Obviously I’m joking. Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumiere is the new addition to the Bel Canto Line, and it’s one full of light. This model transforms the GPHG award-winning sonnerie au passage into a spectacular luminous display.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumiere A Departure from Tradition
First Bel Canto was introduced in 2022 and since then it established itself as the flagship of the brand. The first model is a perfect balance between classical watchmaking and futuristic design. Which I loved very much. In previous iterations , they played with the colors of the dial, and added roman numerals, which are a good addition in my opinion.
But with the Lumiere model it screams Cyberpunk neon lights reminding me of the crazy watches Casio launched in the 80’s. The luminescent materials are used more as a design element rather than a functional one.
The name Lumiere comes from the French language which means light, and this model it’s a reimagine of how luminescence can be integrated into haute horlogerie.
Design and Dial architecture of Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumiere
The upper dial which is positioned at 12 o’clock features a layered construction beginning with a smoked sapphire disc. On top we have a three-dimensional blue Globolight ring which creates depth. The hands, which are brushed and diamond polished, are tipped with Globolight material as well which produces a glowing halo effect that makes time reading very easy. Which was a criticism of early Bel Canto watches.
The main Dial
The base dial plate has a vibrant metallic teal finish with sunburst brushing that radiated outward from the time telling subdial. One thing that makes the main Dial really nice is the fact that there are multiple layers of Super-LumiNova printed in broad rays across the surface.
These luminous elements are so strong and intensely charged that they produce a glow even in daylight conditions.
The luminous treatment has a clever color scheme: the two lower sectors emit a bright blue light, while the upper sector and sundial components glow green.
The Chiming Module Display
In the lower portion of the dial, we have the same FS01 chiming module. The mechanism, designed in the shape of a birt, features a “beak” that indicates if the hourly chime is activated.
Each hour the tail slowly rises before releasing and striking the gongs at the hour mark. Like a Bel Canto.
Its monochromatic appearance provides a visual contrast that blends really well with the colorful luminous elements from above.
Technical Specifications of Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumiere
Basically the same as the old models, same design that we all love.
Case Construction
The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumiere maintains the same case architecture of previous Bel Canto models, made from grade 5 Titanium, which is very light.
The dimensions remain the same, at 41 mm diameter, 13.65 mm thickness and 48 mm lug-to-lug measurement. It has 22 mm lug spacing and achieves a great proportion and strap compatibility.
The finishing has predominantly brushed surfaces with polished elements that are placed strategically to create subtle highlights without overwhelming the design.
Despite its technical complexity, the entire watch weighs 53 grams on the rubber strap.
Water resistance is only 30 meters.
Movement and Complications
As we mentioned before, the heart of Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumiere is the FS01 caliber which is based on Selitta SW200-1 automatic movement.
The chiming module is added on top of the base caliber and this is how they create the watch signature sonnerie au passage complication. The push which activates or deactivates the chiming mechanism is at 4 o’clock.
The Luminous Strap
They went all in with this honestly. They created a white rubber strap infused with Super-LumiNova material along its edges. This creates a continuous glow from the dial down to the wrist. Something that we don’t see everyday in watchmaking.
The straps also has a Grade 2 titanium folding clasp that secures in two positions for precise sizing,
For those that feel like in an 80’s music club with this strap, Christopher Ward offers 2 alternatives: the three link Bader bracelet and the five-link Consort bracelet. Both made of Grade 2 Titanium.
But if you want this watch, I suggest you go all in. get the rubber strap with lume.
The price of the watch depends on the bracelet:
Aquaflex Lume rubber strap: £3,495 / €4,615 / $4,910
Bader bracelet (3-link titanium): £3,745 / €4,885 / $5,205
Consort bracelet (5-link titanium): £3,815 / €4,965 / $5,290
Would I buy it? I’m not sure, I already own a Bel Canto and I’m not very impressed by it. I will write a review soon and also tell my story with the watch. Which hasn’t been really good.
Anyway I can’t say that I don’t like it, but two Bel Canto seems a bit too much for my collection, so I will have to stick with the one I already have.
So, if you want to stand out even in the dark, you should definitely buy this watch.
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Christopher Ward |
| Model | C1 Bel Canto Lumière |
| Case Diameter | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.65mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48mm |
| Case Material | Grade 5 Titanium |
| Case Finishing | Brushed with polished accents |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
| Dial Color | Metallic teal with sunburst finish |
| Dial Material | Smoked sapphire subdial |
| Luminescence | Blue Globolight ring, Super-LumiNova (blue and green) |
| Movement | Christopher Ward FS01 (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Movement Type | Automatic |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4Hz) |
| Jewels | 26 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Accuracy | ±20 seconds per day |
| Complications | Sonnerie au passage (hourly chime), on/off pusher |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap Options | White Aquaflex Lume rubber strap, Bader bracelet (3-link), Consort bracelet (5-link) |
| Clasp | Titanium folding clasp |
| Weight | 53 grams (on rubber strap) |
| Price (Rubber Strap) | £3,495 / €4,615 / $4,910 |
| Price (Bader Bracelet) | £3,745 / €4,885 / $5,205 |
| Price (Consort Bracelet) | £3,815 / €4,965 / $5,290 |
| Availability | Now |
| Limited Edition | No |
More Information on CW website
