Before we dive into the review, I want to take a moment to share a quick update. It’s been two years since my last watch review—not because I stopped writing, but because I took a step back from posting. To be honest, I lost some enthusiasm after a few misunderstandings with certain brands, including some misleading claims made about me. It seems not everyone appreciated my honest take, and while that was frustrating, I’ve come to realize it’s just part of the game.

That said, I don’t want to dwell on the past—drama isn’t my thing. At the end of the day, I started this blog because I love watches and enjoy sharing my thoughts with fellow enthusiasts. Moving forward, I’ll be writing fewer reviews, focusing only on the watches I truly want to talk about. Quality over quantity—less is more. With that in mind, let’s get into the review!

Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on a timepiece I’ve been eyeing for some time. Christopher Ward kindly provided me with the C1 Bel Canto for testing, and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Andrew, their Communications Executive, and the entire team at Christopher Ward. Their professionalism and support truly stand out in the industry.

Now, on to the review—could this be my next watch? Let’s find out!

It is 1st November of 2022, and Christopher Ward released the C1 Bel Canto, the most affordable Swiss-Made mechanical chiming watch in the world! I think on the first day of the release everybody, including me, was a bit shocked and didn’t know what was happening. We were getting a watch that took the watch world by storm, literally! It was praised by a lot of reviewers, big names in horology, and even went on to win the CPHG ‘Petite Aiguille’ Award in 2023 – a first for a British brand!

Christopher Ward has consistently redefined the boundaries of watchmaking by combining affordability, craftsmanship, and innovation. With the release of the C1 Bel Canto, the brand ventures boldly into the world of chiming complications, presenting a timepiece that embodies horological artistry. The purple variant of the C1 Bel Canto adds a layer of striking visual appeal to this mechanical marvel. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design, technical specifications, sound mechanism, wearability, and overall impression of the C1 Bel Canto Purple, leaving no detail unexplored.

Unboxing the C1 Bel Canto is an experience in itself. The watch arrives in Christopher Ward’s eco-friendly packaging, a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Upon opening, the purple dial immediately commands attention, exuding a sense of opulence and elegance. The gradient sunburst effect on the dial, shifting subtly from deep purple to lighter hues under various lighting conditions, showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The watch feels substantial yet balanced in hand. The 41mm titanium case offers a modern size while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable wear. The chime mechanism—a hallmark of the Bel Canto series—is prominently displayed, inviting curiosity and admiration even before delving into its functionality.

The Grade 5 titanium case is an excellent choice for this model. It not only enhances durability but also significantly reduces the overall weight, ensuring exceptional comfort for extended wear. During my testing, I occasionally forgot I was even wearing it, thanks to its remarkable lightness. With the leather strap, the watch weighs just 74-75 grams—an impressively lightweight build. The case diameter is 41mm, thickness 13mm & lug to lug measures at 48mm. Water resistance is 30m (3 ATM). As someone accustomed to wearing stainless steel divers with bracelets, this watch almost feels as light as a plastic Casio, but in the best possible way. The alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes across the case surface create an appealing depth and texture. Additionally, the well-proportioned lugs are designed for an ergonomic fit, curving naturally to conform seamlessly to the wrist.

The purple dial is undoubtedly the star of the show. Purple also is a colour that needs to be implemented more into watches in my opinion. It employs a gradient effect that is both dynamic and captivating. The use of rhodium-plated indices ensures excellent legibility while adding a touch of sophistication. The skeletonized hour and minute hands are finished with a luminescent coating, offering functionality in low-light conditions. The absence of a second hand enhances the minimalist approach, ensuring that the focus remains on the chime mechanism.I’ve come across some discussions where people have expressed concerns about the dial size or suggested that Christopher Ward could improve legibility by adjusting the color of the hands or making other refinements. However, in my opinion, the dial is well-proportioned and offers sufficient legibility for telling the time with ease.

One particularly interesting design choice is the absence of the Christopher Ward name or logo on the front of the watch. Most brands would proudly display their name on a timepiece that required so much effort and refinement to develop. Yet, Christopher Ward has opted for a more understated approach—whether for aesthetic reasons or as a deliberate statement of design philosophy.

