Christopher Ward C60 Tridents?
Discussion
Hey Folks,
I'm vagely thinking of getting a Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600 as a wear everyday watch. I already have a CW C3 Malvern Chronograph (series 1 which I prefer to the newer ones) and a nice understated Raymond Weil Automatic.
Most of these divers watches seem to be huge these days and not being a 250 lb powerfully build company director with the wrists of a pro wrestler the 38mm version of the c60 appeals. Ideally I'd go for a 2nd hand one as I'm not as keen on the new positioning of the CW logo on these watches.
My question is are there other alternatives that I might look at? What is the general view of CW watches as decent and fairly stylish mid range watches? I don't want to spend big money and I don't want anything too bling, but something a bit more rugged than my other two watches is what I'm after.
Here is the watch for reference. The one with the red bezel and black strap appeals:-
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/c60-trident-pro-...
Here is a pic of the older version with the preferred logo placement (next to a Tudor Black Bay):-
Thanks for any considered opinions.
TD
I'm vagely thinking of getting a Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600 as a wear everyday watch. I already have a CW C3 Malvern Chronograph (series 1 which I prefer to the newer ones) and a nice understated Raymond Weil Automatic.
Most of these divers watches seem to be huge these days and not being a 250 lb powerfully build company director with the wrists of a pro wrestler the 38mm version of the c60 appeals. Ideally I'd go for a 2nd hand one as I'm not as keen on the new positioning of the CW logo on these watches.
My question is are there other alternatives that I might look at? What is the general view of CW watches as decent and fairly stylish mid range watches? I don't want to spend big money and I don't want anything too bling, but something a bit more rugged than my other two watches is what I'm after.
Here is the watch for reference. The one with the red bezel and black strap appeals:-
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/c60-trident-pro-...
Here is a pic of the older version with the preferred logo placement (next to a Tudor Black Bay):-
Thanks for any considered opinions.
TD
I have a GMT version of one of these. I bought it as sensible, mid level price that was respectably built, still an automatic, a look i liked, but was more of a "beater" in PH lingo. Basically, I wear it on holiday (beach, sea, sand...) and when travelling to less than salubrious locations (GMT useful, not too attractive to n'er do wells and not end of world if gets nicked).
It keeps time as well as any of my other automatic watches from more famous makers (it's one of the standard movements so not surprising), the build quality is respectable for the price and I like it. You can't go far wrong.
One thing to bear in mind is that CW very often have sales or promotions. They are a much better buy at that time than for the full RRP. A couple of months ago the 38mm C60 was definitely on promotion. Ebay is also your friend for second hand ones.
In terms of alternatives, the PH fraternity also likes (or indeed favours, but they might be pricier) Sinn and Damasko at the higher end, perhaps Steinhart (cheaper I think) and there's always Seiko. they all have very similar offerings to CW, especially in the very popular Sub-alike diver ranges.
It keeps time as well as any of my other automatic watches from more famous makers (it's one of the standard movements so not surprising), the build quality is respectable for the price and I like it. You can't go far wrong.
One thing to bear in mind is that CW very often have sales or promotions. They are a much better buy at that time than for the full RRP. A couple of months ago the 38mm C60 was definitely on promotion. Ebay is also your friend for second hand ones.
In terms of alternatives, the PH fraternity also likes (or indeed favours, but they might be pricier) Sinn and Damasko at the higher end, perhaps Steinhart (cheaper I think) and there's always Seiko. they all have very similar offerings to CW, especially in the very popular Sub-alike diver ranges.
Great watch for what they represent, really like my C60 (43mm) and they don't actually wear that big, a colleague also has one (38mm) and we have tried most the watches on that CW offer as the showroom is just 500 yards from my office, personally I don't think you can go wrong, only (minor) criticism is the deployment clasp on the leather isnt as low profile (or doesn't seem to be) as the one on the bracelet that my colleague has.
Have also looked at the other options, have a couple of Seiko Divers but the CW seems a little classier.
Have also looked at the other options, have a couple of Seiko Divers but the CW seems a little classier.
Great watch, highly recommended.
