Introducing: The Christopher Ward Trident Pro 300 GMT
What We Know
Christopher Ward, maker of the cheapest, most expensive watches in the world – their words – just announced the return of a GMT model to their core line of watches, the Trident Pro 300. Offered in three variations, with a fair amount of options to get yours just the way you like, it’s a GMT with a value focus and a handful of colorways to spice up your selection process.
First up, the basics: the new offering from the British brand is called the Trident Pro 300 GMT, and it’s made of steel. You also have the choice of three different specifications, starting with a dark dial (navy blue) or light dial (white), each with a “blue” color scheme and corresponding two-color ceramic bezel. The third spec is a much bolder turquoise and yellow combination with a steel relief bezel. There are two steel bracelet options (three link and five link), as well as the choice of a rubber strap if that’s more your thing.
The Trident line of watches is a decided fan-favorite. And for those unaware, CW asked their fans, through their own independent forum, for their opinion as to what made the perfect dive watch. The Trident 300 was the answer. In the past, the three-hander has been available in 38, 40, and 42mm flavors. Here, the GMT is limited to the 40mm case size, yet still only 11.8mm thick. Which is nice to hear when talking about a GMT with 300m of water resistance.
Inside, Christopher Ward is using a Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement – a “caller” GMT movement that is found in many other GMT models around $1k – and even higher. The SW330-2 is an improvement upon the SW330-1, which is itself a clone of the ETA 2893-2. All of which should say: reliable. Improvements include updates to the GMT quickset, some more jewels (25), and an extended power reserve to 56 hours, up from 42 hours. All in all, it’s a solid GMT movement that ticks happily at 4Hz (28,800 vph) and keeps time to +/- 20 sec/day.
Pricing for the new Christopher Ward Trident Pro 300 GMT starts at $1,195 and rises depending on the selected strap or bracelet (full pricing is outlined below).
What We Think
Details! This watch certainly seems all about details and refinements. I certainly appreciate the tidied-up dial from the C65 Trident. This, combined with the beautifully proportioned and finished handset, the applied hour markers and twin-flag logo, and the color-matched date wheel (at six, which I would argue is the superior placement) – the whole package turns out to be a very thoughtful and well executed piece throughout. None of this is new for the GMT; however, this attention and commitment to detail bolsters Christopher Ward as a serious value proposition.
With the really lovely proportions of the “light-catcher” case, I’d have loved to have seen this in 38mm. But, I understand how 40mm might make more sense in the context of the rest of the Christopher Ward GMT offerings: many being 36, 38, and 39. There is no shortage of choice when it comes to sizing at CW.
Three-link “Bader” on the left; five-link “Consort” on the right.
The overall design and thin case here create a slimmer profile; combined with those swooping lugs, I don’t have any real concerns about the watch wearing too large. Further, I do wish this was a flyer GMT, as opposed to caller. But that’s a matter of personal preference, as I’ve found myself flying around a good bit these days. The quick-release bracelets, each with their own micro-adjustments, can easily maneuver from any casual to more-than-casual scenario. I can also see those draping lugs (20mm width) accommodating any strap you throw at it.
It’s a sharp-looking, capable watch that could well be your only watch – if that’s something you’re into.
The Basics
Brand: Christopher Ward
Model: Trident Pro 300 GMT
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47.4mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Blue, white, turquoise gradient
Indexes: Applied
Lume: SLN C1 X1 BL
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap/Bracelet: Three-link “Bader”; five-link “Consort”; tapered FKM Aquaflex rubber
The Movement
Caliber: Sellita SW330-2
Functions: Quickset date; hacking seconds; “caller” GMT
Diameter: 26.2mm
Thickness: 4.1mm
Power Reserve: 56 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4Hz/28,800bph
Jewels: 25
Pricing & Availability
Price: $1,195 (rubber); $1,380 (three-link “Bader” steel bracelet); $1,420 (five-link “Consort” steel bracelet)
Availability: Immediately
Limited Edition: No
For more, click here.
Hodinkee
