Overall, owners rate the Christopher Ward C12 Loco highly for its technical innovation and perceived high-horology elements at a competitive price point.

Vaer G5 Meridian GMT

The Vaer G5 Meridian GMT is a compelling and affordable true GMT watch, featuring the Miyota 9075 movement. Reviewers note its 39mm stainless steel case, which is described as chunky but visually minimized by twisted lugs, and a highly domed sapphire crystal that contributes to reflections. The glossy ceramic bezel also adds to its shiny appearance. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Vaer G5 Meridian GMT highly for its true GMT functionality and value.

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