The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

kcranmer · Post by **kcranmer** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 2:44 am

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: ↑Sun Nov 03, 2024 10:57 pm
I've had an Azzuro Blue LE with the 'standard' hands and found the legibility perfectly acceptable.

When you received yours and found, for you, that the legibility was compromised, did you not have the option under CW's 60/60 to return it for a refund?

I don't believe that "CW got a lot of push back on this and "fixed it" with Act II" the Classic is a very different style of watch and, to my mind will appeal to a different demographic than original Bel Canto buyers. Personally, I'm perfectly content with the original and quite fancy the idea of getting a recently introduced Dragonfly dial version, but a Classic is not for me.

As you've found out, and has been covered several times already in the topic / thread, CW will not entertain any individual customisation for any of their watches. A similar remit to the likes of Omega, Tudor, Breitling et al no doubt.

Are you alone with this? Most likely not, but that's not going to change anything.

Finally, compatibility of hands? They may well be, but the only way you will find out for sure is to buy a Classic and find an independent watchmaker to try and execute a swap with your current one. For clarity CW will not supply spare parts to any third party.

Hope this helps,

Guy

Honestly not very helpful at all.

Sorry I'm not as decisive as you and can make that ultimate determination in 60 days that I didn't want it since I waited so long for the watch and really wanted to give it a chance. AND if I had known via my crystal ball CW would fix the issue of not seeing the hands with a redo than I would have returned it and bought the better version when they fixed it.

Mike France quote "This is perhaps the watch I wish we’d made first" Don't think for a second the hard to distinguish hands were not a part of that wish.

Come on man, "a VERY different style of watch"....really?? Adding a new finish to the dial and roman numerals on a strap doesn't make it very different at all. It makes it different.

And did you really suggest I drop another $4G + to try and get the hands swapped?? I don't have a spare$4G laying around unfortunately.

The point is, CW should own up that they screwed up and allow people who bought the first go around Bel Canto the option to get the hands replaced (if the indeed can be swapped) on their own dime. I don't care if it devalues the watch. I buy watches to wear, not for an investment. I always value a company based on their customer service. I really didn't think I was being unreasonable with the ask honestly.

Your entitled to your opinion but be realistic and don't be so CW ride or die. Everybody makes mistakes. But to not own up to it and not even attempt to work with their customer is just wrong. It's not my first CW but sadly, is probably my last. And that just fine.

tikkathree · Post by **tikkathree** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:59 am

JAFO wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2024 8:40 pm
nbg wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2024 8:26 pm Yep the supply chain and use of a femto laser were the important parts!

Gives folk the opportunity to explain that their dial was produced by the same type of laser that is often used for corrective eye surgery.

I have already used that line when discussing the release with a few friends.

Neil
My wife has a detaching retina which was spot welded back in place. Is that the one you mean?

Me too!

I've looked up FEMTO:

femto-
combining form
: "one quadrillionth (10−15) part of"
so femtosecond for example.

From Danish or Norwegian femten fifteen, from Old Norse fimmtān; akin to Old English fīftēne fifteen.

nbg · Post by **nbg** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 9:02 am

kcranmer wrote: ↑Sun Nov 03, 2024 10:33 pm Here's my problem and maybe I'm alone here. I have the original (waited over a year for it), I knew it might be a little harder to tell the time with it, but I find it near impossible due to the hands just blending into its surroundings. The way I see it, CW got a lot of push back on this and "fixed it" with Act II. That's great but where does that leave us? Why I'm annoyed? I contacted customer service asking if I could send in my Bel Canto to have the hands swapped with the blue ones at my cost and basically was told sorry Charlie, that's how it came, and you're stuck with it. Honestly, I can't wear the watch because, imagine this, I wear a watch to tell the time. I get that I took the chance when I bought it, but I think they should give us the opportunity to update the hands so we can't actually use it.

Listen, if I'm alone hear I'll go away quietly, but does anyone else feel the same way?

Are the hands different on Act II that they actually can't be used on the original dial?

I have the original Azzurro LE that I waited a couple of months for.

I certainly don’t have 20:20 vision.

I have no difficulty telling the time whilst wearing it. But equally it was obvious from looking at renders of the watch before I bought it, that it was unlikely to be my most legible watch.

I also like the new classic version and think it is sufficiently different to the original that at some stage I might buy one. I would likely end up keeping the original on the bracelet and wearing the classic on the strap.

Neil

timepieces_and_bags · Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:23 am

kcranmer wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 2:44 am
Come on man, "a VERY different style of watch"....really?? Adding a new finish to the dial and roman numerals on a strap doesn't make it very different at all. It makes it different.