I bought the 43mm Mk2 Trident (which I just about carry-off on 6.75" wrist). I suspect the 38mm one would sit better with me, but it is still quite a tall watch, around 13.3mm high (being a robust diver with 600m water resistance) and that will be a bit more obvious in the smaller diameter 38mm. Also, I think dive watches mostly wear a little smaller than their true size because the bezel width makes the dial area that bit smaller. 40mm would be perfect, but alas...
You already have a Ward watch, so you know they’re excellent value for money, with good customer service & a terrific '60:60' Warranty which means you can buy from their website in confidence (unworn watches can be returned, no quibbles, within 60 days of purchase, and a 60 month Warranty - quite unusual).
The Mk2 Trident is light-years better than the older Mk1 version - superb value for money: Swiss Made; basic but solid Sellita or ETA movement; sapphire crystal; 120-click ceramic bezel; 600m depth rated; great micro-adjust 'ratchet' clasp (think of a much less sophisticated alternative to the Rolex 'Glidelock'), all solid bracelet, deep-engraved case back, signed Crown, and rock-solid build. All for circa GBP £700 - as good as any similarly-specced dive watch Tag Heuer put out at 2-3 times the cost.
With the polished bracelet centre-links (a bit more prone to scratching than a brushed finish), the shiny ceramic bezel, and the applied dial indices, it’s a more dressy-looking diver than most of the competition. It’s built like a tank, and the movement has been around & proven for decades, so you’ll have no issues with durability (by mechanical watch standards).
Their logo/design continues to divide opinion and is a 'love it or hate it' point. It’s quite a solid, heavy watch, and the deep-etched Caseback is quality, but a bit sharply-done and so can irritate the skin a bit if not closely-fitted. They don't tell you whether you have an ETA or Sellita movement (not that I care - makes zero difference). Also, they anecdotally seem to be having a little more bother with Quality Control issues than in the past, but that 60:60 Warranty adds great confidence, so you’ll be fine.
I'd emphasise not to buy at full price - they regularly have sales (Father’s Day, Christmas etc.) and offer 'nearly new' discounted models for sale (virtually brand-new watches returned by customers under 60:60, or ex-show models), so wait and get 15% or so off. Don't get me wrong, at full price, it is already a great value-for-money watch, but you may as well save a little if you can.
Or, their Forum is free to join - it's packed with useful resource, photos, advice and you don't need to register to view it, but if you do register, then after making 30 posts you’ll get access to their Sales Section, where you’ll have no bother finding the old logo version you want at a good price & with years of warranty remaining.
In terms of alternatives, there are piles of ETA/Sellita-engined dive watches around, but not all offer the all-round package & Warranty that the Trident does. Steinhart are a bit cheaper, but make great Swiss watches that are a little too-much like Rolex clones to my taste, and they just out-source their watch build to another company. I hear good things about the Oris Aquis as well, so have a look at that. A second-hand TAG Heuer Aquaracer is also a decent buy, if someone else has taken the larger initial depreciation hit.
I bought the 43mm Mk2 Trident (which I just about carry-off on 6.75" wrist). I suspect the 38mm one would sit better with me, but it is still quite a tall watch, around 13.3mm high (being a robust diver with 600m water resistance) and that will be a bit more obvious in the smaller diameter 38mm. Also, I think dive watches mostly wear a little smaller than their true size because the bezel width makes the dial area that bit smaller. 40mm would be perfect, but alas...
You already have a Ward watch, so you know they’re excellent value for money, with good customer service & a terrific '60:60' Warranty which means you can buy from their website in confidence (unworn watches can be returned, no quibbles, within 60 days of purchase, and a 60 month Warranty - quite unusual).
The Mk2 Trident is light-years better than the older Mk1 version - superb value for money: Swiss Made; basic but solid Sellita or ETA movement; sapphire crystal; 120-click ceramic bezel; 600m depth rated; great micro-adjust 'ratchet' clasp (think of a much less sophisticated alternative to the Rolex 'Glidelock'), all solid bracelet, deep-engraved case back, signed Crown, and rock-solid build. All for circa GBP £700 - as good as any similarly-specced dive watch Tag Heuer put out at 2-3 times the cost.
