Christopher Ward W61 caseback and strap
Nicely made case, unusual reverse bevel on the end of the lugs. The crown is 5.4mm, signed and screw-down. Oddly, the product page claims 10.3mm thick, but I trust my calipers here and 12.2 is still quite svelte.
Christopher Ward W61, wrist shot
My wrist is 7.25″, and in my opinion 38mm works. Smaller than current trends, but conspicuous restraint works too.
Christopher Ward W61, wrist profile
With the gator-textured leather strap, it’s a dress diver. Personally, I’d buy the bracelet and wear it that way. It’s got 20mm lugs, so there are tons of strap options.
Here’s a comparison with my RGM 151P, roughly the same size and very different design:
Christopher Ward W61 and RGM 151P
The dial opening is smaller on the diver, obviously, so let’s compare to the slightly larger OWC Milsub:
Christopher Ward W61 and OWC 5517
The date window is not my favorite. The just-past-four placement bugs me, as do the mirrored bevel and black-on-white colors.
On the wrist, it wears very well. I kept this picture, as it shows how the dial texture looks most of the time in person – quite subtle. The hash marks between minutes are decorative and a bit busy for my taste.
Christopher Ward W61, wrist shot
Christoper Ward is very up front about being inspired by the Rolex 1954 GMT Master. I think here they’ve diverged enough to suit me.
I like how the date window is at the edge of the dial, it shows that the 25mm movement is well-sized for the case.
The movement is the Sellita SW200, a near clone of the ETA 2824. Timekeeping and hand winding were both indistinguishable from the ETAs I’ve handled.
Christopher Ward W61, wrist shot
If you’re tired of too-big divers, give this one a try, you might like it. Though your wife, daughter or son might just borrow it too.
Christoper Ward has always been a value brand, and this one is no exception. List price is 450 UKP (GBP), or 375 UKP non-EC (when not shipped to Europe as the VAT does not apply). They’re made in Switzerland and carry the makers’ 60 day / 5 year warranty. An excellent value. christopherward.co.uk
Necessary Data
>Brand: Christopher Ward
>Model: W61 Trident-Pro, reference W61-TRI-SKK.
>Price: 450 UKP, or 375 UKP non-European delivery
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Smaller-wristed men, most women, or anyone wanting an understated diver.
>Worst characteristic of watch:
Non-functional skeletonization of the hands.
>Best characteristic of watch: Killer deal for a real watch.