Richard D wrote:I first saw the Bel Canto back in October and I can honestly say I wish I hadn’t. It’s been frustrating reading all the posts knowing that not all expectations were to be realised, it’s not a minute repeater. It’s roots are in the CW JJ01 (SW-200 Mod).
My first impression was favourable, probably because I too was caught in the hype. That soon evaporate when the watch was handed to me, to put it simply the design is too ‘industrial’ for my liking. The website images are flattering, the blue dial is not as vibrant. The Bel Canto follows the Concept, beautifully executed but, IMHO, not attractive. The sub dial doesn’t help, the absence of a second hand, no logo and what I can best describe as an inaudible note doesn’t help. I could only hear it when pressed up to my ear. Pardon the pun, it doesn’t strike me as a dress watch. However, I wish CW every success and I’m sure the Bel Canto will receive favourable reviews.
It's precisely the Industrial, non-dress watch look that attracts me. Grade 5 titanium case is 'tool watch' in my book.
If it had been polished steel and all dress watch looking I would probably have passed on it.
As it is? . . . . . .
Guy
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These users thanked the author Bahnstormer_vRS for the post:
I’ve watched the video again and I like the way the robot pigeon flicks it’s tail feathers to strike the hour. They could have designed this anyway they wanted but it’s like a small automaton on the dial.
These users thanked the author iain for the post (total 3):
Iain’s Law: Any discussion on the Christopher Ward forum, irrespective of the thread title or subject matter, will eventually lead to someone mentioning the Bel Canto if the thread continues for long enough.
You know when the ‘maisons’ describe their watches as ‘novelties’, (makes me wince), I think this fit’s that description perfectly. A novelty that CW should be congratulated on.
These users thanked the author Quality Man for the post (total 2):
Quality Man wrote: ↑Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:43 pm
You know when the ‘maisons’ describe their watches as ‘novelties’, (makes me wince), I think this fit’s that description perfectly. A novelty that CW should be congratulated on.
I suspect that’s because “novelty” in English creates a kind of “latest craze, here today, gone tomorrow, cheap and cheerful” image that “nouveauté” doesn’t have in French, where it’s more like the equivalent of “innovation”. Of course, all the words are derived ultimately from the Latin “novus” (new).
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If I had the money for a splurge like this, I’d buy the Bel Canto in a heartbeat. I think it’s extraordinary. I see this as a show piece, for CW to show off what it’s capable of. It certainly won’t appeal to everyone, but I don’t think that’s the point. I can’t help but think this will generate a heavy amount of positive buzz for CW and enhance its reputation in the industry…and at quite a price point!
When I win the powerball tonight and become an overnight billionaire, I’ll be placing an order for a handful to give out to friends and family.
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Concerning the word novelty, I think the perfect comparison for this watch is haute couture in the fashion world. It’s not mass market clothing and is never intended to be, but is about showing off the vision of the brand, what they can do, and where they’re going.
I think the Apex models, the Concept, and now the Bel Canto fall into that catagory.
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Pre-orders now showing as delivery for Feb 2023... I guess these are selling rapidly
C1 - Bel Canto (Azurro), Grand Malvern 5 Day
C12 - Loco (Pasadena) - Incoming!
C5 - FLE
C65 - Cranwell, Super Compressor
C9 - 5 Day Small Seconds
Omega - Aqua Terra
Breitling - SuperOcean
Rolex - Air King
Quality Man wrote: ↑Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:43 pm
You know when the ‘maisons’ describe their watches as ‘novelties’, (makes me wince), I think this fit’s that description perfectly. A novelty that CW should be congratulated on.
I suspect that’s because “novelty” in English creates a kind of “latest craze, here today, gone tomorrow, cheap and cheerful” image that “nouveauté” doesn’t have in French, where it’s more like the equivalent of “innovation”. Of course, all the words are derived ultimately from the Latin “novus” (new).
Exactly, I see the word as meaning "innovation" rather then "fad"... patents use the word exactly as intended to describe innovation, as in "the novelty of the technique or invention"
C1 - Bel Canto (Azurro), Grand Malvern 5 Day
C12 - Loco (Pasadena) - Incoming!
C5 - FLE
C65 - Cranwell, Super Compressor
C9 - 5 Day Small Seconds
Omega - Aqua Terra
Breitling - SuperOcean
Rolex - Air King
