Bamford D-300 Ceramic Dive Watch

Bamford London's latest release, the D-300 Ceramic Dive Watch, isn't just another timepiece hitting the market; it's a declaration of intent from a brand known for pushing boundaries. Bamford London, under the innovative leadership of George Bamford, has carved a niche for itself by transforming high-end luxury watches into bespoke expressions of personal style. The company’s origins lie in customization, taking iconic models from the likes of Rolex and Patek Philippe and giving them a signature Bamford makeover, often with bold colors and sleek, blacked-out finishes. This daring approach has garnered both admiration and controversy, establishing Bamford as a maverick in the conservative world of horology. But with the D-300, they're charting a new course, venturing beyond customization to create their own distinct line of watches.



The Bamford London brand didn't begin with the D-300. It has grown over the years and released some beautiful watches along the way. The Bamford Mayfair was their first model, evolving from a service watch for their customization clients to a standalone model in its own right. The GMT followed, featuring a bold, colorful design that became a fan favorite. Next came the Mayfair Sport, a durable and stylish timepiece designed for active lifestyles, and the B347, a monopusher chronograph that showcased Bamford's increasing technical prowess. Each release has built upon the last, demonstrating the brand's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of watch design. These models have paved the way for the D-300, a culmination of Bamford's journey so far.



The D-300 marks a significant step for Bamford, representing their first foray into the dedicated dive watch category. It's a bold move, considering the dive watch market is saturated with established players and iconic designs. But Bamford isn't known for playing it safe. They've taken their signature design language and applied it to a functional tool watch, resulting in something fresh and exciting. The watch was designed by George Bamford, who drew inspiration from his personal passion for dive watches and the active lifestyle they represent. In his words, "Dive watches have always been a personal passion of mine, symbolising the hardcore, sporty lifestyle that inspires me daily. The Bamford D-300 felt like a natural evolution for us."



Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the D-300 itself. This is a watch that screams both form and function. The 42mm cushion-shaped case, a nod to the popular Bamford GMT, is crafted from ceramic, a material known for its exceptional scratch resistance and lightweight properties. But Bamford didn't just use any ceramic; they spent two years tweaking the compound to achieve a distinctive bi-finish design, creating a visual depth that's immediately noticeable. The case is reinforced with a titanium core, adding strength and durability without compromising the watch's lightweight feel.



The dial is a masterclass in legibility, a crucial factor for any dive watch. Large, geometric indices and broad hands, all generously coated with Super-LumiNova, ensure that the time can be read easily in any lighting condition, whether you're exploring the depths of the ocean or simply navigating a dimly lit room. The sector dial design adds a touch of vintage flair, while the bold color accents provide a pop of personality that's distinctly Bamford. The uni-directional rotating bezel, a crucial element for timing dives, features deep cut-outs for easy grip, even with gloved hands. The 120-click mechanism provides precise half-minute accuracy, a testament to Bamford's attention to detail.



The oversized titanium crown, protected by a snub-nosed guard, is another example of the D-300's thoughtful design. It's easy to manipulate, even underwater, and its robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of diving. The case back, made from black PVD-coated titanium, is engraved with the exclusive Bamford D-300 logo, a subtle yet stylish touch. The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters, a testament to its robust construction and suitability for serious diving.



Powering the D-300 is a Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. This reliable workhorse is known for its accuracy and durability, ensuring that the D-300 will keep ticking no matter what adventures you throw its way. It's a movement that's trusted by many reputable watchmakers and is a testament to Bamford's commitment to quality.



The D-300 is available in four distinct ceramic colorways, each with its own personality. The Matte Black model features Bamford's signature Aqua Blue accents, creating a sleek and modern look. The Gloss White version is clean and crisp, with black accents providing a sharp contrast. The Matte Blue model, with its yellow accents, exudes a sporty and energetic vibe. And finally, the Matte Green version, with its orange accents, is perhaps the most adventurous of the bunch, evoking the colors of vintage military equipment. Each model comes on a comfortable rubber strap designed for efficient deployment and enhanced wearability, whether you are going diving or going out to dinner. The straps have a quick-release system, allowing you to easily swap them out for different colors or styles. The lug width is 22mm, giving you plenty of options for aftermarket straps.



