A very British Bel Canto
A unique C1 Bel Canto in a limited edition of 10 – manufactured exclusively for British Watchmakers’ Day. A Bel Canto that features a laser-etched Union Jack platine, and which, for the first time, boasts Roman numerals on the two-piece dial. And because this version of our award-winning chiming watch celebrates the resurgence in British horology, all profits will be donated to The Alliance of British Watch and Clockmakers.
Available via raffle at British Watchmakers’ Day on March 9th at Lindley Hall, London.
A British Watchmakers’ Day exclusive
The Bel Canto 9324 – the number relates to the date of British Watchmakers’ Day – is limited to just 10 pieces, and features a laser-etched Union Jack-etched platine adorned with a mixture of polishing, Clous de Paris, and Flinqué guilloché. It’s then coated in a rich deep blue, accentuating the finishing. The two-piece dial, which floats above the platine, carries Roman numerals: a first for the Bel Canto.
A chime on the hour – every hour
As time passes, the movement of the hour and minute hands on the floating time-telling dial draws the chiming ‘hammer’ until it strikes the steel spring which curves around the edge of the dial. The sound is both melodic – and discernible from the wrist. This is possible thanks to the FS01 movement, a new in-house calibre created by CW’s technical director Frank Stelzer.
The sound of the songbird
Frank and our design team worked tirelessly to refine both the aesthetics and sound of the watch. Over 80 different springs and hammers of different materials, lengths and shapes were tested (and rejected) before the sought-after ‘beautiful singing’ chime in the key of D was achieved. In a treat for the eyes, the bridge-and-hammer mechanism on the dial resembles a songbird.
Silence is golden
Should you wish to silence the chime – heaven forbid – a button at 4 o’clock can be set to the ‘on’ or ‘off’ position, while ringing status is indicated by a small red arrow – the songbird’s ‘beak’ – next to the button.
How to secure your
Bel Canto 9324
The C1 Bel Canto 9324 is a production run of just a 10 pieces with several notable differences from the open-series model. As a result of this, and our transparent 3x mark-up model, the watch is priced at £4,995. Each watch will be allocated via raffle at BWD. Customers can enter via QR code at the Christopher Ward stand and the ‘winners’ will be drawn on the day. If you’re successful, you’ll be able to purchase the watch there and take it home. All profits will be donated to The Alliance of British Watch and Clockmakers.
Explore the Bel Canto range
