Christopher Ward’s Trident enters a new age

By Mr. E

September 2015

Christopher Ward’s Trident enters a new age

By Mr. E

September 2015

The UK brand’s recently revamped Trident collection provides a new and distinctive “modern vintage’ expression to their best-selling dive/ports collection. The Trident Pro models have been comprehensively re-engineered, but part of their look was the result of a happy accident, which we’re glad occurred.

Christopher Ward’s iconic C60 Trident dive collection has recently received a facelift. As a result, customers can choose among almost 250 options by combining movement, size, and colour to match their individual tastes. But the changes to the Trident were not just stylistic or superficial. They also include the meticulous re-engineering of almost every part of the watch, truly redefining the Trident range.

These comprehensive changes can be seen in two impressive new editions – the C60 Trident Pro Vintage Steel Edition and the C60 Trident Pro Vintage Black Edition. Each model is available in either a more classic 38mm size, or a more contemporary and larger case option of 42mm. Both models introduce some intriguing refinements to the iconic Trident range.

Christopher Ward's Trident enters a new age

For one, the Trident Pro models feature a completely re-engineered case, watertight to 600 metres and available in steel and black colours. It also gives exceptional strength and protection. The matt-finished zirconia ceramic uni-directional bezel features a tetragonal structure, which helps absorbs energy by expanding on impact.

The engineering is also complemented with striking yet subtle aesthetic changes. Firstly, the baton style indexes deliver significantly enhanced visibility thanks to a new lume, the SuperLuminova Old Radium Vintage. This vintage theme can be further seen in in the sandblasted hands and indices, complementing the matt bezel. Combined, they create a patina evoking times past, which vintage watch enthusiasts revere today.

The classic effect of the watch can be further enhanced by selecting the option of the handcrafted, Vintage Italian leather strap. Alternatively, the watch can be dialled-down with the Marine grade stainless steel bracelet option, which gives the watch a more contemporary feel.

Christopher Ward's Trident enters a new age

The intriguing case finish – which adds to the watch’s distinctive look – was actually a ‘happy accident’. Mike France, co-founder of Christopher Ward, explains how it came about:

“When the first sample cases came through it was obvious that we had not been clear enough in the specification file and, instead of a fully brushed case being set in front of us to assess, we were confronted with one that had facets that were both polished as well as brushed.

After the initial groans had faded, and before initiating another sampling round, something happened – the more time we spent in the presence of this hybrid, the more apparent it was that we had, by accident, created something special and unique – a design that when teamed with either a complementary bracelet or beautifully hand-crafted leather strap, is a contemporary take on a vintage aesthetic. ‘Modern vintage’ or ‘positive mistake’ – this is rich territory for fans of the oxymoron – and in this instance they definitely apply!”

The two new models - in both 38mm and 42mm variants - are available on pre-order from mid-September through Christopher Ward’s website. The more vintage look can be had from £599, featuring the leather strap option. The more contemporary bracelet option with classic steel or black PVD finish starts from £660. For a stylish and meticulously redesigned timepiece, that is solid value indeed.

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