Christopher Ward is a brand I have long kept an eye on, even before the first time I went hands-on with one of their watches (the C60 Trident). This was due to the unique combination of style and affordability that the brand offered. As of late, Christopher Ward has been expanding into some higher-end offerings, even going so far as to build up some rather interesting movements. Their latest watch goes back to one of their first pieces that caught my eye, and takes things a bit more up-market. Let’s have a look at what the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph Pro 600 watch has to offer.

Well, first and foremost, the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph Pro 600 adds a chronograph complication into the mix. This is of the column wheel variety, which then suggests the venerable Valjoux 7750 that is ticking away inside the case. The brand also indicates that it has an elaboré finish with Côtes de Genève, but it’s something you won’t ever see (unless you service your own watches), as the caseback is solid. That said, it is a very nice-looking one, with a trident showing up in relief against the stamped case back. It even carries forward the wave pattern found on the dials of the C60 Trident lineup, this one included.

Speaking of the dial, the one on the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph Pro 600 is immediately recognizable as part of the larger lineup, due to the aforementioned wave pattern on the dial and the handset that it uses. I cannot speak as to the exact diving spec that dictates how hands should be for differentiation, but I certainly have no issues telling the hour from the minute hand. For the chronograph functionality, you have the 30-minute register up at 12 o’clock, with a 12-hour register down at 6 o’clock balancing things out. I rather like how they tucked the date window into that lower register (color-matched as well), which allows it to blend in to the overall design.

Another interesting point on the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph Pro 600 is the running seconds indication. For that, there is a register over at the 9 o’clock position. Rather than rely on a small hand, there’s an intermittently-lumed disc that spins under the cutouts. This gives you the motion to let you know that the movement is running, and looks to provide an interesting kinetic light show when the lights are down (the brand labels it as a “breathing” appearance). Lume does appear to have gotten a good bit of attention on the watch as well, with the numerals and indices on the bezel being luminous as well, not just those on the dial; the handset is of course lumed, as is the running-seconds indicator.

Why is all that lume of note? Well, aside from being just plain fun to have on a watch in a darkened room, it also provided functionality in the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph Pro 600’s capacity as a dive watch. It does carry a 600m water resistance rating (much deeper than any of us will be headed, I am willing to bet), along with the pre-requisite, though totally unnecessary, automatic helium escape valve. I do realize that it gives the appearance of being a more robust diver, and I’ve no doubt that the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph is. It is just that, well, I find it highly unlikely that any of us reading this are saturation divers, which makes that HEV just another unnecessary hole in the case. Then again, if they can get the chrono pushers sealed enough to merit a 600m WR rating, well, then, what’s one more hole?

The Christopher Ward C60 Trident Chronograph Pro 600 is available for pre-order now, with only a single colorway being made available – a rather nice dark blue with orange accents for the chronograph registers. Pre-order pricing with delivery anticipated for March runs at $1,920 on the rubber strap, or $2,000 on the steel bracelet. Given the price difference, I would say the bracelet is the way to go, as you can easily find a strap down the road. As to what fans of the brand might think, we’ll have to wait and see. Given that they’re continuing to introduce watches that are hitting luxury territory, though, I would hazard a guess that previous steps in that direction were well received, so I would not be surprised to see this trend continuing for the brand. For me, given my general aversion to chronographs, this is not my favorite C60 Trident, but I would call it a well-executed chrono, and a logical extension to the lineup. christopherward.com

Tech Specs from Christopher Ward

• Swiss made
• Movement
  • ETA Valjoux 7750
  • 25 jewel self-winding mechanical chronograph with column wheel
  • 48 hour power reserve
  • Hour, minute, second and date calendar with 60 seconds, 30 minutes ad 12 hours indication
  • Anti-shock system
  • Elabore finish with Cotes de Geneve
• Case
  • 43mm marine grade stainless steel case
  • Water resistant to 600m/ 2000ft
  • Screw-down deep-stamped 3D back plate
  • Screw-in crown and chronograph pushers
  • Integrated automatic helium release valve
• Unique engraved serial number
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• SuperLuminova indices and diamond faceted hands
• Breathing regulator inspired small second disk
• Deep blue and yellow guilloche wave pattern dial
• Signature Trident counter-balance
• High density rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet