[Robbie Steadman]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy the Christopher Ward C60 300, however, i have a few worries about. Firstly, is Christopher ward a respected brand, I know they haven't been around long and all, but i really like there Trident Design and from what i've read, there doesn't seem to be many bad reviews of them. Secondly, to my title, the bezel is 'Unidirectional Aluminum' yet the 600's are ceramic, so basically what is the difference? I assume Ceramic is better as its on the more expensive watch, but why?

Finally, is there any other good dive watches you can recommend around the same price? I'm looking for a one similar to the Black/Red model.

Regards,

Robert

 

[jalesi]

I was just about to start a similar topic. I don't understand the ceramic bezels either. They might take more knocks, but they're so shiny and reflective, I just don't like them. I prefer a more muted or matte finish. And perhaps there are matte ceramic bezels, but I've not noticed any. I just can't get past the shiny.

 

[MrDanno]

Ceramic is much more scratch resistant.

There are dozens of threads on affordable dive watches you can track down on here. Some of the often mentioned ones are steinhart, armida, halios, and Helson. And of course you could look at seiko.

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[Aquifer_Pro]

Ceramic bezels (at least the ones I'm familiar with) are certainly quite shiny. The advantage is that they are far more scratch resistant than aluminum, and modern ceramics are pretty tough. I've wondered if it's possible to make a more matte ceramic finish, but maybe it wouldn't be as scratch resistant. Plus ceramic bezels sometimes have lume extensively incorporated into the bezel. Oris makes a watch (aquis) with some models having a tungsten carbide bezel that isn't as shiny & is very tough & scratch resistant.

Christopher Ward I think is a well respected brand with some really nice offerings. I had an earlier model Trident that was quite nice for the $.

 

[MrDanno]

Sorry, just saw you specifically requested something in red/black. I belive steinhart has an ocean one model in those colors. They're typically mentioned as a primary competitor to Chris ward.

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[commanche]

Some matte ceramics i can think of are Oris Aquis Black dial and Tudor Pelagos. Omega PO as well maybe?

 

[Robbie Steadman]

Thanks for the help guys, appreciate it

 

[JWill123]

The C60 600 is an automatic movement vs the 300 which is quartz. That's the reason for the higher price on the 600.

 

[sticky]

If you can stretch (one heck of a stetch I know) to the C60 600 I would because it's a simply fabulous watch. I prefer ceramic over ally because of it's scratch resistance. If a watch with an ally bezel leads a hard life it shows.

 

[Red PeeKay]

Don't hesitate pulling the trigger on a Chris Ward Trident with the ceramic bezel. I have the titanium pro and the SS white face pro, both are incredibly beautiful watches and the bezels are not shiny at all. I also have a Steinhart Ocean 1 Black with a ceramic bezel and that is crazy shiny. Too much so IMHO.

The titanium bezel is definitely more matte in its finish whereas the white faced pro, that is a simply stunning piece. My favourite watch in my entire collection. I could look at it for hours! Don't hesitate, just do it!

"Expecto Inopinatum"

 

[e dantes]

I agree some ceramic inserts are too shiny. My OWC is a great watch, but I do wish for a more matte finish on the insert. (The lume on it almost makes up for it.)

I do have a scratch or two on aluminum inserts. They are much cheaper to replace, but I don't expect to ever replace ceramic.

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[Craustin1]

I think the ceramic vs aluminum debate depends on how rough you are on watches also. I have both kinds, and while in absolute terms do prefer ceramic, I think aluminum makes certain watches. I am careful with my watches, so aluminum is OK for me also. There are sapphire bezels out there also, but do tend to be reflective. Here are some examples of each:

Ceramic

Aluminum

Sapphire

 

[Watch That Sweep]

Having owned both the quartz and automatic Tridents, I can say that movements and bezel inserts aside theyre both great.

As others have mentioned the ceramic is more scratch resistant. That said I found the aluminum to be pretty tough on the Trident too. First week I had it I whacked it against a counter by accident, and the only damage was a tiny dent in the insert which didn't even break the coating. Other brands with aluminium may not be as tough though.

Also I think the Trident Vintage may have a matte ceramic bezel.

 

[brettone2002]

Ceramic bezels (at least the ones I'm familiar with) are certainly quite shiny. The advantage is that they are far more scratch resistant than aluminum, and modern ceramics are pretty tough. I've wondered if it's possible to make a more matte ceramic finish, but maybe it wouldn't be as scratch resistant. Plus ceramic bezels sometimes have lume extensively incorporated into the bezel. Oris makes a watch (aquis) with some models having a tungsten carbide bezel that isn't as shiny & is very tough & scratch resistant.

Christopher Ward I think is a well respected brand with some really nice offerings. I had an earlier model Trident that was quite nice for the $.

Omega Planet Ocean 8500, matte ceramic. But there aren't many...

 

[brettone2002]

I think the ceramic vs aluminum debate depends on how rough you are on watches also. I have both kinds, and while in absolute terms do prefer ceramic, I think aluminum makes certain watches. I am careful with my watches, so aluminum is OK for me also. There are sapphire bezels out there also, but do tend to be reflective. Here are some examples of each:

Ceramic

View attachment 10846866

View attachment 10846874

Aluminum

View attachment 10846890

View attachment 10846898

Sapphire

View attachment 10846914

View attachment 10846922

Not sure why but I don't like sapphire bezels - transparent may be the reason

 

[Ed P.]

I was just about to start a similar topic. I don't understand the ceramic bezels either. They might take more knocks, but they're so shiny and reflective, I just don't like them. I prefer a more muted or matte finish. And perhaps there are matte ceramic bezels, but I've not noticed any. I just can't get past the shiny.

There are ceramic bezels with a matte finish. Here is my Islander ISL-18, for example.

 

[monza06]

Ceramic all the way :

 

[arislan]

I've had ceramic bezels crack on me, but to be fair they were aftermarket bezel mods for seikos.

They're definitely more scratch proof than aluminium.

Aluminium can also season/wear overtime or you can force it to get the ghosted effect. Not sure if you can get that with ceramic.

Each has pros/cons really. If I really had to pick one I'd go aluminium only because I can tolerate a scratched bezel over a cracked one.

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[JLS36]

Ceramic all the way :

Damn that looks good

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[Rojote]

I have owned a bunch of both and I would take ceramic all day over aluminum. One minor accidental swing into a door knob then you will understand why. Stainless, ceramic, or sapphire only in my collection.