The Christopher Ward C9 Harrison 5-Day Automatic introduced the brand’s SH21 calibre in 2014, pairing a COSC-certified movement and a stated 120-hour power reserve with a restrained dress-watch design. Its appeal is clearest if you want a long-running mechanical movement in a formal-looking watch; its 43 mm case and tall profile make fit and readability important trade-offs.
Why the C9 Harrison matters
The C9 Harrison 5-Day Automatic was the first watch to use Christopher Ward’s SH21 calibre. Monochrome reported that the watch and movement debuted in July 2014, while 12&60 dates the launch to the company’s tenth-anniversary event on 2 July. Monochrome’s launch report describes the calibre as developed from scratch by Johannes Jahnke after Christopher Ward merged with Synergies Horlogères, a supplier that had developed complications for the brand.
The development story explains why the watch is more than a conventional dress-watch release. “In-house” is the manufacturer’s and launch coverage’s description of SH21; it should not be read as proof that every component was made at one brand-owned site. Monochrome quoted Jorg Bader on the movement’s beginnings: “Crucially, Calibre SH21 began as a blank piece of paper and a shared spirit to create something extraordinary.” That is launch-era promotional context, rather than independent verification of manufacturing arrangements.
What the SH21 offers
Christopher Ward’s historical C9 5 Day Automatic Owner’s Handbook calls SH21 the brand’s in-house calibre, credits master watchmaker Johannes Jahnke, and states that the movement is COSC-certified. The handbook gives a fully wound running time of 120 hours—five days. Monochrome says that two mainspring barrels connected in series provide the reserve and that the movement uses a tungsten rotor.
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- DAY/DATE CALENDAR: stay organized with the convenient day/date calendar displayed on the beautiful blue dial
- STURDY STAINLESS STEEL CASE: designed for durability, this men's watch features a stainless steel watch case that can withstand everyday wear and tear SEIKO QUALITY: handcrafted timepieces for every occasion
- CLASSIC BROWN LEATHER STRAP: the combined sophistication and versatility of a supple leather watch band make these the perfect men’s watches for any occasion
- 50M WATER RESISTANT: whether you're washing your hands or snorkeling off the coast, these men's wrist watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, providing peace of mind in any situation
- SMOOTH AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: our self-winding automatic watches for men deliver precise and smooth movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping LUMINOUS HANDS AND MARKERS: even in low light conditions, the luminous hands and markers ensure that you can read the dial indicator
The movement is visible through a sapphire exhibition caseback. The handbook describes a traditional hand-grinding finish. That detail matters most when the watch is off the wrist: Worn & Wound’s review found the SH21’s qualities largely hidden during ordinary wear and questioned the absence of a power-reserve indicator on the dial. The long reserve is a technical benefit, but the dial does not make it easy to see how much remains.
Case, dimensions and everyday fit
The C9 has a 43 mm case diameter and 22 mm lug width. 12&60 reports a 51.5 mm lug-to-lug measurement, a useful fit consideration for wrists that find long cases difficult to wear. Published thickness differs slightly: Monochrome and 12&60 give 13.45 mm, while Worn & Wound rounds it to 14 mm. Either way, this is a substantial profile for a watch with a formal, understated appearance.
Rank #2
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic MIDO caliber with Day/Date calendar - Power reserve 80 hours
- Case Type: Diver-style Titanium case with black rotating bezel - Capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown, this watch offers optimal protection against water.
- Case Size: 42.5mm - Case Thickness: 11.8mm - Anthracite color dial offering indexes filled with Super-Luminova and skeletonised hands - Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment
- Band Type: Titanium bracelet - Folding clasp with diving extension - Band Width: 22mm
| Specification | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 43 mm (Monochrome, 12&60 and Worn & Wound) |
| Case thickness | 13.45 mm (Monochrome and 12&60); rounded to 14 mm by Worn & Wound |
| Lug-to-lug | 51.5 mm (12&60) |
| Lug width | 22 mm (12&60 and Worn & Wound) |
| Water resistance | 50 m (contemporary reviews) |
| Movement reserve | 120 hours / five days, stated by Christopher Ward’s historical handbook |
The dimensions suggest treating this as a fit decision, not assuming that a dress-watch style means a small or slim watch. The 22 mm lug width is also a useful starting point when looking for a 22 mm watch strap, but width alone does not establish that a particular strap end or attachment will suit every variant.
Dial, legibility and design
The C9’s restrained dial and polished presentation suit its formal intent. Launch coverage described white, blue and anthracite or grey dial versions, with alligator straps or a steel bracelet among the configurations. Those are historical launch options, not confirmation of what is currently stocked.
Rank #3
- Powered by light energy, with no battery change required, this model has a 6-month power reserve once fully charged
- Case Diameter: 44.0mm
- The sunray finish gray dial features chronograph and alarm subdials and perpetual calendar functions such as leap year, month, day, and date indicators
- The angular two-tone stainless steel case is paired with an integrated bracelet and includes a sapphire crystal and cabochon crown
- Water-resistant to 10 bar, 100 meters (330 feet)
The same design choices create compromises. 12&60 reported that reflections from the domed crystal and slender hands could hinder quick reading. Worn & Wound characterized the design as safe and reserved, praised the crisp case machining, and saw the movement as the main attraction. These are the reviewers’ observations, not controlled legibility tests; together they indicate that the C9 prioritizes a refined appearance over maximum at-a-glance contrast.
What reviewers liked—and what may not suit you
Reasons to consider it
- The SH21’s stated five-day reserve is unusually central to the model’s identity, rather than a minor specification.
- The handbook states COSC certification, and the sapphire exhibition back displays the movement.
- The restrained styling and crisp case finishing offer a formal alternative to more overtly technical-looking watches.
Reasons to think twice
- The 43 mm diameter, 51.5 mm reported lug-to-lug, and roughly 13.45–14 mm thickness may feel large or tall, especially under a cuff.
- Reviewers reported crystal reflections and thin hands that can make rapid reading less convenient.
- The reserve is not displayed on the dial, so its practical benefit is not immediately visible while wearing the watch.
Historical price and buying context
Period coverage listed £1,500 in 12&60’s 2014 review and $2,075 in Worn & Wound’s 2015 review. These are dated launch-era or review prices in different currencies, not current retail or resale valuations. The reviewed sources do not establish present-day availability, current Christopher Ward stock, or a reliable current market price, so those figures should not be used as a present buying benchmark.
Rank #4
- Self-winding automatic
- Power reserve: approximately 41 hours
- Automatic-self-wind Movement
- Case Diameter: 39.5mm
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
For a pre-owned example, check the specific watch’s condition, service history, included bracelet or strap, and exact configuration rather than assuming launch options are interchangeable. The historical handbook and contemporary reviews help identify the model’s movement and dimensions, but they do not establish the condition or value of any individual listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BLACK DIAL: this men’s watch features a striking black dial with luminous dial indicator hands and markers so you can tell the time even in low light conditions
- DURABLE UTILITY: this watch is water-resistant to 30M, and boasts a silver skeleton-back stainless steel watch case and fold-over clasp bracelet, a robust yet stylish sports watch built to last
- DAY & DATE CALENDAR: with the handy calendar function, keep track of the date right on the watch face
- 7S26 CALIBER MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable 7S26 caliber, these Seiko automatic watches for men ensure accurate self-winding timekeeping with 41 hours of reserve power
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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.