The D-300's presentation is as unique as the watch itself. It comes in a cylindrical orange case, inspired by marine gear like buoys and lifejackets. This isn't just a box; it's a statement piece that reflects the adventurous spirit of the watch. While the case isn't waterproof or intended to be used as a lifejacket, it's a fun and functional way to store and transport your D-300. The presentation case is a conversation starter, a testament to Bamford's creativity, and a reminder that this is a watch designed for those who appreciate the finer details.



The watch's ceramic case has a unique texture that catches the light in interesting ways. The bi-finish design, with its combination of matte and gloss surfaces, adds depth and visual interest. The cushion-shaped case is a departure from the traditional round dive watch silhouette, giving the D-300 a modern and distinctive look. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist, thanks to its lightweight construction and ergonomic design. The 42mm case size is a sweet spot for many, offering a substantial presence without being overly bulky.



The dial is where the D-300 really shines, visually speaking. The large, luminous indices and hands are instantly legible, even in low-light conditions. The sector dial design, with its concentric circles and geometric shapes, adds a touch of vintage charm. The bold color accents, unique to each model, provide a pop of personality that sets the D-300 apart from other dive watches. The bezel, with its deep cut-outs and precise 120-click mechanism, is both functional and visually appealing. The oversized titanium crown, with its snub-nosed guard, adds to the watch's rugged aesthetic.



One thing that stands out about the D-300 is its versatility. While it's undoubtedly a tool watch, designed for diving and other aquatic adventures, it's also stylish enough to be worn every day. The watch's bold design and vibrant color options make it a statement piece, but it's not so over-the-top that it would look out of place in a more formal setting. This is a watch that can transition seamlessly from the beach to the boardroom. The ceramic material is not only durable but also adds a touch of sophistication.



The D-300 is a testament to Bamford's commitment to innovation. They've taken their signature design language and applied it to a functional tool watch, resulting in something truly unique. The use of ceramic, the bi-finish case design, the bold color accents, the precise bezel, the attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the D-300. This isn't just another dive watch; it's a Bamford dive watch, and that makes all the difference. This watch was two years in the making, and it shows. Every detail, from the ceramic compound to the bezel tension, has been carefully considered and meticulously calibrated.



The D-300 isn't just about looks; it's about performance too. The watch's 300-meter water resistance, robust construction, and reliable Swiss movement make it a capable companion for any adventure, whether you're diving in the ocean or simply navigating the urban jungle. The Super-LumiNova coating ensures that the time is always legible, even in the darkest conditions. The uni-directional bezel allows you to track elapsed time with precision, a crucial feature for divers.



The D-300 is a watch that's built to last. The ceramic case is virtually scratch-proof, and the titanium core adds strength and durability. The sapphire crystal is also highly resistant to scratches, ensuring that the watch's face will remain clear and legible for years to come. The rubber strap is designed to withstand the elements, and the quick-release system makes it easy to swap out for different styles.



The Bamford D-300 Ceramic Dive Watch is available for purchase now, priced at £1,500.00. You can find it on the Bamford London's website and at selected retailers. Given Bamford's reputation for limited-edition releases and the unique appeal of the D-300, it's likely that these watches will be in high demand. This pricing positions the D-300 competitively within the luxury dive watch market, offering a compelling combination of style, functionality, and Swiss-made quality.



Case: 42mm diameter, Ceramic case with Titanium core, Ceramic bezel, 13mm thick, Oversized Titanium screw-down crown with ceramic guard, Black PVD-coated titanium case back engraved with exclusive Bamford D-300 logo, 300 meters / 30 ATM / 1,000 feet water resistance, Sapphire Crystal.

Movement: ETA 2824-2/Sellita SW200-1, Automatic.

Dial: Gloss white/Matte white with black accents, Matte black/Gloss black with White & Aqua Blue accents, Gloss Navy/Matte Navy with White & Yellow accents, Gloss Khaki Green/Matte Green with White & Orange accents, Hands, indices, and bezel zero marker triangle in green/blue emission Super-LumiNova®.

Strap: Rubber, 22mm lug width.

Price: £1,500.00.

Notes: Bamford London's first dedicated dive watch, Unique cylindrical orange presentation case inspired by marine gear.