Gerard Nijenbrinks’s 2021 long-term review was favorable: after 13 days with one Series 1 Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst, he found it comfortable, legible and quietly appealing, and measured a gain of 28 seconds. The main drawback was the supplied canvas strap, which started stiff and developed dark marks during hot, sweaty wear. That is one owner’s experience—not a durability test or a prediction for every watch.
What did the C65 Sandhurst feel like to wear over time?
Nijenbrinks began wearing his watch on August 9, 2021, and reported his observations on August 22. On his 17.5 cm wrist, he found the 38 mm watch appropriately sized and unobtrusive. Its dial remained legible in varied lighting, supporting the practical, restrained character of the design.
His initial strap was the Camel Canvas Webbing option. The section between the lugs felt stiff, and the watch tended to rotate on his wrist before the strap softened with wear. During a hot holiday, dark spots appeared on the strap’s outer surface after several days. These are specific observations about his supplied strap and wearing conditions, not evidence that every canvas strap will behave the same way. Nijenbrinks’s account was published October 20, 2021.
Canvas or leather?
After returning home, Nijenbrinks preferred the appearance of the Camel Vintage Oak Leather strap, but advised keeping it dry. His experience points to a practical choice: canvas may suit casual wear but can need break-in and showed sweat-related marks in this instance; leather appealed more to him visually, with moisture avoidance as the trade-off. Fit and compatibility depend on the exact watch configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
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How accurate was the reviewed watch?
Nijenbrinks synchronized his Series 1 watch to a radio-controlled clock at 18:25 on August 9, 2021. On August 22, his watch showed 18:20:28 when the reference clock showed 18:20:00. He reported a total gain of 28 seconds over 13 days—about +2 seconds per day—for that individual sample. It is a single owner’s timing check, not a model-wide accuracy result or a controlled test.
What are the differences between Series 1 and Series 2?
The long-term wear observations concern a Series 1-era watch. The detailed owner handbook available for comparison describes Series 2, so its updated specifications and features should not be automatically attributed to the reviewed example.
Rank #2
- SOLAR POWERED — NO BATTERY SWAPS, EVER — Casio's solar-recharging system converts even faint light from fluorescent lamps into ample energy to achieve stable operation of various high-load functions — meaning the MTP-S120L stays powered through normal indoor and outdoor use indefinitely. Operating time from a full charge runs approximately 8 months without any additional light exposure, making it one of the most maintenance-free everyday analog watches available.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH MILITARY-INSPIRED NYLON STRAP — The 42mm stainless steel case features a solid caseback and fixed bezel, paired with a 22mm nylon NATO-style strap with a buckle closure. The fabric band has a backing just like a proper military strap — a purposeful, field-watch aesthetic that pairs naturally with the black or olive colorways and fits the 22mm lug width for easy strap swaps.
- DAY & DATE DISPLAY | 24-HOUR INNER BEZEL | LUMINOUS HANDS — The black dial features hour, minute, and second hands, a day and date display, and a 24-hour inner chapter ring. Luminous hands ensure readability in low-light conditions — a practical field-watch detail that keeps the time visible after dark without a backlight. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches.
- 100M WATER RESISTANT | SCREW-ON CASEBACK | 42MM STAINLESS STEEL — Water resistant to 100 meters (10 ATM), with a stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter. The caseback is screw-on, providing additional movement protection — a construction detail typically found on watches at a significantly higher price point. Push-in crown completes the clean, purposeful profile.