One can get caught up on semantics here a little, but in my humble opinion I do think the watch is very different to the original despite the small number of changes. At the very least I agree with the point I think Guy was originally trying to make that the look of the watch is appealing in a different way to the original BC and will appeal to a different demographic. Watching or reading numerous watch reviewers on YouTube and other well-known watch review websites will also attest to this. Compare this to Rolex whose replacement of the GMT-II bezel with a black and grey was "revolutionary" for them...

kcranmer wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 2:44 am
The point is, CW should own up that they screwed up and allow people who bought the first go around Bel Canto the option to get the hands replaced (if the indeed can be swapped) on their own dime. I don't care if it devalues the watch. I buy watches to wear, not for an investment. I always value a company based on their customer service. I really didn't think I was being unreasonable with the ask honestly.

Respectfully I would have to disagree (and while I appreciate CW as a brand, by no means would I classify myself as "ride or die"). So you bought a watch from a retailer, don't like a feature of it, but as a result the company has "screwed up" and should allow personal customization of that watch? Bearing in mind you also noted in a previous post you knew in advance that legibility might be a concern but chose to buy the watch anyway.

For me this is like the Lange 1815. I love the look of this watch. Absolutely everything about it, but for one thing: I'm not the biggest fan of numerals cut off by sub-dials and would rather they simply weren't there. I'm aware of this in advance but might buy it anyway. But by your logic if I bought this watch and felt that I couldn't live with the cut-off 6, this is A Lange's fault and they should offer me the option of creating a personally customized, one-of-a-kind piece in the name of customer service? In my mind it's totally unrealistic.

Picture of a beautiful watch below to try and lighten the mood a little...

All the best,
TB

timepieces_and_bags · Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:30 am

nbg wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 9:02 am
I also like the new classic version and think it is sufficiently different to the original that at some stage I might buy one. I would likely end up keeping the original on the bracelet and wearing the classic on the strap.

Neil

100% in the same boat as you Neil. Last night I decided it's definitely between the blue or silver. I think.

asqwerth · Post by **asqwerth** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:51 am

timepieces_and_bags wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:23 am
....
For me this is like the Lange 1815. I love the look of this watch. Absolutely everything about it, but for one thing: I'm not the biggest fan of numerals cut off by sub-dials and would rather they simply weren't there. I'm aware of this in advance but might buy it anyway. But by your logic if I bought this watch and felt that I couldn't live with the cut-off 6, this is A Lange's fault and they should offer me the option of creating a personally customized, one-of-a-kind piece in the name of customer service? In my mind it's totally unrealistic.

.....

Another example would be if there was a new version of the Lange 1815 with a dial that did not have cut-off 6 (assume the same size etc), and you wanted them to switch the dial for free.

I think it is often the case that a version 2 of a product has some improvements or changes [that may or may not be purely/mainly aesthetic] from version 1. I cannot imagine it is an accepted and reasonable practice for consumers of version 1 to expect the manufacturer to agree to swap in the changed parts from version 2 into their original purchase for free. Maybe some rare makers are willing, but I doubt it happens often.

I have a first generation Twelve 36 (Ti). The bracelet does not have the new micro-adjustment mechanism that is now available on new Twelve 36 Ti. I do not think it would be reasonable for me to demand that CW replace my bracelet with the new one for free.

timepieces_and_bags · Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:08 am

asqwerth wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:51 am
… if there was a new version of the Lange 1815 with a dial that did not have cut-off 6…

One can dream…!

timepieces_and_bags · Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:36 am

A little side note but I did notice that the Bel Canto Classic has the GPHG 2023 Petite Aiguille winner recognition on the CW website.

I must admit I was a little surprised a new model still benefits from the prize winner recognition from last year. Ok it’s fundamentally the same concept but the new Bel Canto is (very?) different from the original which won the award.

Any thoughts?

nbg · Post by **nbg** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 1:46 pm

timepieces_and_bags wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:36 am A little side note but I did notice that the Bel Canto Classic has the GPHG 2023 Petite Aiguille winner recognition on the CW website.

I must admit I was a little surprised a new model still benefits from the prize winner recognition from last year. Ok it’s fundamentally the same concept but the new Bel Canto is (very?) different from the original which won the award.

Any thoughts?

Rather a stretch in my view!

The watch that won was specifically the Azzurro LE. Not a sky blue pink one, certainly not a revised design with different style of dial and handset.

I would just about give them a pass by sticking GPHG alongside other colours of the original, even though those weren’t the actual colour that won.

But the classic? No.

