Hands On With The Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT Worldtimer

The C65 Trident from Christopher Ward becomes even more usable and versatile as it evolves into a Worldtimer with GMT complication.

The C65 Trident is a model we’ve spoken about recently in our in-depth review here, however, at the same time as the article was in the works, Christopher Ward introduced a new addition to the range that no doubt increases the watches usability and wider audience appeal. With a GMT hand, world timer rotating bezel and that 24-hour scale, Christopher Ward has managed to add a lot of information here in a compact package, but what is it like to live with?

The Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT Worldtimer - What it does

 

If you’re familiar with Christopher Ward you’ll be familiar with this case as we get a width of 41mm (42mm if you include the bezel), a height of 12.05mm and a lug to lug of 47.1mm. A very appropriate size when glancing down at the time while on the go. The same positive words apply here that we mentioned in our C65 Trident Diver review as this well designed, comfortable and classically elegant case really is a big positive for the brand. This new release really proves how versatile it is.

Let’s start with the caseback this time and already we’re met with something unexpected. A screw-down case back finished in DLC black adds a level of sporty, modern appeal something that you may not associate with this family of watches based on the historical feeling models we have explored in the past. The contemporary sporty feel doesn’t end there however, as we move the watch that rotating world time bezel is the next feature to jump out.

The bezel itself is also finished in DLC black. This use of a darker tone throughout the whole watch really complements Christopher Ward’s attention to detail and ensures the bright yellow we see on the dial pops out just that little bit more. Speaking of the dial…

Clean, legible, and coherent sum up the dial on the GMT Worldtimer fairly well. The 24-hour scale is tucked away around the edge of the dial providing a practical advantage for regular travellers and also big framing benefits. The multi-faceted indices have a reduced footprint as to ensure the emphasis on legibility holds true. It's a similar story with the hands as these regularly appear in watches from Christopher Ward and they remain a solid choice for yet another watch type. The elephant in the room for this watch is the choice and use of yellow throughout the dial. We rarely see yellow used in watches (we only have three standard yellow watch strap options on the site, which says a lot about the use of the colour in the industry) so it’s impressive to see Christopher Ward apply it on this watch.

Interestingly, this new addition feels suitably modern for the C65 Trident range, however, the only aspect that has a ‘vintage’ style DNA and ‘feel’ is the GMT hand. Think Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen with less of a prominent tip and a splash of yellow rather than orange.

The movement powering the watch when it comes to Christopher Ward is of course Swiss and it is the Sellita SW330. This is a movement of choice for many brands looking to add a GMT to their range including Farer, Monta, Muhle Glashütte, Glycine and Steinhart.

The water resistance rating for the Worldtimer sits at 150m which is combined with a screw-down crown for added security. No worries or concerns about using this watch when things get a little more practical and hands-on.

Hands-on thoughts

The appeal of the GMT Worldtimer is in its understated approach to the Worldtimer + GMT complications. In a world where red and blue bezels, bold visual features and an overload of information dominate the travel watch category, it’s refreshing to find an example at this price point that offers all the capability and practical functions in a more subdued under the radar way.

The size is appropriate and logical for many. The smaller wrists among us may be put off by the slightly larger size as well as the bezel overlapping the case, but if you’re someone who enjoys 40mm+ watches, you’ll be able to get along perfectly well with this watch.

The benefit of a watch that appreciates the art of subtly (especially a world timer with GMT) is when using the watch day to day, it is still a sensible choice. You don’t need to be jet setting around the globe to enjoy everything the C65 Trident Worldtimer has to offer.

I find the choice to avoid anything massively ‘vintage’ in design benefits the C65 GMT Worldtimer massively. This is a watch that has increased mass appeal due to this which I’m sure will result in Christopher Ward watches appearing on more wrists. And, coming it in just under £1,000 on this fabric strap I don’t blame them.

Unfortunately during my time with Christopher Ward, the weather in the UK shifted from bright, warm consistently summer-like days to cold dark and traditional English summer days. Fortunately, this did result in a wealth of experience with the watch and the strong lume would glow as the days got drearier and drearier.

Watch straps for the Christopher Ward

The Christopher Ward arrived with us on their Hybrid Strap which at its core is a rubber strap however fabric fills the whole front of the strap which results in a durable and extremely practical option with style and versatility thrown in for good measure (much like the watch it sits on). In the case of this strap you can have your cake and eat it. When it comes time for a change-up, however, there is a lot we can do here with the general monochrome look of the watch plus that pop of yellow.

ZULUDIVER Elasticated Woven Military Watch Strap in Green / Yellow

 

This was a combo that came to mind instantly when the watch arrived for its review. The ZULUDIVER Elasticated Woven Military Watch Strap is predominantly green however the use of yellow with the thin stripe matches the subtlety of the yellow execution on the watch perfectly. This strap choice also brings out the practical side of the GMT Worldtimer making for a fantastic capable choice.

Hinxhill Premium Quality Horween Leather Watch Strap in Brown

I'm a bit of a sucker for the Hinxhill Horween Leather strap. It’s soft, lightly padded leather properties ensure it is easily one of the most comfortable straps we offer. A slimmer profile gives you a look and feel of a strap that hugs your wrist extremely well. The strap edges are painted evenly to an expert level and the colours/ tones the straps give off on the wrist are simply amazing. Here we’ve gone for the Brown version of the strap to really make the Christopher Ward cool and casual.

ZULUDIVER 1960s Swiss Style Divers Quick Release Watch Strap

For this final choice, we wanted to go for something that brings out the Christopher Ward’s sporty side a little more. In steps the 1960s Swiss Style Diver in Black. As you can tell by the regular appearance of black details and how well the standard strap works on the watch, black is a fantastic colour to play with here. This strap with its consistent cut-outs throughout the design adds some casual, sporty style.

Things we would change

As always with our articles here on the Mag, we try to highlight aspects of watches that we would change if we could based on our experience. Let’s jump into it…

The use of yellow - I mentioned earlier how little we see yellow used in watches. It’s quite a bold, polarising choice which might explain why the yellow doesn’t speak to me as much as a deep orange or a cool blue would.

Lack of unique design aspects - The GMT Worldtimer didn’t jump out on the wrist when wearing it for either myself or other people asking what I was wearing. Of course, for many this is a positive thing, however, watches with that final almost unexplainable feature (be it a unique handset, clever use of colour or an interesting case) really adds the final piece of the puzzle and completes a complete package.

Final thoughts

 

If you’re a regular jet setter, someone who has connections across the world and you like checking the time in other countries quickly or you simply enjoy the aesthetic of the C65 Trident GMT Worldtimer there is no doubt the quality is there with this piece. Christopher Ward’s biggest selling point is their value for money and strength in using impressive materials to offer compelling different watches for all. Good luck arguing with that…

We'd like to take this moment to thank Christopher Ward for sending the C65 GMT Worldtimer in for review. To find out more about this watch, click here.