In 2025, Christopher Ward unveiled an impressive collection of timepieces, and one standout is undoubtedly the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT. While the brand is known for its technical prowess, this model beautifully encapsulates its adventurous spirit. It stands out as one of the best adventure-inspired GMT watches currently available. But does it really live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out!

Why Christopher Ward Is a Leader in Value

When you think of watchmakers that offer incredible value for money, Christopher Ward tops the list. That immediately came to mind when Nacho and I laid eyes on this new release. The design is refreshingly unique; it reminds me of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT (on a strap) and the Rolex Explorer II (on a bracelet). Those are hefty comparisons—does the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT stand up to such esteemed company?

Key Specifications of the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT

Let’s start with the basics. The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT features a fully brushed 41mm stainless steel case, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm and a thickness of 12.05mm, including its crystal.

The watch sports a sleek black sandblasted ceramic bezel featuring a 24-hour scale in cream-colored Super-LumiNova that glows in the dark. This corresponds perfectly with the orange GMT hand. The vintage hue of the lume aligns beautifully with the Globolight hour markers on the matte black or green textured dial. A standout feature is the Globolight Christopher Ward logo, which adds to the luminous spectacle when it’s dark.

The hour and minute hands are lit with a bright blue glow in the dark, and I must say, the lume is quite impressive. Both the dial and bezel light up brilliantly, making it easy to read the time even in complete darkness.

The black seconds hand, accented with an orange tip to match the GMT hand, adds a nice design element. You can also find a date window at 6 o’clock, along with a cream-colored minute track that sits on a separate black or green ring above the dial, offering a pleasing visual balance.

Available Options: Personal Preference at It’s Best

Upon first glance, the green dial appeared to have a mossy hue in promotional photos. However, in person, it’s much brighter—an acquired taste for sure!

However, my personal favorite is the black dial. It offers a stunning contrast with the orange elements, while the cream-colored markers create a warm and inviting aesthetic. Plus, the date indicator features a black disc with cream numerals that blend seamlessly.

Inside, the watch houses the Sellita SW330-2 movement, complete with an internal anti-shock system. This automatic GMT caliber is a reliable choice, boasting a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, 25 jewels, and an impressive 56-hour power reserve. Its accuracy is standard, clocking in at a modest ±20 seconds per day, but my experience has shown it often runs more accurately than that. While it’s not a flyer-style GMT, I haven’t found that to be an issue.

For frequent travelers, the ability to adjust local time quickly might be a significant drawback compared to a flyer-style GMT. But if you’re like me and don’t get to switch time zones often, this feature may not be essential for you.

Comfort Meets Style: The New Cordura V-Strap

The C63 Sealander Extreme GMT is available with either a stainless steel Bader bracelet or a trendy new Cordura V-Strap in bold orange or black. Both straps are 22mm wide, perfectly proportioned for the watch’s design, and come in two sizes: standard (15.5–18cm wrists) and XL (17.5–21cm).

The sturdy Cordura Velcro strap offers a comfortable fit on your wrist, although you might need to break it in after taking it out of the box. But once it’s adjusted, it fits like a dream.

If you opt for the bracelet, you already know how impressive it is. The fully brushed Bader bracelet features screw links and a folding clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system.

While I find the 20mm bracelet on my C65 Dune GMT slightly more comfortable, this 22mm version still offers impressive quality and comfort that exceeds many brands charging double the price. The C63 Sealander Extreme GMT is just €1,895 on the bracelet or €1,695 on a strap—unbeatable value.

Wearing the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT

On the wrist, the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT looks and feels fantastic. Its high-quality materials and engineering make it a truly competent tool watch. A discussion among colleagues centered on the aesthetics of the black-dial model, which emerged as a collective favorite.

Worn on the black Cordura strap, it carries a sporty resemblance to the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT. Having had the pleasure of reviewing that model, it’s one of my favorites. Side by side, I find myself leaning more towards the Pelagos for its refined feel and visual balance.

Conversely, when paired with the Bader bracelet, it evokes the Rolex Explorer II, particularly thanks to its fixed bezel. While this comparison isn’t necessarily derisive, the Explorer II’s considerable size and elegant design offer a more refined feel overall. This mainly stems from the C63 Sealander’s hour and minute hands and the oversized Globolight markers.

Keep in mind, however, that the Tudor is nearly three times the price, while the Rolex towers above at six times. So, while comparisons are drawn based on looks, it’s evident that Christopher Ward has delivered a remarkable watch at a competitive price point.

In the sub-€2,000 market, finding a more competent adventure-style GMT watch than this is nearly impossible. The only competitor that comes to mind is Sinn’s 105 St Sa UTC, though I find the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT to be more visually appealing.

Wrapping Up: The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT

This watch receives praise beyond just a good spec sheet. On the wrist, the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Extreme GMT exudes style and functionality. With its compelling lume, which I often treat as a party trick, it’s clear that it performs well even during night adventures—if that’s your thing! The Globolight markers will not disappoint.

Overall, Christopher Ward continues to impress, providing best-in-class watches at a price point that’s hard to beat. It’s genuinely challenging to find a competing watch that offers the same quality, specs, and comfort as the C63 Sealander Extreme GMT.

With the addition of this stunning GMT to their lineup, Christopher Ward raises the bar yet again. It’s thrilling to think about what their future releases might hold!