Neil

HAYQ · Post by **HAYQ** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 2:13 pm

A closer look at the silver model. This version truly looks like an old school classical watch, especially on a strap. I was afraid silver on silver would make all the details of the watch to wash out, but it doesn`t. You get lots of textures here and it looks amazing. Love the blue hands. This is maybe the most elegant and classic looking of all the colours followed by the gold version.

chif123 · Post by **chif123** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 10:52 pm

That precise configuration looks like it might be the winning formula for me

HAYQ wrote: ↑Sat Nov 09, 2024 2:13 pm

A closer look at the silver model. This version truly looks like an old school classical watch, especially on a strap. I was afraid silver on silver would make all the details of the watch to wash out, but it doesn`t. You get look of textures here and this looks just amazing. Love the blue hands. This is maybe the most elegant and classic looking of all the colours followed by the gold version.

timepieces_and_bags · Post by **timepieces_and_bags** » Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:37 pm

I’m personally still being very indecisive over the Bel Canto Classic. Why?

- Can’t decide on color. On balance I think I agree the silver is the way to go, but I’m still tempted by the blue. I’ve ruled out the green and gold. But I can’t decide if the blue features with the silver dial stand out enough. I suspect it’s simply light-dependent.
- The 41mm size is great for me in the ‘original’ but I’m wondering whether it’s too big for the dressier style of the BCC.
- In an attempt to try and make up my mind on point 2, I put my Nero onto the Vacona leather strap earlier and it just didn’t feel right. I’ve had the Nero on the Bader bracelet for all but the first few days of ownership and I don’t think I’d go back to the leather. I’m not sure I really like the leather itself and the strap doesn’t feel elegant enough. Maybe this is fixed with the new strap which (if I recall correctly) tapers from 22mm to 16mm, while the Vacona only tapers to 20mm I believe.

I’m not usually this indecisive over watch buying decisions so maybe that says a lot too…

Post by **Bahnstormer_vRS** » Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:54 pm

^^^^ Maybe this photo of the two different styles of Bel Canto will be of some help, t-and-b.

What I will suggest is the way the guilloche dial reflects light is amazing.

Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S23 Ultra using Tapatalk

HAYQ · Post by **HAYQ** » Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:59 pm

timepieces_and_bags wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:37 pm I’m personally still being very indecisive over the Bel Canto Classic. Why?

- Can’t decide on color. On balance I think I agree the silver is the way to go, but I’m still tempted by the blue. I’ve ruled out the green and gold. But I can’t decide if the blue features with the silver dial stand out enough. I suspect it’s simply light-dependent.
- The 41mm size is great for me in the ‘original’ but I’m wondering whether it’s too big for the dressier style of the BCC.
- In an attempt to try and make up my mind on point 2, I put my Nero onto the Vacona leather strap earlier and it just didn’t feel right. I’ve had the Nero on the Bader bracelet for all but the first few days of ownership and I don’t think I’d go back to the leather. I’m not sure I really like the leather itself and the strap doesn’t feel elegant enough. Maybe this is fixed with the new strap which (if I recall correctly) tapers from 22mm to 16mm, while the Vacona only tapers to 20mm I believe.

I’m not usually this indecisive over watch buying decisions so maybe that says a lot too…

If you liked the original blue, you’ll probably love this updated version—it’s the same but refined, in my opinion. Some people might say this watch is too thick for a dress watch, but I think that’s all subjective. After all, you often see celebrities at high-end events dressed in formal wear wearing extremely expensive watches that look, frankly, like a chunky kid’s toy wrapped around the wrist. Despite how outrageous they may look, people admire them for their exclusivity or in my opinion mainly for the insane price.

Compared to those, this watch comes across as an elegant masterpiece. Trends in watch sizes come and go, shifting from ultra-thin to bolder, thicker designs. So it’s possible that what seems out of place now could be the next trend down the line. Plus, the thickness is kind of necessary for this watch to house all the striking 3D effects inside, something that wouldn't be possible in an ultra-thin profile like you might find with brands like Cartier. This piece feels modern, sculptural, and avant-garde, rather than a classic thin dress watch.

I do wish the blue and green models came with black hands, and the gold one with blue hands, but overall, I think the silver model is the best. It’s a bit more understated and gives a refined, more luxurious and mature vibe—just the look I’m going for. I’m thinking I’ll pick that one up after the New Year. I just need to see few more photos and videos, preferably with the other colours (gold especially) next to each other. to finally make up my mind (the downside of just online shopping option).

timepieces_and_bags · Sun Nov 10, 2024 10:42 pm

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:54 pm ^^^^ Maybe this photo of the two different styles of Bel Canto will be of some help, t-and-b.

What I will suggest is the way the guilloche dial reflects light is amazing.

Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S23 Ultra using Tapatalk

Thanks Guy. Very good to see them side-by-side.

It’s interesting that while Mike and Will clearly have a preference for the strap on both the original and Classic (I recall a funny moment about a taste for leather on the preview…), more often than not the watches available for view/preview seem to be on the bracelet.

Christopher Ward Forum

Christopher Ward Forum

The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Re: The C1 Bel Canto Classic is now available!

Independently Operated Forum for CW Enthusiasts