Christopher Ward Adds Upgrades to their Deepest Diver: the C60 Elite 1000

Christopher Ward has released their follow up to the limited edition C60 Trident Elite 1000, a 300 piece run that sold out quickly, much to the dismay of fans of the brand. This new watch, dubbed the C60 Elite 1000, keeps much of the styling but adds a handful of significant upgrades. Importantly, this new watch is not a limited edition, so if you missed on the original, now’s your chance to grab a similar watch with some notable improvements.

Christopher Ward C60 Elite 1000 

• Case Material: Titanium
• Dial: Blue, black
• Dimensions: 42 x 15.4 x 49.3mm
• Crystal: Sapphire   
• Water Resistance: 1000 meters
• Crown: Screw down       
• Movement: Sellita SW220
• Strap/bracelet: Titanium bracelet with quick release 
• Price: $1,425 – $1,680 
• Reference Number: n/a
• Expected Release: February 

The C60 Elite 1000 is part of Christopher Ward’s professional diver line-up, and is loaded with a lot of the tech that watch buyers expect of timekeepers at this price point and designed to go exceptionally deep. As the name implies, this one is rated to 1000 meters, and it also features a helium escape valve which, while not necessary for the vast majority of consumers, at least speaks to the high level of engineering know how behind the making of the watch.

The C60 Elite 1000 is cased in titanium and measures 42mm in diameter, so this watch will wear very comfortably for folks who are used to modern dive watches. Thanks to the lightweight case material (and bracelet, which we’ll get to in a minute) the C60 Elite 1000 weighs only 133 grams when mounted on the bracelet, making this a good candidate for a lightweight grab and go piece, even if you’re not getting it wet. 

In terms of the aforementioned upgrades, there are a bunch that are worth mentioning. First, the movement has been upgraded to a Sellita SW220. This adds a day function (the previous version of this watch was date only) and it’s still chronometer certified. Secondly, a titanium bracelet is now available, and it’s been equipped with a quick release trigger that allows for easy swapping between the bracelet and straps. This is also the first watch in the Trident line to include an exhibition caseback, which is an impressive feat for a 1000 meter dive watch.

The original navy blue and orange colorway (as seen on the C60 Trident Pro V3, reviewed here) is still an option, but the C60 Elite 1000 is also offered with a black dial and red accents. It’s a bit more traditional than the blue, and has a sleek and modern look. On the black version, the ceramic bezel has been given a matte finish, giving the watch a real tool-like feel. Lastly, to match the new colorway, Christopher Ward is offering a version of their hybrid rubber/cordura strap with or without red lining. Like the bracelet, these straps are fitted with quick release spring bars. 

Of course, in addition to these upgrades, at its core this is still a modern Trident, which means plenty of care has been taken to finish the watch to a level that is just not common in divers in this general price range. The case features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces, and the dials (both colors) are high gloss, which provides a ton of visual interest, especially as they play with the light. The hands have been sand-blasted and polished, and the hour markers have been given a similar treatment. 

The C60 Elite 1000 is available for pre-order now directly from Christopher Ward, with delivery expected in February. Christopher Ward