Christopher Ward Quietly Launches an Affordable GMT with Rolex ‘Bruce Wayne’ Vibes

Ever since Christopher Ward launched the Bel Canto in late 2022, the brand has become synonymous with bargain-priced haute horological creations, such as the subsequent Bel Canto Classic and C12 Loco.

But for most of its history, Christopher Ward was known for providing a different kind of affordable luxury watch alternative: dive watches. The Trident diver was CW’s original flagship, and the Trident line was traditionally where you’d find the brand’s budget takes on watches from the likes of Rolex and Omega.

CW makes far fewer Rolex homages today, with the Explorer II-inspired Sealander GMT being the most popular and obvious in the brand’s current catalog. But yesterday, hidden among a larger rollout, Christopher Ward slyly launched a new Rolex-inspired sports watch that takes on one of the Crown’s hottest GMTs.

Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Master Wayne

Yesterday, Christopher Ward expanded its Trident line with a range of oversized 44mm divers. These included the standard C60 Trident Pro 300 in black, blue and white; the C60 Pro 300 Bronze; and the C60 Trident GMT 300 in existing white-and-blue and a brand-new color: a black dial with a black-and-gray ceramic bezel, clearly inspired by the Rolex GMT-Master II “Bruce Wayne.”

But quietly launched alongside this new oversized “Bruce Wayne” GMT was a secret surprise: the same model, but in 40mm — the same case size as the Rolex GMT-Master II.

Although the 44mm expansion got all the attention yesterday, I think it’s this 40mm Trident GMT 300 “Bruce Wayne” that’s actually going to be the biggest seller out of these new Tridents, so let’s talk about it.

Christopher Ward

Other than the smaller case size, the specs on the 40mm Trident “Bruce Wayne” are the same as on the larger 44mm version. The glossy dial is coated with polished black lacquer and features applied, faceted hour markers infilled with Super-LumiNova Grade X1 BL C1, an applied logo at 12:00 and a framed date window at 6:00. Three lines of text sit above the date, with the word “GMT” in bold red, which matches the red arrow-tipped GMT hand.

All hands, like the hour markers, feature the same bright-glowing Super-LumiNova formula, and the seconds hand retains the Trident’s signature trident counterweight. The watch is powered by the reliable Sellita SW330-2 automatic “Office” GMT movement, like other Christopher Ward GMTs.

Christopher Ward

Then there’s the coup de grâce: the bi-directional, bi-color 24-hour ceramic bezel with black ceramic on the top half and gray on the bottom, just like on the Rolex “Bruce Wayne.” The inclusion of red accents on the dial rather than the more subtle green accents on the Rolex means the CW pops a little more, but the look still exudes that monochromatic, quiet luxury vibe that has made the Bruce Wayne such a hit.

You’re also getting a few features here that you won’t find on the Rolex. There’s a sapphire caseback offering a view of the movement. The water resistance is three times greater than that of a GMT-Master II at 300m. The bracelet has a quick-release mechanism, regardless of which one you choose. And there is lume on the CW’s bezel — even if it’s just the triangle at 12:00.

Christopher Ward

Pricing and availability

Certainly, one of the biggest differences between the Rolex and Christopher Ward “Bruce Wayne” GMT watches is their prices. The Rolex retails for $11,800 on an Oyster bracelet and $12,000 on a Jubilee — and that’s if you’re able to get them at SRP, which is unlikely.

The new Christopher Ward C60 Trident GMT 300, meanwhile, starts at just $1,370 on a black Aquaflex rubber strap. The price increases to $1,580 on a Bader bracelet, CW’s take on an Oyster, and tops out at $1,625 on the Jubilee-esque Consort bracelet. Those prices are the same on the 44mm version, though the Consort option is not available for the larger size.

The CW “Bruce Wayne” is now available to preorder in both sizes on Christopher Ward’s website, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-February.

Christopher Ward

Christopher Ward C60 Trident GMT 300 “Bruce Wayne”

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Sellita Cal. SW330-2 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	300m

• $1,580 at Christopher Ward

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics