Christopher Ward Bel Canto

I was confused, very confused, when I saw the Christopher Ward Bel Canto. My brain could not comprehend what was going on. It is true that the UK brand has surprised us before with high-quality, limited-edition watches at reasonable price points, but this time, I can safely say that the bar has risen. We are not talking about a diver with great finishing or a slim integrated chronograph, we are now talking about a chiming watch, yes, a watch that talks back, a ‘Sonnerie au Passage.’ The New Christopher Ward Bel Canto is one of the best offerings that an independent brand can offer these days; from the quality of the sound to its modern looks, the watch is unique.

When you look at the Bel Canto, may be reminded of MB&F. This is not a coincidence, as Christopher Ward partnered with Chronode of Le Locle, Switzerland. This renowned horological lab collaborated with MB&F on the Legacy Machine No. 1, and has also worked with such brands as HYT, Harry Winson, and Czapek. Chronode’s expertise gives the Bel Canto those lovely bridges, hammers, and gongs. It still feels very odd to me to describe these parts as I am not used to, but they look outstanding. The skeletonized dial makes the Bel Canto look more industrial, more machine-like, which is a powerful statement on the wrist. It isn’t overpowering, but different in a good way.

Christopher Ward Bel Canto macro

I don’t usually talk about the price at the beginning of a review, but I believe when the project was launched, the final price was one of the items on top of the agenda. The Bel Canto is £2,995 ($3,795 US). We have seen many watch brands that can offer great quality, but the price goes up exponentially. For example, the beautiful Nomos Lamda is hand finished and engraved to perfection, but even the steel models started around $7,500. I am not saying that the Bel Canto’s price is a short amount, but we are talking about Tudor Black Bay money for a watch with a complication rarely seen at this price point. How is this possible?

Well, Christopher Ward had to work wonders. The conception of the Bel Canto came with the extensive modification of their in-house Jumping Hour module JJ001. It makes sense if you think about it; instead of an aperture that flips the time, you can add a hammer and a gong instead, and ‘voila,’ you have a chiming every hour. Sounds simple, right? It wasn’t; 60 new components were added to create this eye/ear candy. This is one of the coolest releases from a brand that has evolved from a microbrand into an independent powerhouse.

The specifications

I worried that a complication like this would affect the watch’s wearability, but with the Bel Canto’s 41mm width and short 48mm length, I can safely tell you that it is a delight to use. The dial is, of course, where everything happens. At 12 o’clock, we can find the subdial with the hours and minutes. It’s minimalistic, modern, and reminiscent of a clock face on a tall tower. You can see the gear train through the middle of the dial, and everything is finished to perfection. If you move your eyes at 6 o’clock, you will see the steel spring that emits the chime when the gong hits it — a lovely sound to remind you that an hour has passed. At 4 o’clock, we have a button to silence the chiming. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do this, but it is easy to use. You will notice that the assembly resembles a bird, and the mute function is indicated by its red beak.

The base movement of the Bel Canto is a Sellita SW200 modified with the Christopher Ward FS01 chiming module. It is a 29-jewel automatic with a 38-hour reserve. To me, this is a perfect mix of a serviceable base with in-house pedigree, the best of both worlds.

Christopher Ward Bel Canto lume

On the wrist

The Bel Canto wears great on my 6.25-inch wrist for two key reasons. First, even with its unique internals, the watch is just 13mm thick, which is well in line with its 41mm width. Second, the case is made of grade 5 titanium. You might ask why they chose a metal more commonly associated with tool watches. It is because titanium is less dense than steel. this not only makes the watch lighter but also affects its acoustic properties, amplifying the chime. I had the chance to try the watch for more than a week, and I have to say that feels great and is not too much for daily wear. I found the Bel Canto easy to wear with almost anything. Add a rubber strap, and it can become a summer piece. Switch to leather for elegant sportiness. Unitlity is not very compromised as the dial, while small, is very legible and even has an application of SuperLuminova.The only text you on the dial is ‘’Swiss Made’’ at the bottom.

Christopher Ward Bel Canto wrist shot

Conclusions

The Bel Canto is one-of-a-kind. In a world where everyone is trying to create the next diver or the next GMT, Christopher Ward has decided to refresh the industry with a complication that no one was expecting. The effect that this watch has had on the enthusiast community was incredible. It not only attracted a new breed of watch lovers but also gave us the opportunity to enjoy a complication that only existed in a price range that not many of us could afford. The Bel Canto is one of those watches that can be called a game changer, a masterclass on product development that has democratized the industry.

Christopher Ward is now taking deposits for pre-orders through April 24. For more information or to order your own, head over to christopherward.com.

Christopher Ward Bel Canto macro