Hi All,

Newly registered but been following here off and on for a while.

Just became the 2nd owner of a Watches@ Bel Canto, and I love everything about it except the winding is VERY rough with intermittent resistance. So far it appears to be keeping good time, but I have not objectively tested it yet.

Is this a common finding with the Bel Canto, or should I consider having it serviced?

Thanks!

Without prsonal experience of the BC, my instinct is to send it in for attention.

timepieces_and_bags wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 7:09 pm I would describe the wind on mine as slightly rough, maybe “grainy” is the right word, and I think that’s quite common. Resistance on the other hand doesn’t seem quite right. Of course since it’s automatic I don’t tend to manually wind it much anyway.

I agree with the characterisation 'grainy'- that's how my BC feels (but also no particular irregular resistance). Winding does make more of a 'rasping' sound than my other Selita 200 based CW's. Not sure why this should be.

I have several SW200 watches. My Bel Banto doesn't particularly feel rough or grainy when winding or setting time, but some of my other watches with this same movement (including my brand new Dune) do feel a bit rough.

I think some differences between units are more or less expected, and personally I wouldn't worry unless the resistance is significant, the winding feels very rough (like metal on metal friction) or it's making odd noises.

But if you're still concerned, it might be better to have it serviced or checked by CW.

To remove any subjectivity from the above suggestions, I'd advise taking it to a competent watchmaker and explain the situation. If they know their onions, the watchmaker will tell you if this is normal for the movement in question, or not.

This could be caused by lack of lubrication, faulty wheels in the winding train or even a tight crown seal, again, through lack of lubrication.
It's an easy enough fix and not too intrusive.

Given the warranty situation though, I'd just pay for the advice or opinion and decide from there, whether or not to send it in for attention at CW.

I have a watch from another brand with a SW200 movement, and the manual winding is markedly stiffer than my other watches, from new. I assume it is a characteristic of the movement.

Thanks all for the replies! Just to be sure, the 60/60 warranty conveys to the next owner, is that correct?

Blade wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 9:39 pm Thanks all for the replies! Just to be sure, the 60/60 warranty conveys to the next owner, is that correct?

Yes; it helps, but is not essential, if you have a copy of the original invoice to be able to quote the dates and order number from when the watch was bought.

Failing that the Warranty Card, credit card style, should suffice.

If you have difficulty with completing CW's website online repair / return forms, simply send an email with the salient details to;-

Repairs@christopherward.co.uk

and work from there.

Guy

I'd echo the comments of other BC owners. The winding isn't buttery smooth, "grainy" is a much better descriptor, but I wouldn't say there was any resistance.

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 9:44 pm

Blade wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 9:39 pm Thanks all for the replies! Just to be sure, the 60/60 warranty conveys to the next owner, is that correct?

Yes; it helps, but is not essential, if you have a copy of the original invoice to be able to quote the dates and order number from when the watch was bought.

Failing that the Warranty Card, credit card style, should suffice.

If you have difficulty with completing CW's website online repair / return forms, simply send an email with the salient details to;-

Repairs@christopherward.co.uk

and work from there.

Guy

Thank you, Guy…. I did not receive the original invoice, but I do have the warranty card. I will give it some more wrist time, and see how it feels. I just very spoiled by the ease and smoothness of the C63 Sealander GMT winding with minimal resistance and smoothness… perhaps it a matter of expectations.

^^^Keep in mind that they are different movements. The 330 that is in the GMT is a better movement than the standard 200 that is in the Bel Canto.

^^^ Aye, there’s the rub…