The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto has garnered significant attention for its innovative approach to accessible haute horlogerie. In this article, 'enjoythemusic' shares his initial impressions and practical tips for new owners, offering a candid look at the watch's on-wrist experience and build quality. His detailed observations provide invaluable insights for collectors considering this unique chiming timepiece.
After some waiting…. and yes more waiting…. like watching your Apple computer’s endless spinning wheel while impatiently &^%$#@ for it to crunch your 4k UHD video file…. Eventually, the Christopher Ward Bel Canto C1 finally arrived! First, yes it is far better than expected and so yes a strong buy. STRONG buy. There, I said it, now you can ignore the rest of this ‘review’ and go to another thread.
For those who have purchased a Bel Canto C1, here are a few photos and tips n’ tricks.
The metal bracelet does come with a half link (yeah!)
The bracelet seems to be long enough for an 8.5” wrist, with the sizing adjustment screws being thicc, plus the screw’s slot is nicely wide and beefy. The screws do not seem to have any Loctite from the factory.
To adjust the bracelet:
Be sure to use a Hollow Ground screwdriver. I used the Rolex one, the head slot is really thicc.
I lightly heated the threading side for the heck of it and then removed the necessary screw(s).
IMPORTANT: The bracelet does have a built-in length adjustment under the clasp, it is shipped with the setting at the LONGEST length.
**When sizing the bracelet, be sure to go a bit loose as you can tighten it via an under-clasp adjuster.**
Optional: Use a tiny tiny bit of Loctite 222 on the threading side of the bracelet before re-installed the screw(s). Once I had the length set, I ensured ALL BRACELET SCREWS had a dab of Loctite on the threading.
Legibility is FAR better than expected, even for my cr@p ol’ eyesight. Even my wife, who also… she could read the time relatively easily. A nice surprise, actually. Ok, ok, we get timepieces to ‘read the time’, but sometimes you get one because… ya know. So great news, you can read the time on the tiny dial far better than expected.
So how is the purple dial? HOLY F#<& it is geee-ordge-ous!!! So very seXXXy. Build quality looks really, really nice, and weight is heavier than a M.A.D.1, but not as heavy as a Submariner. The total weight when adjusted for my 7.5” wrist is 102 grams, most being the head as the bracelet is relatively light. The bracelet doesn’t feel chintzy or anything, but it’s not a Rolex Oyster bracelet either.
Let’s see how this weekend goes and will add more as needed. As always…
Enjoy your time.
