Christopher Ward Trident C60 Review

[bamagrad03]

(This is my first watch review so I hope I'm doing it right -- ha!)

I've spent a little over a day with this one and thought I'd post a quick summary of what I think about it. First, here's the details:

Specifications
Movement: Swiss Automatic (Either ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1)
Width: 42mm
Height: 13mm
Power Reserve: 38h
Lume: Super-Luminova indices, bezel marker, and hands
Crown: Screw in with date set and hackable time set
Resistance: 30ATM (1000ft)

Packaging
I have to start by saying this thing arrives in an amazingly high quality box complete with papers. If you judge by first impressions, then you would definitely be swayed by the exterior presentation. In addition to the cursory manual and warranty card, you'll find a personalized note that is hand signed (nice touch) and a micro-fiber cleaning cloth. The box is also VERY nice.

Watch Face
At first glance, this is a very polished watch. And even after wearing it for a while, you certainly feel you're wearing a quality watch. The heft is nice, they sapphire crystal is great, and the details such as the wave dial and red tip accent on the trident second hand are really nice. The lume is exceptional.

I'm not a huge fan of the bezel. The matte black finish seems like it will hold up better than a polished one, but the finish leaves it feeling a tad cheap (just a little bit, it's not egregious). Secondarily, I don't love the feel of the unidirectional bezel turn. That DOES feel cheap. The action is easy to turn, but I'd like to have many more points within the bezel than it provides. (that's a minor gripe)

The date at 4 doesn't bother me AT ALL. A number of people gripe about it, but I like it. Similarly, the hand style is another personal preference deal and I like them just fine. They're not as cool looking as, say, the Seamaster hands, but they offer a certain level of unique styling that is nice.

Another minor issue that I have -- and I'm nitpicking here -- is the font used on the bottom side of the face. It's too "modern" for the watch.

Bracelet
I've seen a number of people mention they don't like the bracelet. But it may be my favorite thing about the watch. The majority of the bracelet has a flat brushed steel feel to it with small polished markers on each link. The accents really stand out and look great. Granted, this thing may be a scratch magnet, that remains to be seen, but out of the box it looks fantastic. Link removal is straight forward and the bracelet wears with sufficient comfort.

Caseback
This is the one detail where they really missed the mark. The design of the etching is really cool. However, I've become accustomed to a nicely detailed raised caseback design on non-exhibition casebacks. This one is very basic. However, in a watch that retails for $575, I may be picking nits again.

Movement
This watch comes in either the SW200-1 variety or the ETA 2824-2. Based on the fact that my caseback says 25 Jewels, I'm guessing I got the ETA version. I couldn't be happier with the accuracy. Over one day it gained about 2 seconds. The sweeping hand is smooth and for a watch that can be had around 4-450 used, you can't complain about+- 2 seconds a day.

Conclusion
Overall, I'm REALLY happy with this watch. So happy, I'm selling my recently acquired Oris TT1. They're not really comparable in terms of what they offer, but if I'm going to have a diver, and I can get this one for less, I'm sticking with it. While the watch is clearly an homage, there's enough unique styling incorporated that it stands on its own merits. The accuracy rocks, the fit and finish save a couple of minor items is superb, and the bracelet is high quality. With a little nicer bezel and an exhibition caseback, this would probably be the perfect dive watch within its price point and even in a price point one or two steps above.

I'd recommend this watch in either the standard C60 Auto version or the GMT variety. And while they can be had 2nd hand at a price of around 450 (tough to find in the states), I think it's a steal even at the $575 retail asking price.

For more info/pics/etc here's the page on Christopher Ward's site:
C60 Trident Automatic - Black Bezel - C60-TRI-SKS - Automatic - - Swiss Made

[strongergodzilla]

Great[!!] review, especially for your first time! This one looks strangely familiar... ;) . I too was absolutely blown away by its accuracy!

[Monocrom]

Nice review.

I've owned a C60 diver on a CW leather strap for a short while now. The strap and deployment clasp are very good. Purely subjective, but I'm not a fan of deployment clasps. Seems like an over-engineered, complicated, buckle. But the one used by CW works as intended.

The hands are basically the same as the ones on the Bremont Supermarine, but half skeletonized. Even with the lume on them, they have an Old World look to them which is very nice. They wouldn't look out of place on an English pocket-watch from 200 years ago.

What I like about the dial is that, unlike an Omega Seamaster, the wave pattern is very subdued. Glance at the watch, and you won't have the wave pattern reflecting back at you on a sunny day.

An excellent dive model overall.

[bamagrad03]

Nice review.

I've owned a C60 diver on a CW leather strap for a short while now. The strap and deployment clasp are very good. Purely subjective, but I'm not a fan of deployment clasps. Seems like an over-engineered, complicated, buckle. But the one used by CW works as intended.

The hands are basically the same as the ones on the Bremont Supermarine, but half skeletonized. Even with the lume on them, they have an Old World look to them which is very nice. They wouldn't look out of place on an English pocket-watch from 200 years ago.

What I like about the dial is that, unlike an Omega Seamaster, the wave pattern is very subdued. Glance at the watch, and you won't have the wave pattern reflecting back at you on a sunny day.

An excellent dive model overall.

I'm curious if you have opinions on the C60 on leather or even rubber. Strongergodzilla, I know you had it on a strap, so I'd also be interested in your feedback as well.

I'm really in love with the bracelet, but I could possibly be swayed into trying out leather. :)

[Monocrom]

Generally I prefer dive watches on rubber instead of leather. But the stock CW leather strap is an excellent fit on this model. Works very well with the overall look of the watch. Once again, not a fan of deploment clasps. But the one on the stock leather strap works well.

[strongergodzilla]

I was always curious about ISOFRANE straps and after getting one, I put it on virtually every diver I own. I loved the c60 on an isofrane, and if you dont want to spend an arm and a leg on one, there are a number of isofrane style straps on the market for cheap:

Time Factors Quality Watches On The Net Since 1996

[Boone]

Cool man, great review. I'd probably pull the trigger on it right now if I didn't have the Seiko Sumo. However, looks like CWard makes some great stuff that I'm definitely going to have to consider. You should do more. :)

[subrosa]

Cool man, great review. I'd probably pull the trigger on it right now if I didn't have the Seiko Sumo. However, looks like CWard makes some great stuff that I'm definitely going to have to consider. You should do more. :)

The rumor circulating about an updated bracelet with an "Omega" style release is really making me hold off. The more I see the watch, the more I like it.

EDIT: Guess it isn't a rumor: http://www.christopherwardforum.com/...php?f=7&t=7172

How is the bezel compare to something like a seiko? is it 120 or 60 click?

[Packleader]

Excellent review.

Thanks for sharing!

Best wishes,
Packleader

[bamagrad03]

The rumor circulating about an updated bracelet with an "Omega" style release is really making me hold off. The more I see the watch, the more I like it.

EDIT: Guess it isn't a rumor: Christopher Ward Forum • View topic - Some drawings from the Chat

How is the bezel compare to something like a seiko? is it 120 or 60 click?

The C60 only has a 60 click bezel, and I'd prefer it to be 120. The bezel is really my only major complaint with the watch (and certainly not a deal breaker).

I prefer the older bracelet even though the clasp on the "omega style" bracelet is probably better (especially with the divers expansion). The look of the polished pieces on the brushed links is fantastic.