There’s something about a colorful diver that makes me nostalgic for the days when I didn’t obsess over case finishing, lug-to-lug lengths, or how the logo is applied. Back then, if it looked fun and felt good on the wrist, that was all that mattered. So, when I saw Christopher Ward’s new C60 Trident Reef, I felt a flicker of that same carefree energy.
The C60 Trident Reef is Christopher Ward’s latest spin on their Trident platform, and it shows the brand still knows how to play in the affordable diver space while keeping things fresh. Bright marine artwork from Franco-Croatian artist Ana Brecevic served as inspiration, and you can really see that influence in the bold colorways and playful design choices. It’s not trying to be a reissue of some mid-century diver or tug at vintage heartstrings. Instead, it feels like a throwback to the early 2010s when big, dive watches weren’t afraid of being a little loud.
The case is where things start to get interesting. Christopher Ward went with a new four-part construction featuring a shrouded mid-section, anodized aluminum in colors that match the bezel inserts. (The white dial model switches to ceramic for a more premium vibe.) The effect is striking, especially if you go for the orange. It’s intense, but it kind of rules. With sizes at 41mm or 44mm wide, both at 11.45mm thick, you’ve got options depending on whether you prefer medium or large divers. I’m personally in the smaller camp these days, but I can appreciate that the 44mm fills a gap for folks who’ve felt a bit left out by the recent trend toward sub-40mm cases.
The cases look modern and dynamic. I can easily see Christopher Ward experimenting with different mid-case treatments down the line. The steel lugs and crown guards contrast nicely with the aluminum mid-case, adding another layer of visual interest.
Dial-wise, the Reef keeps the Trident DNA intact but cranks up the boldness. The applied metal markers and familiar hand shapes are here, but they’re framed by a very assertive chapter ring. It’s bright white with black minute markings and cutouts that snugly hug each marker. Plus, these curious little flanges that add texture and depth. Admittedly, there’s a lot going on, and it’s busier than the cleaner Pro 300s, but the design differentiates the C60 Trident Reef in a way that feels deliberate rather than overcooked.
The bezel insert sticks with the Pro model’s typeface, with numerals at the tens and a crisp triangle at zero. It’s anodized aluminum (except on the white ceramic dial version), and the color matching is spot on. If you’re into the full matchy-matchy look, you’ll be happy here.
Powering the Reef is the familiar Sellita SW200-1, visible through a display caseback with a decorated rotor. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s reliable, and I can’t fault the choice at this price. Speaking of which, you’re looking at $850 on an Aquaflex rubber strap or $1,035 on a three-link steel bracelet. The C60 Trident Reef brings some much-needed energy back to the entry tier of Christopher Ward’s diver lineup.
In the end, the C60 Trident Reef isn’t here to rewrite the dive watch playbook but that’s not the point. It’s here to remind us that collecting can be fun, a little loud, and full of color. And sometimes, that’s exactly what the watch box needs.
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.