Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Series 2vsRolex Explorer

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Series 2 at true scale

C65 Sandhurst Series 2

Rolex Explorer at true scale

Explorer

Diameter

38mm

36mm

Lug-to-Lug

43.7mm

n/a

Thickness

11.9mm

n/a

Water Resistance

150m

highest

100m

Power Reserve

38h

70h

highest

MSRP

$1,375

lowest

$14,600

Movement

Sellita SW200-1

3230

Case

8 specs
Diameter
38mm
36mm
Thickness
11.9mm
n/a
Lug-to-Lug
43.7mm
n/a
Lug Width
20mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
Yellow Rolesor
Finish
down backplate with deep-stamped British Army Heraldic badge
Yellow Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold
Water Resistance
150m
100m
Caseback
n/a
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal Shape
n/a
Flat
Indices
n/a
Arabic numerals
Lume
SLN Grade X1 BL C1
Chromalight

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
3230
Beat Rate
4 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
38h
70h
Jewels
26
31
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,375
$14,600
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Reviews

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

Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Series 2

Owners widely praise the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Series 2 for its balanced wearability, clean British-military aesthetic, and COSC-certified accuracy. The 38mm case size aligns with a trend for smaller watches, and its mid-century design is described as ultra-legible and cool, with a gorgeous domed crystal and a MOD badge on the caseback adding charm for military enthusiasts. Some owners question its claimed military heritage compared to other brands, and a few find the 38mm size potentially too small for larger wrists. The watch features a Sellita SW200 COSC chronometer movement with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova. On balance, owners rate the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Series 2 highly for its character, perfect dimensions, and COSC-certified accuracy.

From video reviewers

The COSC-certified movement and vintage military aesthetic are praised. The sub-£1,000 price point is considered remarkable for the quality.

Rolex Explorer

Owners widely report the Rolex Explorer is exceptionally comfortable and versatile, dominating daily wear even for those owning higher-end pieces. Its understated design and immaculate finishing are frequently praised, with many highlighting the comfortable, tapering bracelet and ideal 36mm size. Accuracy is noted as excellent, with figures around +1 second per day. Some owners find the bezel scratches easily, and a few consider the 36mm case size small or the design too plain. On balance, owners and reviewers highly rate the Rolex Explorer for its unparalleled comfort, versatility, and understated "watch-guy's" appeal.

From video reviewers

The 36mm case size is a significant strength. Reviewers were divided on the value of the two-tone construction, with some highlighting it as a unique aesthetic and others finding it disappointing.

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