Has Christopher Ward reached perfection in their case and overall watch design language?

Has Christopher Ward reached perfection in their case and overall watch design? I'm more specifically referring to their most recent update to their C60 Trident model with the new C60 Trident 300 Pro with all it's new design attributes. There's more to be said and go over than I care to cover in this post. But, I'll share my initial impressions of what might be CW's most honed in design for the brand.

Seems like forever for this to arrive. But, the new Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300 in 40mm finally did. I really believe the newest light catcher case on these new C60 300's are about as perfect as can be. I think the ne dial layout and twin flags logo is finally what the dial needed. Overall, the design language is crystal clear definitively Christopher Ward and I'm pretty deeply satisfied with this purchase

As nice as the bracelet is with the latest improvements, I still feel there are at least 2 details that could be further refined.
1) The male solid end links wear just fine. But, a figurative sex change to female would make it that little bit better.
2) I like the tool-free microadjust. It's all internal and remains nearly hidden from view when extended. However, I have to admit the length of the clasp is perhaps unnecessarily longer than I think it could or should be. If you have a wrist not that much less than 7", you may find it a bit too wide. Sort of a reason why I think one might want one of the larger case size options to better balance and match it on the other side. Additionally, the link on one side of the clasp has limited pivoting angle. As such, it sort of extends the width of the clasp out a bit. If your wrist is wider than 7" you may not notice as the bracelet and clasp can have a wider radius to expand and wrap around your wrist. Anything under and you may notice at times that one link doesn't turn into wrist quite as much and cause a subtle but weird link protrusion. It doesn't do that on the other side where it can extend. I don't understand why they made THAT particular link on one side with such a movement limitation? It's a minor gripe, but, one I feel I should mention for those who plan to buy the bracelet for these new C60 300's and may experience a slight imperfect wraparound fitment near the long clasp.

About how to perhaps best order one of these and save on the overall cost. I ordered it on the hybrid strap with a $125 discount code and then ordered the new matching bracelet separately in an attempt to avoid import duty. Unfortunately, the sale of the watch still got sales tax added after th discount which pushed it just over $800 threshold. DOH?! So, it still got like a $60 something duty charge. Oh, well... Still, overall less than it could have been had I ordered it another way.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the bracelet fit and the extra details regarding the new clasp. Will have to get one in hand now to test out before I decide whether that would work for my 17cm wrist. Congrats on the new watch, it’s a very handsome piece!

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chronoslice

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the bracelet fit and the extra details regarding the new clasp. Will have to get one in hand now to test out before I decide whether that would work for my 17cm wrist. Congrats on the new watch, it’s a very handsome piece!

It may be easier to demonstrate my little gripes about the bracelet and clasp in a video. Might make a quick one shortly.

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Taste is so subjective. The simple answer to the question that you posed is "no". Perhaps, they can perfect their logo first.

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I think the new C60 300 line is a move in the right direction in many ways, but personally it also seems like a step back in others. 

I love that they are making a thinner diver, and have moved the date to the 6 o'clock position. 

I dislike the twin flags logo, and preferred the name written in full at the 12. I also dislike the new bezel design, it seems a bit too "fussy" with the stainless ring on the inside. 

Overall, CW is continuing to make improvements, and it's nice to see that they have settled into a design language after trying a bit of everything for the first 15 years. 

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congrats and thanks for bringing another brand to my attention. 
 

My initial reaction is that the case seems well designed with some nice rounding at the lugs. I’d have to try it in, since the fit is so subjective. It seems in line for my rather large wrist. It’s certainly not a small watch. 
 

I do agree that the dial could use some work. the logo is a bit off putting to me. The green dial looked sleeker to me. It maybe that my preference is for dark dials. 
 

my problem with micro brands (is this a mirco brand?) is that they tend to look roo much like more established brands. 
 

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Mine is a C63/Sealander but it shares the same clasp. I agree, I'd have preferred less adjustability and a shorter clasp. Here it is on my 7.5" wrist:

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Aurelian

Taste is so subjective. The simple answer to the question that you posed is "no". Perhaps, they can perfect their logo first.

That's funny.  I was thinking the same thing.  How could they have perfected their case and overall watch design when they change their logo seemingly yearly?

It is a beautiful watch though and I like what CW does for the most part.

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I prefer their logo now but I also find their bracelets clunky (esp clasp), although think they taper more than they did previously. 

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I just received my C63 GMT this weekend, and am very happy with it overall. I'm in the camp that VASTLY prefers the new logo to the old one. In fact, I wouldn't have ordered it if they hadn't changed the logo.  It just feels sleeker to me. Long names seem more fitting for dress watches instead of tool/sport watches.  Just my 2 pennies.

I got the bracelet and the #tide strap, both of which I like. My wife prefers the strap. I prefer the bracelet. What are ya gonna do?  😉

Finally, my wrist is 195mm, and it seems to vary quite a bit based on hydration, temperature, etc, so I really appreciate the quick-adjust feature of the bracelet. The long clasp fits my wrist size without any issues, but I could absolutely understand it not working for smaller wrists. It is larger than normal.

Honestly, I'm thinking about adding the non-GMT with the blue dial. It looks beautiful, and I love this brand's aesthetic.

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Jklotz

Mine is a C63/Sealander but it shares the same clasp. I agree, I'd have preferred less adjustability and a shorter clasp. Here it is on my 7.5" wrist:

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I was almost completely sold on the new CW Trident but is that really the clasp on a 7.5" wrist? Forget about the lug to lug on the head of the watch.  If your wrist was any smaller, the clasp would overhang your wrist.

