When Christopher Ward first introduced the 40mm C60 Trident GMT 300, I was on board with the sizing and the overall direction. It felt like the right proportion for the watch and an overdue move for the line. The problem, for me at least, was the execution. The blue and white colorways were fine, but they never quite pulled me back in after that initial announcement. That changed this week.
Christopher Ward expanded the Trident lineup with a slate of new releases, most of them centered on larger 44mm cases. Those included new C60 Trident Pro 300 variants and an updated C60 Trident GMT 300 with a black dial and a black and gray ceramic bezel. The visual reference is obvious, pointing directly toward the black and gray GMT-Master II configuration collectors tend to call the “Bruce Wayne.” Okay. What matters more to me is that this same black dial GMT configuration is also available in 40mm.
In terms of specifications, the 40mm and 44mm versions are effectively identical. The dial is finished in polished black lacquer with applied, faceted hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova Grade X1 BL C1. An applied logo sits at 12 o’clock, with a framed date window at 6 and three lines of text above it, including a red “GMT” that matches the red arrow-tipped GMT hand. The handset follows the established Trident design language, including the seconds hand with its trident counterweight, and all luminous elements use the same compound.
Inside is the Sellita SW330-2 automatic GMT movement, consistent with other Christopher Ward GMT models. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, paired with a water resistance rating of 300 meters. The bi-directional 24-hour ceramic bezel is split between black on the upper half and gray on the lower, closely mirroring the layout seen on the Rolex GMT-Master II. Christopher Ward opts for red dial accents rather than green, giving the watch a slightly more pronounced contrast while keeping the overall palette restrained. Lume is present on the bezel at the 12 o’clock triangle.
There are also a few functional differences worth noting. The watch offers significantly higher water resistance than the Rolex reference and includes a quick-release system across all bracelet and strap options. Buyers can choose between a black Aquaflex rubber strap, the Bader bracelet, or the Jubilee-style Consort bracelet, with the latter available only on the 40mm model.
Pricing reinforces where this watch sits in the market. The C60 Trident GMT 300 starts at $1,370 on rubber, increases to $1,580 on the Bader bracelet, and tops out at $1,625 on the Consort bracelet.
I liked the idea of the 40mm Trident GMT 300 from the start, even if the earlier colors left me cold. This new black dial version is the first one that makes me want to take another look. Pre-orders are now open in both sizes through Christopher Ward’s website, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-February.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.