Lighting Up The Room With The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumière
It’s time for a confession: I have never been smitten with the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto. While I greatly respect the watch’s impressive technical prowess and commercial success, for me, it’s more a question of style. I much prefer Christopher Ward’s modern tool watches to the traditionally styled Bel Canto. But, as if the Lord said, “Let there be light,” here comes the new Lumière version. Christopher Ward has created a surprising, less traditional take on its successful chiming watch, and it’s time to find out more.
When the press info landed on our desks, I was immediately intrigued by the C1 Bel Canto Lumière. This was more than a luminous party trick. With the newest Bel Canto, the design team at Christopher Ward explored the possibilities of light and luminescence, and the result is brilliant. The Lumière is an impressive new version that brings the brand’s chiming watch into the modern era. I had the chance to wear the watch for a couple of days, and the experience shed a new light on the Bel Canto.
The story of the Christopher Ward Bel Canto Lumière
Let’s quickly go over some of the details of this new model. If you are interested in learning more about the Bel Canto, I suggest reading Michael Spencer’s introductory article on the inaugural C1 Bel Canto from 2022. Additionally, Thomas did a hands-on review of the C1 Bel Canto Classic, the more traditionally styled second version of the watch. It’s an interesting read that provides more useful information to create context for the release of the latest version. That’s why I will focus on the conceptual and practical differences, especially the wearing experience.
Let’s go ahead and get into the details. The new C1 Bel Canto Lumière features the same lightweight Grade 5 titanium case as previous models. It has a 41mm diameter, a 48mm lug-to-lug, and a 13.65mm thickness, including the domed sapphire crystal.
The 22mm lug spacing ensures that the strap visually balances out the case, which also has a 30m water resistance rating. The exterior finishing is neat, displaying predominantly brushed surfaces contrasted by smartly chosen polished parts.
The dial immediately reveals a part of the magic
If you’re familiar with the Bel Canto, you will have immediately spotted a different dial and sub-dial design. It all starts with a new metallic light blue base dial printed with multiple layers of Super-LumiNova. As you can see, the luminous sunray pattern originates from the time-telling sub-dial located at 12 o’clock. This smoked sapphire disc is topped with a blue Globolight ring, and hovering over it are the brushed and diamond-polished faceted hands with blue Globolight tips.
The result is a new Bel Canto that looks different during the day and then transforms completely at night. To start with the former, the new design appears more abstract and contemporary than the two models that preceded it, and I like that. In the dark, though, is where it truly gets to shine.
The base dial features three sectors that appear identical during the day. However, at night, the two lower ones light up bright blue, while the uppermost sector glows green. This backs up the sub-dial ring and hands, which light up green as well. It’s an impressive light show, especially with the special new white strap infused with Super-LumiNova.
“Lighting up the room” just got a new meaning
This watch is like a Christmas tree in the dark, and when I saw that, I felt like a little kid with the biggest smile on my face. I’m sure the lume fanatics among our readers can relate. And by giving this Bel Canto a strap that also glows brightly, Christopher Ward ensured that the new Lumière would pack a punch in the dark. The result is nothing short of impressive.
Amid this luminous brilliance, we find the same caliber that powers the regular C1 Bel Canto and Bel Canto Classic. Based on a Sellita SW200-1, it features the repurposed FS01 jump-hour module on top. The automatic caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 26 jewels, and offers a 38-hour power reserve. Additionally, the watchmakers at Christopher Ward regulate the movement to run within ±20 seconds per day.
The base caliber hides behind a titanium case back, but as you will understand, the magic is on the front. That’s where you see the chiming mechanism, which lets out one discreet chime every hour, in all its glory. Combined with the innovative new dial, it creates a brilliantly futuristic version of the C1 Bel Canto.
Wearing the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumière
If the looks weren’t already a huge surprise, the wearing experience added to the impact. At 53 grams, the watch is extremely light, and the white luminous strap is exceptionally comfortable. Christopher Ward also offers the watch on its three-row Bader bracelet and five-row Consort bracelet. Trust me, though; the Bel Canto Lumière is not the same without the white rubber strap. This also helps keep the weight low and the comfort high.
I was surprised by how well the watch fit me. The nicely sculpted case feels like it was made for my 18.5cm wrist. Additionally, the 22mm strap features a brilliantly executed titanium clasp. I have repeatedly praised Christopher Ward for creating some of the best bracelets, but I also want to add this clasp to the list. It cleverly secures the strap in two places after you have found the right sizing hole. But the true magic is in how slim the clasp is. Only if you close it with a firm click will you appreciate how expertly designed and precisely machined it is. Big brands should take notice because this is how you create a comfortable and well-designed folding clasp.
Final thoughts on the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Lumière
As a result of its spot-on proportions, lightweight materials, and the brilliant combination of the strap and clasp, this watch wears like an absolute dream. I was seriously impressed and happily surprised by how much I loved wearing this new C1 Bel Canto Lumière. If a watch makes you smile as much as this new Lumière did for me, Christopher Ward must have done something very well.
As you may have guessed by now, the new Bel Canto Lumière is my favorite model in the C1 Bel Canto range by a mile. Not only does it bring a smile to my face thanks to all its luminous parts, but it also wears like a dream and is executed brilliantly. The new Lumière is available now for €4,615 on the Aquaflex Lume rubber strap. If you prefer it on the Bader bracelet, the price is €4,885. If you opt for the Consort bracelet, the price is €4,965. As mentioned, though, I firmly believe you should get it on the white luminous strap. You won’t regret it because that option just suits the theme the best.
Once again, Christopher Ward has managed to surprise and impress us. After the C1 Jump Hour Mk V, this new C1 Bel Canto Lumière is the second standout release in just one week. Add the news of Christopher Ward’s new atelier, which serves as a showcase for in-house calibers, ingenious modules, meticulous finishing, and uncompromising creativity, and the British brand continues to make an impact. The new Lumière is a glowing example of that.
