2024 Christopher Ward Bel Canto Nero Automatic 41mm

Here we have the incredible 2024 Christopher Ward Bel Canto Nero Automatic 41mm. This ambitious undertaking has brought together the worlds of high-end watchmaking and the visual arts; its name comes from one of the most melodic styles in Opera, which is fitting as Mike France, co-founder and CEO of Christopher Ward, is a huge fan. The 41mm Grade 5 Titanium alloy case features their Light-catcher polished and brushed elements that transition with crisp edges; the curve of the case leads to finely tapered lugs and a lug-to-lug length of 48mm, and a case thickness of 13mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, a signed push-down crown is used at 2 o’clock to set the time, and at 4 o'clock, an on/off pusher for the hourly chime is indicated by a red arrow on the dial. A stepped, brushed, and polished Light-catcher smooth bezel holds a domed sapphire crystal AR-coated above a stunning black dial with a radial brushed effect. At 12 o’clock, we have the floating open mini-dial with polished and brushed raised indexes coated in Super-LumiNova SLN C1 X1 BL marking the hours; Christopher Ward's hands are infilled with the same luminance, all secured above a gear train and anchored to the stunning dial by two screwed in arching beams. Beneath, we have the intricate three-dimensional hand-polished bridge and hammer mechanism. Next, you find the mirror-polished chiming gong and the surrounding steel spring that has been delightfully tuned in “D” for that perfect hourly chime (sonnerie au passage); the connecting red arrow indicates whether the chime is active in the form of a sound wave or off with the flat line. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with a deep engraved sound wave across it, inside an automatic Christopher Ward Cal. FS01. This movement is based on the JJ01 movement from the C9 Harrison jumping hour and has been modified by Frank Stelzer, Christopher Ward technical director and Master Watchmaker, by adding 60 additional components. The watch comes with a 22mm Christopher Ward leather strap with a signed buckle; it also comes with a Christopher Ward presentation box and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Christopher Ward presentation box and Paperwork. It comes paired with its 22mm Christopher Ward leather strap with a signed buckle. The watch is from April 2024 and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in very fair condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with its Manufacturer's Warranty.

The Christopher Ward Bel Canto has truly taken the collecting community by storm and shown what the brand can do at a higher price point, whilst Christopher Ward has certainly given us a glimpse here and there, this feels like the first model that seriously landed with all and it shows an exciting future for the brand. This is the C1 Bel Canto Nero black on the leather strap is lightly worn, a great opportunity to snap one up today!

Reference : C01-41APT0-T00K0-VK
Movement : Automatic Christopher Ward Cal. FS01
Age : April 2024
Year : 2024
Case Size : 41mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 48mm
Lugs : 22mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Titanium
Warranty : 12 Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 2005, Mike France, Peter Ellis, and Christopher Ward embarked on a pioneering venture by founding the world’s first online-only watch brand. Their journey began in an unassuming setting—a converted chicken shed located on a picturesque farm in Berkshire, England. With a vision to revolutionise the watch industry, the trio launched two initial models: the C5 Malvern Automatic and the C3 Malvern Chronograph. Shortly after the brand's debut, a significant turning point came when Dave Malone, a lecturer from Tasmania with a passion for horology, spotted an advertisement featuring their watch powered by an ETA 2824–2 automatic movement. Intrigued by the product, Malone decided to purchase one with the intention of writing a critical review for Timezone.com, one of the world’s largest online watch forums. However, contrary to his original plan, Malone's review turned out to be incredibly favourable, declaring the watch to be the “best value mechanical watch in the world.” This affirmation was a game-changer for Christopher Ward, leading to a substantial surge in sales and solidifying the brand's reputation within the watch community. Recognising the potential for growth and the need for innovation, Christopher Ward sought to enhance their offerings. In 2008, after garnering significant acclaim from industry experts and collectors alike, the company began collaborating with Synergies Horlogères, a Swiss watchmaking firm based in Biel, Switzerland. Owned by Jörg Bader, Synergies Horlogères shared Christopher Ward’s vision for creating intricately designed movements and exceptional timepieces. The collaboration marked the beginning of a rigorous period of research, design, and development. After years of hard work, the fruits of their labour were revealed in 2014 with the introduction of their groundbreaking in-house movement, Calibre SH21. This remarkable achievement was not only notable for being a high-quality mechanical movement but also for being the first innovative and financially viable movement developed by a British watch brand in over half a century. The announcement sent ripples through the watch industry, further establishing Christopher Ward as a formidable player dedicated to redefining the standards of luxury and craftsmanship in horology.