Christopher Ward is a British entrepreneur and co-founder of the eponymous watch company, Christopher Ward London. His professional background prior to entering the horological industry included experience in the apparel sector, specifically in the importation of T-shirts. In May 2004, while on a boat trip on the River Thames, Ward teamed up with Mike France and Peter Ellis—both of whom had recently sold the Early Learning Centre toy company—to establish a new business venture.

The trio decided to focus on watchmaking, driven by a shared interest in horology and a desire to challenge the high markups prevalent in the luxury watch industry. The brand was named Christopher Ward because the founders felt it was the most quintessentially English-sounding name among them. Launched in June 2005 from a converted chicken shed in Berkshire, the company was the world’s first online-only luxury watch brand. This direct-to-consumer model was designed to offer Swiss-made timepieces at more accessible prices by eliminating traditional retail margins and heavy marketing overheads.

Under the collective leadership of the founders, the brand gained significant traction among enthusiasts, particularly after receiving positive reviews on prominent watch forums. The company’s growth was further solidified by a partnership and eventual merger with the Swiss manufacturing house Synergies Horlogères in 2014, which led to the development of the brand’s first in-house movement, the Calibre SH21.

In January 2020, Christopher Ward stepped down from his role and left the company he helped establish. Following his departure, he launched a new, separate watch venture called TRIBUS alongside his three sons. His career is characterized by his role in pioneering the digital-first business model within the watch industry and his contribution to the modern revival of British horological branding.