ARGH, I love the idea of CW's quick release bracelets to give me ultimate strap freedom without fear of scratching up my lugs but now I don't know.  Curse of the Micro-brand or Independents.  You can't see them in the metal to decide if you like how they actually wear before pulling the trigger. 

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Yes, in fact, I am thinking of selling off a few Orients to fund the exact combination in your picture.  From afar, this is the best sub-$1,000 dive watch on the market.  CW f*cking nailed it with this design.

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meh²

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Stewart_VA

congrats and thanks for bringing another brand to my attention. 
 

My initial reaction is that the case seems well designed with some nice rounding at the lugs. I’d have to try it in, since the fit is so subjective. It seems in line for my rather large wrist. It’s certainly not a small watch. 
 

I do agree that the dial could use some work. the logo is a bit off putting to me. The green dial looked sleeker to me. It maybe that my preference is for dark dials. 
 

my problem with micro brands (is this a mirco brand?) is that they tend to look roo much like more established brands. 
 

If this 40mm is too small, you can get in 42mm. If it's too big, you can also got smaller at 38mm. There's a size for everyone 

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woodcut

I prefer their logo now but I also find their bracelets clunky (esp clasp), although think they taper more than they did previously. 

It does taper more, they finally use screws for their links, the clasp functions very well, but as I wrote, it can be a bit long. It's within reason for my wrist and I think most close to 7" and above. 

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kristoffares

I just received my C63 GMT this weekend, and am very happy with it overall. I'm in the camp that VASTLY prefers the new logo to the old one. In fact, I wouldn't have ordered it if they hadn't changed the logo.  It just feels sleeker to me. Long names seem more fitting for dress watches instead of tool/sport watches.  Just my 2 pennies.

I got the bracelet and the #tide strap, both of which I like. My wife prefers the strap. I prefer the bracelet. What are ya gonna do?  😉

Finally, my wrist is 195mm, and it seems to vary quite a bit based on hydration, temperature, etc, so I really appreciate the quick-adjust feature of the bracelet. The long clasp fits my wrist size without any issues, but I could absolutely understand it not working for smaller wrists. It is larger than normal.

Honestly, I'm thinking about adding the non-GMT with the blue dial. It looks beautiful, and I love this brand's aesthetic.

I was going to order the tide strap when I purchased the bracelet separately. But, they said it won't be in stock and ship until Dec. F that. But, I will eventually get one.. just no hurry.

It's funny about the logo and dial branding. I always thoughy most hated the full CW name and wanted the twin flags. I didn't hate it before, but I was greatly hoping to make the twin flags the main, if not only, logo/branding on the dial. And they finally did! But, there's a lot that gripe about it now and want the old one back. Oh, well... No watch is perfect, of course, and no matter how hard one tries, absolutely cannot please everyone. For me, I feel this is all just right.  

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Rocketfan

I was almost completely sold on the new CW Trident but is that really the clasp on a 7.5" wrist? Forget about the lug to lug on the head of the watch.  If your wrist was any smaller, the clasp would overhang your wrist.

ARGH, I love the idea of CW's quick release bracelets to give me ultimate strap freedom without fear of scratching up my lugs but now I don't know.  Curse of the Micro-brand or Independents.  You can't see them in the metal to decide if you like how they actually wear before pulling the trigger. 

They need more Worn &Wound Wind-Up watch fairs. Great place to see CW and SO MANY other microbrands, and non-microbrands, in the metal and really gauge of it is what you want or not. I didnt need one to know I wanted this watch as I've owned a few CW's before.

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SaintWoody

Yes, in fact, I am thinking of selling off a few Orients to fund the exact combination in your picture.  From afar, this is the best sub-$1,000 dive watch on the market.  CW f*cking nailed it with this design.

It's clear from the comments not all feel the same. It's kind of 50/50. Doesn't bother me as I wouldn't expect to have complete concenus on any watch... And that's of course totally ok.

For me, though, I think this is as close to perfect from CW at this point. I do believe the bracelet and clasp could use just a few further refinements as I stated. But, I doubt I'll buy the watch, or bracelet, again if it does make suggested changes.

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I've just received the 42mm version of ths watch on the orange tropic strap and I love it. I'm in the liking just the two flags logo. I was surprised by how comfortable it is on wrist.

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Dazz_Be

I've just received the 42mm version of ths watch on the orange tropic strap and I love it. I'm in the liking just the two flags logo. I was surprised by how comfortable it is on wrist.

Actually, 42mm may be best proportionally for this watch. The clasp is already kind of long so it looks progressively better the larger case sizes. In addition to the new clasp being one size throughout, because the 42mm I believe has 22mm lug size, the taper is even more dramatic from 22mm down to 16-17mm?.. whatever the taper at the clasp is.

That being said, I still personally prefer the 40mm for myself. Feel it can get away with still a noticeable bracelet taper and clasp within proportional reason with the 40mm. 

Yes, it's a damn comfortable watch and the case si very sleek and just flows over wrist nicely.

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KhronoKraze

Actually, 42mm may be best proportionally for this watch. The clasp is already kind of long so it looks progressively better the larger case sizes. In addition to the new clasp being one size throughout, because the 42mm I believe has 22mm lug size, the taper is even more dramatic from 22mm down to 16-17mm?.. whatever the taper at the clasp is.

That being said, I still personally prefer the 40mm for myself. Feel it can get away with still a noticeable bracelet taper and clasp within proportional reason with the 40mm. 

Yes, it's a damn comfortable watch and the case si very sleek and just flows over wrist nicely.

I've only just read about the clasp, but as long as it is comfortable that is the main thing, what ever the size, wear it with pride.

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I have this watch and find it exceptional. One of my favorite watches.