One area where I believe Christopher Ward missed an opportunity is the strap. In my view, they should have considered pairing the watch with a purple or grey ålcantara/suede strap, enhanced with purple stitching and a colorful accent, perhaps yellow, to add a striking visual contrast. While the original strap supplied with the watch—a Vacona leather strap in purple—is of undeniably high quality, it lacks the same “wow factor” that the watch itself delivers. The strap is equipped with a Grade 5 titanium tang-style buckle, which, while functional and robust, could have been elevated by offering a deployment clasp instead. Christopher Ward does provide additional strap options, such as a titanium bracelet and rubber straps, allowing for a degree of personalization. However, none of these alternatives quite resonated with me. Regarding the titanium bracelet, I find that it adds bulk to the watch, shifting its aesthetic toward a more sporty appearance—perhaps at the expense of the refined character the timepiece embodies.

At the heart of the C1 Bel Canto is its chiming complication. Unlike traditional minute repeaters, which are often reserved for ultra-luxury brands, this watch features a sonnerie au passage mechanism. This means the watch chimes automatically at the top of each hour without requiring manual activation. The sound is produced through a finely tuned hammer and gong system, visible on the dial. The “gong” is made from stainless steel which isn’t used widely for chiming watches, only other manufacturer who preffers stainless steel sound is F.P.Journe.

Christopher Ward’s achievement in creating an accessible chiming watch cannot be overstated. The C1 Bel Canto utilizes a modified version of the Caliber SH21, integrating the chiming mechanism without compromising the movement’s reliability or power reserve. The FS01 movement is a modified version of Christopher Ward’s in-house SH21. It features 35 jewels and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement is not only robust but also showcases excellent finishing, visible through the exhibition caseback. The bridges are adorned with Geneva stripes, and the rotor is engraved with the Christopher Ward logo.

If you want to dive deeper into the story behind the Bel Canto and how it became in fruition, check out my other article where I explore the creation of this watch and the movement.

Despite its technical complexity, the C1 Bel Canto Purple remains an exceptionally wearable timepiece. The 41mm diameter is versatile, suitable for both smaller and larger wrists. The lightweight titanium case and ergonomic design ensure that the watch sits comfortably without excessive bulk. The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Purple is a triumph of modern watchmaking. It seamlessly integrates a traditionally exclusive complication into a timepiece that is both visually stunning and mechanically impressive. The use of titanium, the meticulous attention to detail, and the captivating chime mechanism set it apart in a crowded market.

For enthusiasts and collectors seeking a high-complication watch without the exorbitant price tag, the C1 Bel Canto Purple is an unparalleled choice. It is a testament to Christopher Ward’s ethos of delivering exceptional value without compromising on quality or innovation. Whether as a statement piece or a daily wearer, this watch is sure to captivate and delight for years to come.

Will I buy this watch? Honestly, I think I will. I’ve been torn between this and the Zenith Defy El Primero Ultraviolet, but the Zenith is almost twice the price of the Bel Canto—definitely pushing the limits of my budget. Plus, let’s be real, the “sonnerie au passage” on the Bel Canto is just a way cooler feature than a chronograph, haha.

Big thanks to Christopher Ward and Andrew for the loaner—it’s always great to take a watch for a “test drive” before pulling the trigger on one of my own!

Price: €4,095.00 / £3,195.00 / $3,795.00 @ www.christopherward.com

• Size 41mm
• Dial Colour Viola
• Case Material Grade 5 Titanium
• Case Colour Silver
• Bezel Colour Silver
• Height 13mm
• Lug-to-Lug 48mm
• Case Weight 53g
• Weight inc. Strap 75g
• Water Resistance 3 ATM (30m)
• Movement Sellita SW200-1 with FS01 module
• Power Reserve 38 hours
• No of Jewels 29
• Complication Type Passing Chime
• Vibrations 28,800 p/hr (4Hz)
• Timing Tolerance +/- 20 sec p/day
• Lume SLN C1 X1 BL
• Strap Material Vacona® leather
• Strap Colour Purple