- FIELD-WATCH VERSATILITY — NATO STRAP-READY & EVERYDAY CAPABLE — The MTP-S120L is great for a grab-and-go everyday watch — stainless steel case, solar powered, day/date, and thin enough where a NATO strap doesn't make it look too thick on the wrist. Available in Black (MTP-S120L-1AV) and Green (MTP-S120L-3AV) colorways — both built on the same proven solar platform.
| Feature | Series 1 | Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case dimensions | 38 mm diameter, 11.6 mm high, 45.3 mm lug-to-lug | 38 mm diameter, 11.9 mm high, 43.7 mm lug-to-lug |
| Movement and reserve | Sellita SW200 COSC; the Series 1 specification sheet does not state a reserve | Sellita SW200 COSC; Christopher Ward’s handbook states 38 hours |
| Water resistance | 150 m | 15 ATM / 150 m |
| Weight and strap width | 60 g; 20 mm | 60 g; 20 mm |
| Dial and hands | Series 1 specification sheet details not stated | Matte black dial, Super-LumiNova Grade X1 numerals and indices, brushed hands, and white seconds hand with red tip |
| Bracelet adjustment | Series 1 comparison details not stated | 12&60 reports half-links, screw-secured links, ratcheting micro-adjustment clasp and quick-release spring bars; check the exact configuration |
Dimensions and Series 1 specifications are from Christopher Ward’s Series 1 specification sheet. Series 2 details are from the official Series 2 owner handbook; bracelet details come from 12&60’s independent review. The handbook specifies a 38-hour reserve, while 12&60 reports 36 hours for Series 2; these are discrepant claims, so the table uses the manufacturer’s stated figure rather than treating the numbers as interchangeable.
What does the Series 2 specification mean in daily use?
Christopher Ward lists a 316L stainless-steel case, 38 mm diameter, 43.7 mm lug-to-lug, 11.9 mm height and 60 g weight for Series 2. It specifies a Sellita SW200 COSC automatic chronometer with 26 jewels, a 38-hour stated power reserve, 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and a timing tolerance of −4/+6 seconds per day. That tolerance is the manufacturer’s specification, not a guarantee that every watch will keep time at the same rate in every wearing pattern.
Rank #3
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 3 Hand, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel, Arabic Markers
- Luminous Hands and Markers, Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery. 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty.
The Series 2 handbook also lists a glass-box sapphire crystal, matte black dial, printed minute track and Super-LumiNova Grade X1 numerals and indices. It describes a heraldic British Army badge on the screw-down backplate and a unique engraved serial number. These are Series 2 details; confirm the generation before applying them to a Series 1 watch.
Crown and water resistance
The Series 2 handbook rates water resistance at 15 ATM / 150 metres and specifies a screw-down crown. To preserve the stated water resistance, the crown must be screwed flush. A damaged, loose or untested watch should not be treated as safe for water use simply because its model is rated to 150 metres.
Rank #4
- Green Dial Design: Green dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with an adjustable brown leather strap for a classic, outdoor look
- Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
- Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
- All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Winding and reserve
The handbook instructs owners to unscrew the crown to wind the watch and describes 38 hours as the maximum reserve when fully wound. The reserve is the manufacturer’s stated Series 2 figure; the independent 12&60 review gives 36 hours.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the design based on?
Christopher Ward identifies the 1969 Smiths W10 as the starting point for the Sandhurst design and describes Series 2 as an officially licensed tribute to the British Army. It is a modern tribute, not an exact replica or a reissue of the historic watch. The understated styling that Nijenbrinks found unobtrusive is part of that restrained military-watch approach.
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Best Value
- Quartz Movement. Water Resistant - 30 Meters / 100 Feet / 3 ATM
Christopher Ward CEO and co-founder Mike France writes in the Series 2 handbook: “Your Christopher Ward watch has been designed in Britain and engineered in Switzerland by highly talented craftspeople.”
Is the long-term review still useful to a prospective owner?
It is most useful as a grounded account of how one Series 1 example wore over 13 days: compact on a 17.5 cm wrist, easy to read, visually unobtrusive, and initially less comfortable on a stiff canvas strap. Its timekeeping observation is informative for that watch alone. It does not establish typical accuracy, strap durability across owners, current availability or a current selling price.
The review reported a price of €1,050 including European VAT in October 2021. That is historical context only, not a current price. Series and strap configuration should be confirmed for any specific listing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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