Introducing Christopher Ward Launches the Updated C1 Bel Canto Classic

The C1 Bel Canto from Christopher Ward is arguably the most iconic watch from the British brand. Originally unveiled in late 2022, this sonnerie watch quickly gained popularity among collectors as one of the most affordable timepiece featuring a chiming mechanism—a complication usually associated with high-end luxury watches. It even earned the Petite Aiguille prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Now, Christopher Ward presents the next evolution of this model, the C1 Bel Canto Classic Act II.

Like all Bel Canto editions, this timepiece features a brushed and polished case crafted from grade 5 titanium. The caseback is stamped with a soundwave motif. A push-down crown positioned at 2 o’clock, adorned with a twin-flag motif, sets the time, while a pusher at 4 o’clock activates or deactivates the chiming complication. 

The C1 Bel Canto Classic introduces a new glassbox sapphire crystal, designed to fit the updated dial and optimize readability, while also providing scratch and glare resistance.

The Bel Canto Classic Act II offers an open-worked dial in four striking color options: silver, gold, blue, and green. The base features a guilloché pattern created with laser engraving, while the gongs are mirror-polished, and the time is displayed on an off-centered subdial at 12 o'clock.

Another key update is the redesigned time dial, now circular-brushed and featuring crisp Roman numerals, replacing the baton indices of the earlier Bel Canto. Notably, there is also a special edition with Eastern Arabic numerals made exclusively for the Doha Watch Club. 

The hands retain their original shape but no longer feature luminous inserts, instead being color-matched to each dial: black hands for the gold dial, silver-toned hands for the blue and green dials, and blue hands for the silver dial. Adding a vibrant touch, the “sonnerie au passage” on/off indicator appears in red on the blue and green dials, while it matches the handset color on the silver and gold dials.

Powered by a self-winding Sellita SW200-1 movement, the watch chimes on the hour, thanks to the FS01 chiming module, complete with hand-finished bridges, a spring, and a hammer. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (VpH) and offering a 38-hour power reserve.

The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Classic is available at 3,745 GBP (17,800 AED) on a leather strap or 3,445 GBP (16,350 AED) on a titanium bracelet.

For more information, please visit Christopher Ward's official website.