Christopher Ward Introduces Two Indian Ocean-Inspired C60 Atoll 300 Models
Last August, Christopher Ward released the C60 Trident Pro 300 collection, which quickly grew into one of the brand’s most popular lines. Now Christopher Ward gives it a new look with the C60 Atoll 300 models, featuring gradient dials and stainless steel bezels. Additionally, the brand is releasing a new slimline tapered rubber strap, making these two new watches more than just simple additions to the collection.
When I wrote the introduction article for the C60 Trident Pro 300, I was quickly impressed by what the collection offered. Considering the specs and materials, the series of modern dive watches packs incredible value for money. You get a slim case profile, a diving bezel with a ceramic insert, a Sellita SW200-1 movement, and the choice of three different sizes, a rubber strap, a rubber/fabric strap, or a great quality Oyster-style bracelet. On the straps, the watches are available for well under €1,000. I’d say that’s a pretty sweet offer.
The new C60 Atoll 300
For the new C60 Atoll 300, Christopher Ward decided to switch things up a bit. These two new models come exclusively in 40mm cases. They measure 11.3mm thick and 47.4mm long with a 20mm lug spacing. Just like the other models in the collection, the two watches feature a screw-down crown and are water resistant to 300 meters for all your diving needs.
Separating these watches from their Trident Pro 300 counterparts, Christopher Ward opted for an all-steel 120-click bezel with sandblasted and polished surfaces and raised numerals. The result looks inherently different from the Trident models. There is something tougher about this full-steel look, but the watches don’t lose the necessary refinement — the slimness of the bezel makes sure of that. Additionally, the bezel design perfectly suits the fixed steel inner ring with minute markings.
Dials inspired by the colors of the Indian Ocean
The dials under the flat sapphire crystal are also quite different from the regular Trident Pro 300 offerings. These new lacquered dials feature a gradient that gives these watches extra depth and color. The dials are inspired by the colors of the atolls of the Indian Ocean. The first model is the C60 Atoll 300 “Reef Blue,” which comes with a dial that goes from turquoise to a deeper but lively blue. The result is a summery and tropical dial color that looks very nice. The date wheel at 6 o’clock matches the dial color too, ensuring that it blends in nicely.
The applied indices and the brand’s applied twin-flag logo add to the overall stylish appearance of the watch. On top of that, the Super-LumiNova on the hour markers and hands ensures that reading the time is always easy. Hovering above the dial is the characteristic handset with its large arrow-shaped hour hand and sword-style minute hand. Topping off the handset is the slim seconds hand with its signature trident counterbalance. Unlike their Trident counterparts, these Atoll models do not have a brightly colored tip on the seconds hand, maintaining the overall stainless steel presence.
Less color but no less spectacular
The second model is the C60 Atoll 300 “Shark White,” which also features a lacquered gradient dial that starts white in the middle and slowly deepens to gray on its perimeter. Just like on the blue model, the color-matched date wheel integrates nicely. What immediately stands out is that this model is a lot less vivid and almost monochromatic in its color approach. Looking at the face of the watch, however, the abundant stainless steel surfaces make an impact with their different finishes.
Overall, this model has a rather intricate presence that I like a lot. At first glance, it might seem quite utilitarian, but upon closer inspection, you will see a variety of finishes. From sandblasting to high-polish and circular to vertical brushing, there is indeed a lot of detail to be found. The gradient from white to gray is also very subtle, so kudos to Christopher Ward for using a seemingly simple color palette but turning it into a watch with quite a bit of texture and depth.
The Sellita SW200-1 movement
If you turn the C60 Atoll around, you are greeted by the Sellita SW200-1 visible through the screw-down exhibition case back. This automatic caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 26 jewels, and provides a 38-hour power reserve and accuracy of ±20 seconds per day. Function-wise, the movement displays hours, minutes, seconds, and the date. Finally, while the dial side forgoes the brand’s name, the rotor proudly features a custom “Christopher Ward” engraving.
Both models are available with either the brand’s new slimline rubber straps or an Oyster-style bracelet. For the former, the Reef Blue model gets an aqua-blue strap, while the Shark White model gives you a choice of an orange, black, or white strap. I have to say that the Shark White version on the orange rubber strap looks really good. Having said that, all of the options have a distinct charm.
Impressions of the new Christopher Ward C60 Atoll 300
It’s hard to fault these two new C60 Atoll 300 models. They add something new to the brand’s most popular line of dive watches. The full-steel bezel is a great break from the ceramic inserts of the Trident collection. Additionally, the lacquered dials look fantastic and provide more depth than the dials of the regular Trident models. I am pretty sure that Christopher Ward will win the hearts of a lot of fans with these two watches. They look slightly more rugged and seem like the perfect timepieces to take out for a dive.
Both the Reef Blue and Shark White models are available now and cost €965 on a rubber strap or €1,165 on a bracelet. In return, you get a great dive watch that ticks all the boxes in terms of specs. On top of that, the gradient dials combined with the stainless steel bezels make for a fresh and easy-to-love look. If you do like this look in a modern dive watch, it’s simply hard to go wrong with these new C60 Atoll 300 models.
For more information, visit the official Christopher Ward website. Please let us know in the comments section whether you prefer the look of the full-steel bezel over the ceramic versions.
