NPD T4 project

TigerChris · Post by **TigerChris** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 4:13 pm

I don’t think anyone’s mentioned the wave dial yet - I’d like to see it return, along with the original handset - I’m not much of a fan of the MK3 handset. I’m also not a big fan of shiny ceramic bezels and would prefer matt ceramic, along the lines of the Bremont S300. Although, I do really like the slimmer ‘2 part’ bezel of the new Tide so maybe this could become the Trident signature bezel? I know this one won’t be very popular but I’d also like to see a return of PCL’s (I used to prefer all brushed bracelets but I’ve grown to prefer a bit of polish) but with screws not pins. A COSC Sellita movement, as is in the new Tide, would be nice. I agree with jtc on the +1 strap option, much like Tudor did with the original Black Bay. I’m also gonna throw my backing to applied, lumed, twin flags at 12 and drop the word mark. A flagship Chronograph GMT COSC would be very nice too! I’m one that prefers a date but I do think a no date needs to be offered for those who prefer that.

Blackdog · Post by **Blackdog** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 4:25 pm

I will also support the idea of applied twin-flags at 12. Get rid of the name completely and balance with the date at 6.

For the C60 GMT, the bezel has to be at least bi-directional, also add some sort of marker (small dot or dash) between the numbers on the bezel for the odd hours.

I find the bezel of the T3 in general to be too thick, specially with respect to the mid case. They're almost the same thickness now, and this makes the watch look chubby imo. I noticed this after I got the Elite 1000, on which the proportions in this respect make a big difference.

I think the arrow hour hand could be wider. With the polished sides of the hands sloping down, most times the hands are only visible by the lume fill. A wider arrow will look less needle-like IMO.

Finally, screws on the bracelet would be great, and a half link should be included by default.

H0rati0 · Post by **H0rati0** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 4:54 pm

Be brave, obvious twin flags logo at 12 only on the dial, full lettering confined to case back
fully lumed bezel with lots of colour options (user changeable or retrofitting service would be great)
the mk3 hands are too generic, a more individual design would step things up
black, or better still blued hands for light dials
bring back dial texture with colour matched date wheel
PR indicator on top models (SH21 central seconds)
Custom rubber strap and bracelet as standard

How about an altimeter style date window? Great for low viz

rkovars · Post by **rkovars** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 4:59 pm

Blackdog wrote: ↑Tue Aug 31, 2021 4:25 pm For the C60 GMT, the bezel has to be at least bi-directional, also add some sort of marker (small dot or dash) between the numbers on the bezel for the odd hours.

I think that they all are bi-directional in the C60 range now. Dots or dashes would be good though.

Another vote for matte bezels. Love the bezel on my Ombré LE.

The hour hand could stand a touch of widening at the base.

Gun metal hands and indices everywhere.

A thinner 300m version would be cool. I wouldn't do it at the expense of the 600 though.

From my list you can see that I am in the refinement camp rather than a wholesale redesign.

EDIT: Seing H0rati0's post reminded me that yes, a fitted end rubber strap option that accepts the bracelet clasp would be killer.

Lavaine · Post by **Lavaine** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 5:31 pm

I love the idea of a fitted rubber strap option. I quite like the fitted rubber on the original C6 Kingfisher, and having just added one to my Speedmaster, I can say that it completely transforms the watch.

A red bezel! The red MK 2's are still sought after on the forum, and I'm sure they would sell well. I may be (just a little) biased, but I think the red ceramic is the best coloured bezel CW has offered. Apologies to Scooter.

TigerChris · Post by **TigerChris** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 6:40 pm

Another vote here for a fitted rubber strap, especially if it can be compatible with the bracelet clasp and also ordered with that clasp if you’re not a bracelet person.

timor54 · Post by **timor54** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 8:53 pm

there's a theme developing here. The present Trident is a pretty refined product and future changes should be evolutionary building upon what is already good.

Nevertheless, my wish list for a base 3 hand family of C60 would be:
Remove the 'Christopher Ward' text from the dial and replace it with an applied logo and potentially some future branding word mark.
Logo at 12 with date at 6 (day/date option at 3?) and also a non-date option.
Some bold colour dial options e.g. orange/yellow/green; do a DOXA on it!
Remove or shorten the overhanging tails of the hour/minute hands.
Shorten the hour hand pointer so that more of the stem is visible.
Hour/minute hands to be gunmetal/black to improve legibility.
Colour coordinated second hands.
Thin down the case with a 300m option (needs to be close to 12mm IMO) and forget about display casebacks. probably nobody really looks at them and a base Sellita movement is nothing really to look at anyway.
Change the bezel from shiny to brushed/matt and make it thinner with an inner steel ring as on the #tide.
Existing bracelet is excellent but maybe update with screwed links.
Enhance the bracelet divers extension so it can be adjusted in-situ without having to take the watch off your wrist.
Integrated rubber strap option made of real (flexible) rubber that could be branded on the outside in the way other premium brands do it.
Deployant for above rubber strap with on-the-fly adjustment; the Oris Aquis rubber strap/deployant is a good example of doing it well (lugs aside).

