Introducing Christopher Ward Launches the C1 Bel Canto Lumière

Christopher Ward has become one of the most surprising success stories in contemporary British watchmaking. Over the past few years, the brand has evolved from a young microbrand into a name recognised for mechanical innovation, award-winning complications, and creative design. This rise reached an important milestone in 2022 with the introduction of the C1 Bel Canto, a chiming watch that blended modern architecture with a poetic complication.

In its latest release, the brand introduces the new C1 Bel Canto Lumière, a watch that shifts the focus not only to sound but also to light. The Lumière transforms the Bel Canto into a glowing spectacle, bringing the complication into a more futuristic realm and exploring the full creative potential of luminescence.

The watch is presented in a Grade 5 titanium case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 13.65 mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug of 48 mm. Despite its technical complexity, it wears comfortably thanks to its sculpted profile and impressive lightness of only 53 grams when paired with the rubber strap. The titanium caseback is secured by four screws. Although the movement is not visible from the rear, this design choice directs all attention to the front, where the chiming mechanism is displayed. The case offers water resistance to 30 meters.

The dial begins with a metallic teal or light blue base printed with multiple layers of Super-LumiNova. These layers form a sunray pattern radiating from the time-telling sub-dial at 12 o’clock. During daytime, the dial appears abstract and contemporary; when the lights go out, it transforms dramatically. Three sectors on the base dial glow in different tones, two lower sections illuminate in bright blue, while the upper section glows green. The smoked sapphire sub-dial at 12 o’clock is framed by a blue Globolight ring, and the faceted hands are finished with matching Globolight tips. The exposed architecture of the chiming mechanism occupies the rest of the dial, giving the watch a technical and modern character.

Inside the watch is the same mechanical heart that defines the Bel Canto series. It is based on the Sellita SW200-1 and enhanced with Christopher Ward’s FS01 chiming module. The automatic movement operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and provides a power reserve of 38 hours. The complication performs a single chime at the top of every hour, and a pusher at 4 o’clock allows the wearer to activate or deactivate the chime.

The brand pairs the Lumière with a white Aquaflex Lume rubber strap containing Super-LumiNova along its edges. The strap is fitted with a titanium folding clasp, though the brand also offers two additional options: the three-row Bader bracelet and the five-row Consort bracelet, both in titanium and equipped with a toolless micro-adjustment system.

The watch joins the permanent collection and is priced at £3,495 (approximately AED 17,000) on the white luminous rubber strap. The Bader bracelet is priced at £3,745 (approximately AED 18,200), while the Consort bracelet is priced at £3,815 (approximately AED 18,500).

For more information, visit Christopher Ward’s official website.