Christopher Ward refreshes its Sealander GMT and Automatic models, with slick new dials and a genius bracelet update
Tom Austin- Christopher Ward’s Sealander line has received a clean refresh across two of its most important models, the Sealander Automatic and the Sealander GMT.
- The Sealander Automatic features new dials in white, black, and sky blue in both 36mm and 39mm sizes, with a pink version in 36mm and a pistachio version exclusively in 39mm.
- The Sealander GMT is available in 36mm, 39mm and, for the first time, 42mm, features an all-new case design, and comes with a choice of white, sky blue, pistachio and black dials.
We’re not even into awards season yet, but if there were an award for the hardest-working watch brand in Britain, or perhaps even the whole of Europe, then Christopher Ward has to be right up there in the running. In the last six months or so, they’ve released around 8 completely different pieces, yes, some more complex than others, but nevertheless, they all add depth and variation to the catalogue, often presenting technical challenges for the brand to overcome, which they inevitably take in their stride. With all that development in the works, it would have been easy for Christopher Ward to let its core collections fall by the wayside, and yet, here we are, introducing a complete refresh of the Sealander Automatic and the Sealander GMT, with new case designs, dials, and movements. So what’s really changed? Let’s take a closer look.
Christopher Ward Sealander Automatic
When you think Christopher Ward, there are a few special watches that instantly spring to mind for most of us; some are arguably genre-defining in fact, but alongside intricate, complicated novelties, there must be solid, everyday pieces to bring some balance, and the Sealander Automatic is just that. This new Sealander Automatic arrives in stainless steel with two case sizes: 36mm and 39mm, offering the best of both worlds for different preferences. The signature Lightcatcher case features brushed surfaces, carefully considered polished bevels, and a fully polished bezel that takes the watch to a very comfortable thickness of just 10.6mm (10.9mm in the 39mm model), even with an exhibition caseback.
Alongside the case redesign, the dials have received a rather clean refresh, too. Colour-wise, the Sealander Automatic offers a choice of white, black and sky blue across both sizes, while a pink version is available exclusively to the 36mm size, and a very on-trend pistachio finish is available only in the 39mm. All of the dials feature a new, cleaner layout with diamond-polished, faceted dial furniture, all filled with Super-LumiNova Grade X1 BL C1 for exceptional legibility in darkness. Another cool detail is the framed date window at 6, which features a dial-matching date wheel to help it blend in and feel more like a considered touch than an afterthought.
Visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback is Sellita’s new SW200-2 Power+ automatic movement. The Sealander Automatic is among the first watches to receive this calibre, which now offers a 65-hour power reserve over the SW200-1’s 38, while maintaining a 4Hz beat rate, thanks to a re-engineered gear train, barrel and mainspring, and updated balance assembly. It’s an Elaboré-grade calibre, featuring updated Incabloc shock protection, Colimaçoné brushing, and a redesigned custom rotor proudly bearing the Christopher Ward logo.
Functionality for an everyday piece is key, and the Sealander Automatic has that covered. Water resistance is a more-than-useable 150 metres, and the bracelets have seen a significant upgrade. Not only do they feature standard quick-release push-pins, but an all-new link removal system has been debuted across these new models, called the iLink system, enabling tool-free link adjustment across both Bader and Consort bracelets.
These removable links feature a discreet push-button that releases the outermost link from its securing pin, allowing additional links to slide out effortlessly before clicking securely back into place. The clasp has also been reduced by 1mm in thickness for additional comfort. Additionally, there are vintage leather or rubber straps to choose from, making the Sealander Automatic an ultra-versatile piece for everyday wear.
