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Bamford dives deep with the new D-300 dive watch in full ceramic

Bamford dives deep with the new D-300 dive watch in full ceramic

Russell Sheldrake
  • Bamford London introduces a new line of watches, the D-300 diver series.
  • Made with a fully ceramic case and titanium core, it’s being produced across four different colourways. 
  • Running on an ETA 2824/2 or Sellita SW200-1, it’s also water-resistant down to 300 metres. 

When George Bamford sent me an invitation to come and see something brand new and rather secret late last year, I was intrigued, to say the least. George’s creative mind has brought us plenty of colourful creations in the past, and now he has brought us a completely new model for his in-house lineup of watches in the shape of a fully ceramic diver, the D-300.

bamford london d 300 3

There is plenty to talk about here, but let’s start with the case. It took George and his team over two years to get this thing perfected. Whether it was fine-tuning the number of clicks on the uni-directional bezel, or making sure the ceramic hit the exact shades he was after. George himself has plenty of experience under the waves, having been a keen diver when he was growing up, so he knows what he’s looking for when it comes to sub-aquatic timepieces.

The ceramic cases, which come in white, black, navy and khaki green, are built around a titanium core, keeping them both light and strong. The case shape will be familiar to those who know the Bamford GMT line, and it shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone to see Bamford start to play around with more exotic case materials, as we’ve seen them do it in the past with their forged carbon B347 Monopusher. There is a mix of gloss and matte finishes across these cases which help the cushion shape play a bit with the light.

bamford london d 300 2

Atop these cases is the meticulously designed diving bezel. When I spoke with George about this, he stressed just how much time he put into getting this bezel feeling and sounding perfect – and I can attest to the fact that it has a wonderfully tactile feel when rotated. Each one has a bright contrasting colour used between 12 and 3 to help aid divers when they are underwater, and paired with the luminous markers and hands on the sector dial, all three colourways are extremely legible.

Inside we have either an ETA 2824-2 or a Sellita SW200-1. This is due to the supply of both calibres: Bamford wanted to ensure that it was able to deliver as many of these watches as possible, and so going with both movements allows them to do that. Both are nearly identical and offer great value for the level of reliability and serviceability you get with them.

bamford london d 300 1

All D-300 models come on colour-matching rubber straps, and are delivered in cylindrical orange boxes designed to evoke buoys or lifejackets… Although Bamford goes out of their way in the literature to point out that the box is not a flotation device and should not be used as such. The watch might be fine underwater, but don’t count on the box to keep you above the waves – you have been warned!

Overall, this watch feels like an extremely well-considered package. The ceramic feels premium in the hand, and the colour options give everyone a piece they can get behind. For the level of quality shown in the design and construction, it’s nice to see that Bamford is not going overboard on the pricing, with it retailing for less than 2,000 of your British pounds or American dollars.

Bamford London D-300 pricing and availability

The Bamford London D-300 is available from the brand now and its selected retailers. Price: US$1,950/£1,800 

Brand Bamford London
Model D-300
Case Dimensions 42mm (D) x 13mm (T) x 45.5mm (LTL)
Case Material Ceramic with titanium core
Water Resistance 300 metres, screw-down crown
Crystal(s) Sapphire
Dial White, black, navy, khaki green
Lug Width 22mm
Strap Case colour-matching rubber strap, pin buckle
Movement ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 , automatic
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds
Availability Available now
Price US$1,950
£1,800