WatchReviewBlog

Wrist Watch Reviews, Guides & Advice

  • HOME
  • WATCH REVIEWS
  • BY BRAND
  • By Type
    • Automatic Watches
    • Quartz Watches
    • Dive Watches
    • Pilot Watches
    • Chronographs
    • Dress
    • Luxury
    • Sports
    • Women’s
    • Fashion
  • Startups
  • Watch Buying Guides
ShopShow Search
Hide Search
Home » Watch Reviews » Christopher Ward C65 Trident Automatic Watch Review

Christopher Ward C65 Trident Automatic Watch Review

February 26, 2020 by Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Christopher Ward C65 Trident Automatic Watch Review

Back in 2004, Christopher Ward London released the C65 Trident Diver. This watch had a rugged, tough appearance, with a high-visibility dial and a sloped unidirectional bezel. The Trident Diver quickly became one of Christopher Ward’s most popular offerings, and it remains one of their top sellers to this day. Recently, they’ve released the C65 Trident Automatic, which upgrades the original Trident Diver with a self-winding Swiss movement. Christopher Ward has also made a few cosmetic changes. I’ve had the opportunity to review one of these watches, and now I’ll share with you what I’ve learned.

Sellita SW200 Movement

As with most quality watches, the Christopher Ward C65 starts with a well-engineered movement.

Trident C65 with box and papers

The Sellita SW200 is a Swiss-made movement that’s based on the ETA 2824. In fact, the specifications are more or less identical, with the exception of a special Christopher Ward “Colimacone” twin flags finish. Since the Trident Automatic doesn’t have a display case, this is more or less a moot point. That said, I’m always a fan of bespoke movements, since it shows that the manufacturer is looking beyond your typical ETA offerings.


watchpod shop banner
Wrist shot with watch

The Sellita SW200 beats at a brisk 28,800 beats per hour, or 4 beats per second. This means the second hand sweeps smoothly across the dial, without any stuttering. It contains 26 jewels, and is self-winding. This is the most important difference between the Trident Automatic and the Trident Diver, which requires regular hand winding. The 38-hour power reserve isn’t particularly impressive. However, it’s sufficient to set the watch aside on Friday evening and not pick it back up until Sunday morning. The timing tolerance is about -20/+20 seconds per day. Again, not terribly impressive, but good enough for a midrange automatic.

Deep Blue Dial

The Trident Automatic’s dial is a gorgeous royal blue, with the words “Christopher Ward” printed in small white text on the left side. While the basic font of the logo can be controversial at times, I personally like it and feel it fits the brands image just fine.

Vivid deep oceanic blue dial

At the bottom position, you’ll see the word “Automatic”, pointing out the Trident Automatic’s best feature. The dial’s matte finish provides easy visibility under a variety of circumstances, with a small date window that features easy to read white numerals.

Macro close up of Trident C65

The hands and 5-minute markings are printed with a vintage style beige lume paint that’s more understated than most markings. At the single minute markings, you’ll find tiny, discrete hashes that are painted in white. The 5-minute markings are large circles, with long, fat hashes at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The 12 o’clock position is marked by a double hash, which adds an attractive accent.

Watch on the WATCHPOD Display Stand
Trident C65 lume shot on the WATCHPOD Display Stand

There’s also a unidirectional aluminum bezel, which is colored a dark royal blue to match the dial. It features white lume numerals at the 5-minute marks, with a triangular marking at the 12 o’clock position.

Bezel and lugs

It’s also ribbed (coin edged) on the outside, which makes it easy to turn. Along the inside, there’s a polished aluminum ring that provides an attractive accent. Christopher Ward doesn’t state how many positions the bezel has, but it stays securely in place, without any noticeable wiggle.

Slim Case & Crystal

The case is constructed from marine-grade stainless steel. In this context, “marine-grade” means that it’s rated for exposure to saltwater.

Caseback with CW logo

It’s not going to rust easily under any circumstances, although you should obviously wash it off after saltwater exposure just to be safe. The top and back of the case are polished to a bright finish, but the chamfer is brushed. This brushed finish further draws your eyes to the bezel and case top. The diameter is 41mm, with a lug to lug distance of 47.1mm. This lends it a medium wrist presence, although it’s noticeably longer than it is wide.

On the wrist side view

At 11.55mm, the case is actually fairly slim. This thickness includes a raised sapphire crystal, so the watch actually looks and feels even thinner than it is. On the screw-down case back, you’ll find a Christopher Ward trident motif, along with the words “Christopher Ward”. Down the side, you’ll see a unique serial number, which lets you know that your watch is truly genuine.

The wide crown is stamped with a Christopher Ward twin flag logo, which adds a bit of flair. It’s a push-in crown, not a screw-down, so the Trident Automatic isn’t suitable for diving. That says, it’s water-resistant to 150 meters. This makes it just fine for swimming, whether in fresh water or saltwater.

The Extras

The strap on the C65 Trident Automatic comes with a vintage oak leather strap, with a gorgeous camel-colored appearance. It features a dress clasp with an attractive Christopher Ward engraving, along with quick-release pins that make it easy to release.

Vintage oak leather strap with buckle

There’s decorative stitching down the sides, which also provides some measure of reinforcement. The Trident Automatic comes in an attractive presentation box, with an ash wood lid that features an embossed Christopher Ward logo.

Filed Under: Featured, Watch Reviews Tagged With: Automatic Watches

About Matthew Catellier

Matt is the Founder and Executive editor of The Watch Review Blog. For Matt, watches represent self-expression, art and freedom, and his ideal watch combines functionality with intriguing history behind it. Follow
                                him on Instagram @watchreviewblog.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get fresh watch reviews, HD photos and more direct to your inbox.

RECENT POSTS

  • Introducing the Breitling Top Time Deus Limited Edition
  • Oris Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition Watch Review
  • Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat Watch Review
  • Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 42mm Watch Review
  • Introducing the Zenith Chronomaster Sport

BUYING GUIDES

Top 6 Most Sought-After Collectible Watch Models

January 19, 2021 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best German Watch Brands

November 10, 2020 By Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Top 5 Best Automatic Tool Watches Under $500

November 3, 2020 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Watch Brands With Amazing Customer Service

October 28, 2020 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best French Watch Brands

October 19, 2020 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 4 Most Popular Sinn Watches

October 12, 2020 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Automatic Watches With Power Reserve Indicator

October 5, 2020 By Matthew Catellier 2 Comments

Top 5 Best Watches With Micro-Rotors

October 2, 2020 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Most Iconic Watches of All Time

September 28, 2020 By Matthew Catellier 6 Comments

HOW WE WORK

Our blog is about honest and fair reviews of each timepiece we evaluate. We do not have any bias for or against any watch or company and work hard to maintain that neutrality. In this age of corporate placement everywhere, we just wanted to let you know we’re on your side, and always will be.

Get in touch?: If you notice something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello, please tweet us at @watchreviewblog or email us at matt@watchreviewblog.com.

INFORMATION

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Watch Q&A
CONTACT

  • General
  • Advertise
CONNECT
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • youtube
Copyright © 2021 · WatchReviewBlog.com · All Rights Are Reserved! · Powered by Custom Dev · Privacy Policy

WatchReviewBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.