First Impression: Christopher Ward C60 Trident Update

While the Richemont watchmakers were hogging up all the new release headlines last week, Christopher Ward quietly announced an update to their popular C60 Trident Series dive watches. We already thought the C60 was a great looking option in the $1,000 range, and that continues to ring true with the latest changes.

The two most obvious aesthetic updates are the ceramic bezel with a new font for the numbers, and changing the circular hour markers to stick markers. You may recognize this layout from the C65 Trident Classic, which is where it was first used. Looking more closely, you’ll notice the outer track of the dial was cleaned up, and no longer shows the 1/5-second marks. These quick changes make for a slicker, dressier overall appearance (for a dive watch, that is).

Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600 — black dial and bezel on stainless steel bracelet

Operating on the popularity of the C61’s smaller profile, Christopher Ward has updated the C60 line to include both 42mm and 38mm diameter cases for the Trident Pro 600 and Trident GMT 600. Each size should be fine for most people, but we wonder why they didn’t just split the difference and do a 40mm version. No matter, each of these references will be offered with a number of bezel and dial colors, and strap options. While the black bezel is classic, we’re loving the burgundy and green bezels, especially on the brown croc strap.

Christopher Ward C60 Trident GMT 600 – burgundy bezel and black dial on a leather NATO

In addition to the standard models, the update also includes a limited edition version powered by their caliber SH21. Christopher Ward had stated an intention to work this new “in-house” movement into other parts of their lineup, and this is the first effort to do so since its release. This reference will be known as the Trident COSC 600, and only comes with a white dial and black bezel, which looks mighty sharp. Maybe CW is waiting to see how it sells, but we’re hoping for a full time production model in the near future.

Christopher Ward C60 COSC 600

Christopher Ward’s intent is to produce the “cheapest most expensive watches in the world”. While their prices have been creeping up over the years, they’ve done amazingly well with sticking to their goal by providing high end finishes normally reserved for much pricier brands. The non-limited edition C60 Trident Pro 600 comes in at $825 on leather or rubber, and $915 on a steel bracelet. For an extra $200 or so, the GMT can be had at $1,100/$1,185. Finally, springing for the limited edition with the proprietary movement will cost you $2,065/$2,275.

It’s great that Christopher Ward is moving quickly with the SH21, as well as not letting certain designs stagnate. The new C60 presents a great value proposition for a couple of different price brackets, and will likely attract a lot of attention for folks in those markets. Look for a hands-on review of the C60 in the coming weeks.

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