Christopher Ward Sealander Automatic pricing & availability
The Christopher Ward Sealander Automatic is now available to preorder from April 30th from the Time+Tide Shop, and Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studios in New York, Melbourne, and London. Price: £850/$1,150/€1,125 (leather strap), £950/$1,290/€1,255 (rubber strap), £1,015/$1,375/€1,335 (Bader bracelet) and £1,055/$1,430/€1,390 (Consort bracelet)
| Brand | Christopher Ward |
| Model | Sealander Automatic |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm (D) x 10.6mm (T) x 42mm (LTL) 39mm (D) x 10.9mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 150 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | White, black, sky blue, pink (36mm only), pistachio (39mm only) |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet/Straps | Vintage leather, rubber, stainless steel Bader or Consort bracelets, iLink adjustment system |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-2 Power+, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available now from the Time+Tide Shop + the Studios in London, New York and Melbourne |
| Price | £850/$1,150/€1,125 (leather strap) £950/$1,290/€1,255 (rubber strap) £1,015/$1,375/€1,335 (Bader bracelet) £1,055/$1,430/€1,390 (Consort bracelet) |
Christopher Ward Sealander GMT
The next model to receive a refresh is one of Christopher Ward’s best-selling pieces, the Sealander GMT. For a while now, the Sealander GMT has been CW’s answer to a tough, hard-wearing tool watch with adventurer capabilities, and it’s always been offered in more reserved sizes than its competitors, until now. For 2026, its stainless Lightcatcher case has been tweaked to have a slightly slimmer profile and curvier lugs with a more prominent, polished finish while retaining the modest crown guards, but it’s also now available in not just 36mm and 39mm, but 42mm, in keeping with other pieces in its class.
Both Sealander models used to feature the same mid case, but for the GMT, a slightly different profile was needed to elevate it to a more rugged, tool-like aesthetic. Undeniably sporty in its approach, the watch features 150-metre water resistance and a circular brushed fixed bezel with 24-hour markers filled with black lacquer, unlike its bigger brother, the Sealander Extreme GMT. The new Sealander GMT shares the same strap and bracelet options as the Automatic, including the excellent new iLink adjustment system.
The dial’s layout for the GMT is virtually identical to the Sealander Automatic, keeping the same diamond-polished, faceted hour markers and hands, and including the same, ultra-legible Super-LumiNova for when you’re lost exploring in the dark. Again, white and sky blue are available across all three sizes, while black joins the 39 mm and 42mm models, and pistachio is exclusive to the 39mm. No pink variation here, which may upset those with bolder tastes. Nevertheless, it’s great to finally see dials with some colour added to a model like this, which is usually stuck with simple black or white to choose from.
Inside sits the Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement, a “caller” GMT calibre that offers less complexity than a “traveller” GMT calibre while retaining the reliability and accuracy for which Sellita movements are well known. It delivers up to 56 hours of power reserve and daily accuracy of -5/+12 seconds, which is more than adequate for a watch like this. Just like the Sealander Automatic, the movement is visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, and features the same, customised oscillating winding rotor.
Christopher Ward Sealander GMT pricing and availability
The Christopher Ward Sealander GMT is available to preorder from April 30th from the Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studios in New York, Melbourne, and London. Price: £1,025/$1,395/€1,350 (leather strap), £1,125/$1,535/€1,480 (rubber strap), £1,190/$1,620/€1,560 (Bader bracelet) and £1,230/$1,675/€1,615 (Consort bracelet)
| Brand | Christopher Ward |
| Model | Sealander GMT |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm (D) x 10.9mm (T) x 42mm (LTL) 39mm (D) x 11.3mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) 42mm (D) x 11.5mm(T) x 48.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 150 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | White, sky blue, black (39mm/42mm only), pistachio (39mm only) |
| Lug Width | 20mm, 22mm (42mm version) |
| Bracelet/Straps | Vintage leather, rubber, stainless steel Bader or Consort bracelets, iLink adjustment system |
| Movement | Sellita SW330-2, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 56 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | £1,025/$1,395/€1,350 (leather strap) £1,125/$1,535/€1,480 (rubber strap) £1,190/$1,620/€1,560 (Bader bracelet) £1,230/$1,675/€1,615 (Consort bracelet) |