Leon O · Post by **Leon O** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 12:51 am

Having lived briefly with a C60 Mk 3, the lack of a pip in the the bezel looked good in the light. However, at night I missed the pip. So bring back the pip.

I'd also like a movement with a longer power reserve.

Richard D · Post by **Richard D** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 9:35 am

I’m thinking, preference no date, otherwise date at 6, black colour matched wheel, SH21 chronometer with exhibition caseback, matt black bezel and slightly textured black dial with chronometer picked out in red at 6, other text in white. Applied twin flag with Christopher Ward beneath at 12. Use the same markers and hands as MK3. Applied lume to the markers and hour and minute hands. Brushed 41mm case with polished bevels. 20mm lugs, brushed bracelet links, optional fitted rubber strap with deployment clasp. Finish off with an improved AR coating.

Thegreyman · Post by **Thegreyman** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:06 am

timor54 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 31, 2021 8:53 pm there's a theme developing here. The present Trident is a pretty refined product and future changes should be evolutionary building upon what is already good.

Nevertheless, my wish list for a base 3 hand family of C60 would be:
Remove the 'Christopher Ward' text from the dial and replace it with an applied logo and potentially some future branding word mark.
Logo at 12 with date at 6 (day/date option at 3?) and also a non-date option.
Some bold colour dial options e.g. orange/yellow/green; do a DOXA on it!
Remove or shorten the overhanging tails of the hour/minute hands.
Shorten the hour hand pointer so that more of the stem is visible.
Hour/minute hands to be gunmetal/black to improve legibility.
Colour coordinated second hands.
Thin down the case with a 300m option (needs to be close to 12mm IMO) and forget about display casebacks. probably nobody really looks at them and a base Sellita movement is nothing really to look at anyway.
Change the bezel from shiny to brushed/matt and make it thinner with an inner steel ring as on the #tide.
Existing bracelet is excellent but maybe update with screwed links.
Enhance the bracelet divers extension so it can be adjusted in-situ without having to take the watch off your wrist.
Integrated rubber strap option made of real (flexible) rubber that could be branded on the outside in the way other premium brands do it.
Deployant for above rubber strap with on-the-fly adjustment; the Oris Aquis rubber strap/deployant is a good example of doing it well (lugs aside).

This sums up my thoughts, so thanks for saving me the effort Tim

The T3 is already a very good watch, the above would make the T4 a killer watch and I think broaden its appeal yet further. Ideally retain the 38/40/42 sizes as I think that covers 99% of demand.

H0rati0 · Post by **H0rati0** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:09 am

Richard D wrote: ↑Wed Sep 01, 2021 9:35 am I’m thinking, preference no date, otherwise date at 6,

For recreational diving a date is a practical necessity. How else do you fill in your logbook? Military use is a different matter, but CW cover that.

Richard D · Post by **Richard D** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:38 am

H0rati0 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:09 am
Richard D wrote: ↑Wed Sep 01, 2021 9:35 am I’m thinking, preference no date, otherwise date at 6,
For recreational diving a date is a practical necessity. How else do you fill in your logbook? Military use is a different matter, but CW cover that.

I’m a desk diver, hence the option.

Edit: I have to be realistic, my wish ain’t gonna happen.

missF · Post by **missF** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 11:27 am

Well, as I don’t represent the average CW buyer at all I’m being a bit cheeky by adding my 2p worth anyway!

What I’d like to see is less ‘shine’ in watches. Less of shiny ceramic bezels, less of shiny smooth dials. More toned-down ness. More mute. More texture, less of shiny smooth surfaces. The world has chosen to be more comfortable post-Covid. The boardroom has become the spare room along with a friendly cat. We’re not power dressing as much as we were. On the forum anyway we seem perfectly happy that watches don’t have to be status symbols. Feeling comfortable in a watch is high on the list of what’s valued.

So what does all that waffle mean for me?!
- matte ceramic bezels
- textured dials to break up the shine
- polished aspects of the case should just be for highlights : the rest should be lovingly brushed
- muted colours - think burnt orange rather than doxa orange!
- escape from navy blue and scarlet!

Am I describing the C60 tide here?!! I LOVE the inner SS ring on the bezel. Added texture and interest.

So lastly, there are many colours to choose from. Cotton candy has been done. How about one of these?

Thanks for this great listening project!

TigerChris · Post by **TigerChris** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 12:08 pm

^^^^ I now challenge CW to make one prototype of each of those colours

missF · Post by **missF** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 12:22 pm

TigerChris wrote: ↑Wed Sep 01, 2021 12:08 pm ^^^^ I now challenge CW to make one prototype of each of those colours

Sure - I’m expecting great things of them!

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