First Look: Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière Hands-On Review

The Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière has made its debut, and the excitement surrounding it is already palpable. Continuing their streak of impressive releases, following the C60 Trident Pro GMT and the C65 Super Compressor Elite, the C60 Trident Lumière is already generating buzz among CW enthusiasts and seems poised to become a key model in their lineup for years to come. With its slim profile and lightweight design, this watch is likely to be a hit, particularly among fans of no-date models.

Let’s clarify something upfront—this isn’t intended to be a Pelagos killer, as some have stated. While it operates at a lower price point, it's not accurate to position it as a direct rival, as it’s aimed at a different level.

This watch represents another strong addition to Christopher Ward's ever-growing range of dive watches. We had the chance to review the blue variant, and from the moment it was unboxed, it made a striking impression. Right away, it's clear that this is a standout piece, boasting enough features to challenge competitors at much higher price points. I would highly recommend trying it on—it offers incredible comfort with a commanding presence, all while maintaining a subtle, understated style.

Considering what you get for your money, it’s tough to find a similarly equipped watch for less. The Grade 2 titanium case, measuring 41mm, is perfectly sized for most wrists, without feeling too large. With a lug-to-lug distance of 47.9mm, it stays within the ideal range for smaller wrists, and the 22mm lug width ensures compatibility with a wide range of straps.

The detailing on the 10.85mm case has been meticulously crafted, and with polished chamfers along the case flanks, it feels even slimmer on the wrist. The additional crown guards are a thoughtful touch, offering extra protection for the screw-down crown. The case back has been re-engineered with polished detailing surrounding the exhibition sapphire crystal, highlighting the movement and the signed Christopher Ward rotor.

The watch is powered by the COSC-certified Sellita SW300 movement, which features a slimmer profile than the more commonly used SW200, allowing for a reduced case thickness. The SW300 offers a power reserve of approximately 56 hours and provides 300m of water resistance. The matching Grade 2 titanium bracelet is finished to the same high standard as the case, featuring quick-release pins and a push-button diver’s extension.

The 22mm bracelet tapers down to 16mm at the clasp, which, while slightly long, closes securely. Each H-style link has a brushed finish that perfectly matches the case, with polished chamfers along the edges, bearing a resemblance to the classic Oyster bracelet used by Rolex for decades.

However, the dial is where this watch truly shines. Available in three colours—grey, orange, and the blue we reviewed—it features a matte fumé gradient, darker at the edges and brighter in the centre. While a flat colour might have been preferable for some, the gradient works well, especially when paired with the pièce de résistance: Xenoprint’s Globolight®.

A solid piece of lume mixed with ceramic powder is injected into a mould, forming the single block used for the hour indices. This precise process is repeated for the hands and logo, resulting in a striking display of lume from every angle in low light. Even up close, the indices showcase finely crafted chamfers, highlighting Christopher Ward's meticulous attention to detail with the Lumière. Once charged, the lume emits a deep, long-lasting glow that outshines most other watches.

The Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière offers much to admire, starting with its pricing: £1985.00 with the bracelet or £1650.00 with the rubber strap. This watch delivers exceptional value, featuring a Grade 2 titanium case and bracelet, a COSC-certified Sellita SW300 movement, a ceramic dive bezel, a sub-11mm case thickness, 300m water resistance, and a helium escape valve. While there could have been enhancements, such as using Grade 5 titanium, doing so would have increased the cost.

It's important to acknowledge that comparing watches across different brands and price points can be misleading. The C60 Trident Lumière isn't designed to compete with the Pelagos, given that it costs half as much, and the two brands occupy different levels in the watch hierarchy. However, for those on a smaller budget, the C60 Trident Lumière offers strong appeal. Christopher Ward has certainly struck the right balance with this model, making it a compelling option for many.