Get ready for a watch that's a true luminescent masterpiece! Christopher Ward has taken their iconic Bel Canto design and transformed it into the C1 Bel Canto Lumière, a timepiece that's sure to captivate watch enthusiasts and leave them wanting more.
The Ultimate Lume Experience
When Christopher Ward asked, "How much lume do you want on this dial?" they weren't joking! The Bel Canto Lumière boasts an abundance of lume, covering not just the dial but even extending down the strap. It's a bold statement, and one that's sure to divide opinions. But here's where it gets interesting: this watch isn't just about the lume; it's about the unique details that make it stand out.
A Modern Take on a Classic
The Bel Canto's signature sonnerie mechanism takes center stage, showcasing the custom FS01 chiming module. Designed in the shape of a bird, with its beak acting as the on/off indicator for the hourly chime, it's a beautiful and functional piece of art. As the bird's tail rises, it releases and strikes the gongs, marking the passing of time with a gentle chime.
The top dial of the Lumière features a high-contrast design with a smoked sapphire disc topped by a stunning three-dimensional blue Globolight ring. The brushed and skeletonized hands, with their Globolight tips, add to the overall visual appeal. But it's the base dial that truly shines (quite literally!). Christopher Ward has opted for a vivid sunray-brushed dial, matching the blue Globolight, and enhanced it with broad lines of faint blue Super-LumiNova in a radiant sunray pattern. For an extra touch, the inner sector ring emits a vibrant green, creating a beautiful contrast against the blue lume.
A Technical Marvel
Housed in a sleek 41mm Grade 5 titanium case, the Bel Canto Lumière measures 13.65mm thick and 48mm lug-to-lug. It's powered by the FS01 caliber, based on the reliable Sellita SW200-1 movement, with the addition of Christopher Ward's proprietary chiming module. The manual winding provides a 38-hour power reserve, and the movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH with 26 jewels.
Pricing and Availability
The Christopher Ward Bel Canto Lumière is available now, with prices starting at $4,910 for the Aquaflex Lume rubber strap version. If you prefer a bracelet, you can opt for the three-link Bader bracelet ($5,205) or the five-link Consort bracelet ($5,290).
Our Take
Christopher Ward has certainly been bold with their Bel Canto designs, and we love it! While the Lumière might not be for everyone, it embraces an ultra-modern aesthetic with unique details that make it a compelling choice. The strips of lume on the base dial might be a bit overwhelming for some, but it adds to the overall character of the watch. We're particularly intrigued by the smoked sapphire and Globolight execution, and we can't wait to see how Christopher Ward evolves the Bel Canto design in the future.
So, what do you think? Is the Bel Canto Lumière a step too far, or a brilliant modern take on a classic? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