With the polished bracelet centre-links (a bit more prone to scratching than a brushed finish), the shiny ceramic bezel, and the applied dial indices, it’s a more dressy-looking diver than most of the competition. It’s built like a tank, and the movement has been around & proven for decades, so you’ll have no issues with durability (by mechanical watch standards).
Their logo/design continues to divide opinion and is a 'love it or hate it' point. It’s quite a solid, heavy watch, and the deep-etched Caseback is quality, but a bit sharply-done and so can irritate the skin a bit if not closely-fitted. They don't tell you whether you have an ETA or Sellita movement (not that I care - makes zero difference). Also, they anecdotally seem to be having a little more bother with Quality Control issues than in the past, but that 60:60 Warranty adds great confidence, so you’ll be fine.
I'd emphasise not to buy at full price - they regularly have sales (Father’s Day, Christmas etc.) and offer 'nearly new' discounted models for sale (virtually brand-new watches returned by customers under 60:60, or ex-show models), so wait and get 15% or so off. Don't get me wrong, at full price, it is already a great value-for-money watch, but you may as well save a little if you can.
Or, their Forum is free to join - it's packed with useful resource, photos, advice and you don't need to register to view it, but if you do register, then after making 30 posts you’ll get access to their Sales Section, where you’ll have no bother finding the old logo version you want at a good price & with years of warranty remaining.
In terms of alternatives, there are piles of ETA/Sellita-engined dive watches around, but not all offer the all-round package & Warranty that the Trident does. Steinhart are a bit cheaper, but make great Swiss watches that are a little too-much like Rolex clones to my taste, and they just out-source their watch build to another company. I hear good things about the Oris Aquis as well, so have a look at that. A second-hand TAG Heuer Aquaracer is also a decent buy, if someone else has taken the larger initial depreciation hit.
Steinhart are the obvious competitor.
Similar specs, similar movements, good reputation, but as others have said, mostly a bit overtly Rolex homages for some (me included).
If you want a 'brand', you might look at Longines Hydroconquest. Not as high spec on paper as the CW, it's a brand with true heritage (I recently bought a Longines pocket watch and they have a department that validate details of their older models - Mine comes from 1913 and was shipped to a
dealer in France. Now THAT is heritage!) and my HC remains a big favourite of mine.
Nothing wrong with CW, imo, but I fail to bond with mine - I had a previous Trident and a Kingfisher and sold them both. I still have a C11 Makaira, but I don't wear it a lot.
M.
Similar specs, similar movements, good reputation, but as others have said, mostly a bit overtly Rolex homages for some (me included).
If you want a 'brand', you might look at Longines Hydroconquest. Not as high spec on paper as the CW, it's a brand with true heritage (I recently bought a Longines pocket watch and they have a department that validate details of their older models - Mine comes from 1913 and was shipped to a
dealer in France. Now THAT is heritage!) and my HC remains a big favourite of mine.
Nothing wrong with CW, imo, but I fail to bond with mine - I had a previous Trident and a Kingfisher and sold them both. I still have a C11 Makaira, but I don't wear it a lot.
M.
Edited by marcosgt on Wednesday 12th April 12:24
Thanks guys, excellent feedback.
Sounds like I need to join the CW forum and make a few posts so that I can access the sales section. Have been idly looking for one with my desired spec on bay etc but nothing is coming up at a sensible price so maybe the forum is the solution.
Will report back in due course!
Cheers
TD
Sounds like I need to join the CW forum and make a few posts so that I can access the sales section. Have been idly looking for one with my desired spec on bay etc but nothing is coming up at a sensible price so maybe the forum is the solution.
Will report back in due course!
Cheers
TD
I've had my C60 Trident 42mm Automatic (silver with black bezel) for nearly 5 years now and been really pleased with it. Like you I still prefer the older style logo as well. Wear it every day for work, holidays, round the pool etc. Basically goes everywhere with me.
Not had any problems with the build quality but has started losing the time a bit, not really bothered me though. I get sent £50/£100 vouchers from them twice a year which always gets me looking on their site again, but so far I've resisted getting another as mine still ticks all the boxes
Not had any problems with the build quality but has started losing the time a bit, not really bothered me though. I get sent £50/£100 vouchers from them twice a year which always gets me looking on their site again, but so far I've resisted getting another as mine still ticks all the boxes
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