Prepare to be dazzled! Christopher Ward has just unveiled the C1 Bel Canto Lumière, and it's not just a watch; it's a wearable light show. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a complete transformation of the already popular Bel Canto, taking its innovative design to a whole new level of brilliance.
I've explored the C1 Bel Canto from various angles before, and I was genuinely curious about how Christopher Ward could possibly improve on the original model. After all, it's an award-winning watch that has captivated watch enthusiasts worldwide. While we've seen several dial variations and colors, nothing prepared us for the Lumière.
The original Bel Canto struck a perfect balance between futuristic design and classical complications. The C1 Bel Canto Lumière, which means "Light" in French, takes that vision and propels it into warp speed.
At first glance, the Lumière is unmistakably a Bel Canto, with its 41mm grade 5 titanium case. It's incredibly comfortable, tactile, and light, with a combination of brushed surfaces and subtle polishing. The dull grey of the titanium also gives the watch a warmer look than your typical steel watch.
But the dial is where the magic happens. The layout is instantly recognizable as a Bel Canto, with the time-telling dial at 12 o'clock and the chiming complication taking up the rest of the space. However, this dial has some striking differences. It's best to experience this watch in the dark to get the full light show effect.
The time-telling dial at 12 o'clock features a smoked sapphire disc topped with a blue Globolight ring and a linear brushed handset, both tipped with matching Globolight luminescent material. The result is an insane, glowing halo effect.
The main dial plate is finished in a vibrant teal color, with a sunburst brushed effect emanating from the time-telling dial. This effect is complemented by several layers of Super-LumiNova rays, both in blue and green, that glow even in daylight. The effect is truly out-of-this-world, creating a stunning visual light show when the lights go out.
The rest of the dial is made up of the components of the chiming module, which lends it a monochromatic, space-age design. The module itself is a very contemporary feature, upgrading the Sellita SW200-1 base movement to the Christopher Ward FS01 calibre. The automatic movement carries over all the features we already know the Bel Canto for, the 38-hour power reserve, 4Hz beat rate, and the beautifully simple pusher at 4 o'clock that operates the column wheel, turning the hourly chime on or off.
But here's where it gets controversial... Christopher Ward didn't stop at the dial. The Lumière features a white rubber strap with Super-LumiNova-imbued material embedded along its edges, giving a full-wrist glow.
The Lumière is also available on the Consort and Bader bracelets, finished in grade 2 titanium.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumière: Pricing & Availability
The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumière is available from Christopher Ward directly or from our Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studios.
- Price: £3,495 (rubber strap), £3,745 (Bader bracelet), £3,815 (Consort bracelet)
What are your thoughts? Do you love the luminous design, or do you prefer a more classic look? Share your opinions in the comments below!
