Tiếng ViệtThe British watchmaker Christopher Ward has recently unveiled what is arguably its most complex and captivating creation to date — a watch that sings.
Case and Construction
Housed in a Grade 5 titanium case measuring 41 mm, the C1 Bel Canto was engineered not only for lightness and comfort, but also to enhance acoustic resonance and tonal clarity — essential qualities for a chiming watch.
Despite its sophistication, it maintains a practical 3 ATM water resistance.
The case is predominantly brushed, accented by polished lug bevels, giving it a sleek yet masculine appearance. The sunray-brushed blue dial exudes elegance and depth, shifting shades under light.
The left flank remains clean and uninterrupted, while the right side hosts two key controls:
- The time-setting crown, which also allows manual winding.
- The pusher at 4 o’clock, used to activate or deactivate the chiming mechanism.
Và vòng vo như thế đã đủ, ngôi sao chính của bữa tiệc chính cơ chế quan trọng nhất của chiếc đồng hồ này: cơ chế điểm chuông với toàn bộ thành phần đều được phô diễn trên mặt trước. Khởi động hoặc tắt đi cơ chế này phụ thuộc vào nút nhấn ở góc 4 giờ. Khi bật, một mũi tên nhỏ màu đỏ sẽ hướng về phía hình vẽ zigzag mô phỏng tín hiệu của âm thanh, và khi tắt, mũi tên sẽ chỉ về phía một đường cung ngang ám chỉ âm thanh đã mất.
A Symphony in Motion
Source: Oracle Time
At the heart of the C1 Bel Canto lies its defining feature — the striking mechanism, fully visible on the dial side.
The red arrow indicator points toward a zigzag acoustic wave symbol when the chime is activated, and toward a horizontal line when muted — an elegant and intuitive visual cue.
At 12 o’clock, a subdial for time display sits atop an arched bridge spanning from 10 to 2 o’clock.
This bridge, matching the tone of the titanium case, frames the baton hands and minute track, both filled with Super-LumiNova for nighttime legibility.
Each hour, as the minute hand passes 12, the hammer strikes the gong, producing a resonant, musical chime — a delightful sensory experience rarely found at this price point.
Horological Artistry: The Striking Mechanism
The hammer, positioned at 6 o’clock, strikes the C-shaped gong that arcs gracefully around the dial’s perimeter.
The finishing is crisp and meticulous — impressive for any brand, but especially remarkable at this level.
The striking mechanism required over 50 newly developed components, all built upon the reliable Sellita SW200-1 base calibre — a testament to Christopher Ward’s mechanical ingenuity.
Crystal, Caseback, and Sound Design
The front crystal is sapphire, offering unobstructed visibility into the movement’s orchestral choreography.
The caseback, however, is closed, engraved with a soundwave motif — a thoughtful acoustic design choice.
A solid back helps amplify resonance, just as seen in high-end pieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie Titanium.
Strap Options and Pricing
The C1 Bel Canto is available on two configurations:
- Blue calfskin leather strap – USD 3,595
- Titanium bracelet – USD 3,975
Final Thoughts
Elegant, innovative, and audibly enchanting, the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto bridges the gap between accessible luxury and haute horlogerie.
It’s a true chiming complication — engineered with passion, designed with restraint, and finished with unmistakable British flair.
Learn more at: christopherward.com