Christopher Ward may have another hit on its hands. The brand’s new C60 Trident Lumiere is a striking titanium diver’s watch with a dial that’s 11 times more visible in the dark. But that’s not all: this new addition to the Christopher Ward collection is the perfect blend of specs and looks that will no doubt win it an instant following. I had the chance to get my hands on it and find out all about it.
Yesterday, the new Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumiere was officially launched. If you follow the daily watch news, you may have already seen it, as it is unlikely to be missed. When we first received the press kit from this British brand, we were impressed, including myself and several other team members at Fratello. However, while beautiful images and great press releases may tell you something, they can’t tell you everything. That’s why we were eager to get one of the three newly launched versions for review. The blue version of the C60 Trident Lumiere is perfect for everyday wear and has some great features that will make you smile every time.
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumiere Story
With the new Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumiere, the brand has taken on the challenge of creating a stunning luminous dive watch. One look at the watch and you’ll understand. At first glance, the watch appears to be a fun variation on the popular C60 Trident Pro Diver, but there’s a lot more to the story. Let’s start at the beginning.
The C60 Trident Lumiere is a titanium rendition of the popular diver’s watch. The case and bracelet of this new version are made from a Grade 2 alloy, giving it a beautiful hue that’s slightly darker than stainless steel, adding a nice touch to the overall look.
Speaking of which, the watch has a textured gradient dial with solid Globolight hour markers. Globolight is also used for the hands and logo at the top of the dial. The 3D effect, using Superluminova-infused ceramic, is pretty awesome. The brand even asked manufacturer Xenoprint to add facets to the indexes for an extra layer of sophistication.
The overall effect is a dial that really pops. This is combined with a unidirectional 120-click titanium bezel with a blue ceramic insert. The color of the insert matches the deepest blue around the dial, but all the elements combine to create a beautiful and vibrant overall presence.
Check out the specs of the C60 Trident Lumiere
Let’s take a closer look at the specs. The titanium case is 41mm in diameter, 10.85mm thick, and 47.9mm long. The watch is water resistant to 300 meters and has a helium escape valve on the left side of the case for saturation diving. The titanium Bader bracelet is 22mm wide between the lugs and tapers by 6.5mm at the clasp to a width of 15.5mm.
The foldover clasp features a push-button release and tool-free micro-adjustment mechanism for easy sizing. Plus, the bracelet comes with a half link, giving you another option for finding the perfect fit. As we’ve learned from Christopher Ward, the brand’s bracelets and clasps are of the highest quality, and this titanium version of the Bader bracelet is no exception. It feels sturdy, has all the features, is easy to size, and is a joy to wear.
As mentioned, we got the blue version for review. This is one of three versions in total. One of these has a grey to black gradient dial and a black bezel insert. The third model has an orange gradient dial and a black bezel insert. The last model is sure to be a hit due to its striking color combination. Each of the three models has its own unique presence and all have their fans. They have a beautifully sculpted case and a sturdy bracelet made from titanium. However, if you prefer a strap option, Christopher Ward also offers the watch with an Aquaflex rubber strap that matches the dial color. The blue strap has orange lining and edges for an extra touch of color.
Chronometer-certified Sellita caliber
The watch is powered by the COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 movement, which is a step up from the SW200-1 found in the stainless steel C60 Trident Pro. The SW300-1 runs at 28,800vph, offering a 54-hour power reserve and chronometer-level accuracy (-4/+6 seconds per day). As you’d expect from the brand, the movement features a customized rotor and is nicely finished, as you can see from the sapphire window on the caseback.
Christopher Ward wearing a C60 Trident Lumiere
On the wrist, the watch really shines. The overall slim profile is aesthetically pleasing and a joy to wear, and combined with the lightweight titanium material, it’s an impressive watch to experience up close. The C60 Trident Lumiere feels as if it was made for my wrist. The 41mm case is dimensionally perfect, and the curves of the case and the comfortable bracelet make it one of the best-fitting watches I’ve put on my wrist this year.
From the moment you fasten the clasp, your eyes are drawn to the stunning dial, which is the big talking point of this release. We’ve seen dials with solid blocks of lume before, but this is something else entirely. The Globolight element gives the watch a truly extraordinary sense of depth and 3D. The lume on the dial is five times more intense than the regular Trident Pro and shines twice as brightly. Plus, the numerals on the bezel glow in the dark, so nighttime diving won’t be an issue.
A watch full of striking details
The gradient dial is also beautifully vibrant, which is key to balancing out the abundant white lume. I love how the color transitions from a darker blue on the outside of the dial to a brighter, more prominent blue towards the center. The bright white lume blocks and distinctive hands make the time incredibly easy to read.
Operating the bezel is a pleasure. Although the distinctive sound of a titanium bezel is different from a steel bezel, this one has a solid feel to it. The same goes for the screw-down crown. It’s easy to operate with plenty of feedback, and there’s no play between the crown and the hands, making it easy to set the time.
One detail that stood out during my time with this watch is that the end links are slightly longer than the lugs. This was a bit of a surprise as this is something the brand usually excels at. It’s not noticeable if you’re not paying attention, but it’s one of those details that you won’t forget once you’ve seen it. One detail that is entirely positive, however, is the impressive finish of the titanium. The mostly brushed finish contrasts with the polished bevels on the case and bracelet. Overall, the quality and finish are impressive, especially at Christopher Ward’s price point.
Final thoughts on Christopher Ward’s C60 Trident Lumiere
Let’s get straight to it: the watch is available to buy starting today for €2,175 on a rubber strap or €2,625 on a titanium bracelet. That’s a significant increase over the regular stainless steel version on a bracelet, which costs €1,165. But what you’re getting is a completely different watch.
Although the design is the same series, it is a different watch due to the upgrade from stainless steel to titanium, the adoption of Xenoprint’s Globolight for the hands and markers, the high performance of the movement, and the integration of a helium escape valve. There are many highlights of the update, and the price increase is understandable.
When comparing the new C60 Trident Lumiere to other brands of watches, it becomes even more impressive: you’ll be hard-pressed to find a watch in this price range that can match this C60 Trident Lumiere, especially when you consider the overall quality, finish, and use of Globolight markers and hands.
It’s fair to say that Christopher Ward has once again raised the bar to offer fantastic value for money, which is why we’re sure enthusiasts will love the new C60 Trident Lumiere and jump at the chance to buy one.
Admittedly, I really like this watch, although the blue version is not my favorite. But what I remember about this new C60 Trident Lumière is how incredibly comfortable it is on the wrist. This watch is without a doubt one of the best-fitting watches I have experienced this year. The light weight (105 grams), slim case shape, and fit of the bracelet make this a truly impressive release that will definitely get people talking.
For more information on the C60 Trident Lumiere, check out the official Christopher Ward website Let us know what you think of this new titanium dive watch in the comments section.
