Prototype

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dbailey
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Prototype

Post by dbailey »

I’d love to add a one off, one of a kind prototype to my collection. I’ve only ever “taken” by one that I missed out on. What’s the likelihood I’m going to find one? I know they’re few & far between & I also know there’s a prototype sale at some point during the year so would love to pick one up then maybe.
Unless there’s anyone out there that may want to let theirs go I’m guessing that’s my only option?
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jkbarnes
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Re: Prototype

Post by jkbarnes »

There’s no specific prototype sale, so much as there’s just the occasional prototype that shows up in one of the sales events. Given the rarity, it’s anybody’s guess on the odds of picking one up. You might have more luck with a forum member in possession of one selling it on.

When they do show up in the sales you need to act fast. I was lucky enough to spot this Bel Canto prototype early in the sale and jump on it. It’s got a very early version of the bird decoration on it but lacks the actual chime complication. :lol:

34178D01-DB65-4793-88FD-0F1EECA10895.jpeg
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Re: Prototype

Post by JAFO »

jkbarnes wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:21 pm There’s no specific prototype sale, so much as there’s just the occasional prototype that shows up in one of the sales events. Given the rarity, it’s anybody’s guess on the odds of picking one up. You might have more luck with a forum member in possession of one selling it on.

When they do show up in the sales you need to act fast. I was lucky enough to spot this Bel Canto prototype early in the sale and jump on it. It’s got a very early version of the bird decoration on it but lacks the actual chime complication. :lol:


34178D01-DB65-4793-88FD-0F1EECA10895.jpeg
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Re: Prototype

Post by A1soknownas »

jkbarnes wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:21 pm There’s no specific prototype sale, so much as there’s just the occasional prototype that shows up in one of the sales events. Given the rarity, it’s anybody’s guess on the odds of picking one up. You might have more luck with a forum member in possession of one selling it on.

When they do show up in the sales you need to act fast. I was lucky enough to spot this Bel Canto prototype early in the sale and jump on it. It’s got a very early version of the bird decoration on it but lacks the actual chime complication. :lol:
Currently leading the race for forum post of 2023 :lol:. Long way to go but may take some beating...
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Re: Prototype

Post by nbg »

IIRC the last specific prototype sale was in March 2022. I don’t recall when the one prior to that was, although I did attend one many years before. So yes they have happened, albeit not regularly.
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Re: Prototype

Post by dbailey »

jkbarnes wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:21 pm There’s no specific prototype sale, so much as there’s just the occasional prototype that shows up in one of the sales events. Given the rarity, it’s anybody’s guess on the odds of picking one up. You might have more luck with a forum member in possession of one selling it on.

When they do show up in the sales you need to act fast. I was lucky enough to spot this Bel Canto prototype early in the sale and jump on it. It’s got a very early version of the bird decoration on it but lacks the actual chime complication. :lol:

34178D01-DB65-4793-88FD-0F1EECA10895.jpeg
That’s hilarious. Love it, but disappointed it doesn’t “Tweet”. That’s a deal breaker I’m afraid.
D
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Re: Prototype

Post by ajax87 »

dbailey wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:33 pm
jkbarnes wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:21 pm There’s no specific prototype sale, so much as there’s just the occasional prototype that shows up in one of the sales events. Given the rarity, it’s anybody’s guess on the odds of picking one up. You might have more luck with a forum member in possession of one selling it on.

When they do show up in the sales you need to act fast. I was lucky enough to spot this Bel Canto prototype early in the sale and jump on it. It’s got a very early version of the bird decoration on it but lacks the actual chime complication. :lol:

34178D01-DB65-4793-88FD-0F1EECA10895.jpeg
That’s hilarious. Love it, but disappointed it doesn’t “Tweet”. That’s a deal breaker I’m afraid.
D
There are plenty of good choices out there when it comes to watches that make noise.

Here is one worth checking out—> other-brands/the-bel-honko-watch-t59989 ... ko#p936530
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Re: Prototype

Post by jkbarnes »

nbg wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:17 pm IIRC the last specific prototype sale was in March 2022. I don’t recall when the one prior to that was, although I did attend one many years before. So yes they have happened, albeit not regularly.
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I was around for that, too! How did I not remember???
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Re: Prototype

Post by thomcat00 »

dbailey wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 1:48 pm I’d love to add a one off, one of a kind prototype to my collection. I’ve only ever “taken” by one that I missed out on. What’s the likelihood I’m going to find one? I know they’re few & far between & I also know there’s a prototype sale at some point during the year so would love to pick one up then maybe.
Unless there’s anyone out there that may want to let theirs go I’m guessing that’s my only option?
It never hurts to ask directly. Someone may have one you’d like and a prompt may result in your benefit. I’ve enquired with some success.
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Re: Prototype

Post by dbailey »

thomcat00 wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:25 pm
dbailey wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 1:48 pm I’d love to add a one off, one of a kind prototype to my collection. I’ve only ever “taken” by one that I missed out on. What’s the likelihood I’m going to find one? I know they’re few & far between & I also know there’s a prototype sale at some point during the year so would love to pick one up then maybe.
Unless there’s anyone out there that may want to let theirs go I’m guessing that’s my only option?
It never hurts to ask directly. Someone may have one you’d like and a prompt may result in your benefit. I’ve enquired with some success.
Thanks, yes I’m going to do that on the “want to buy” thread once I’ve built up enough posts. Has someone offer me one but it’s not quite right so the post worked to a certain degree.
D
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iain
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Re: Prototype

Post by iain »

While I can see the appeal of owning a unique prototype, I find in many cases there’s often a good reason they remained a one off.

Yes there are some really nice ones out there but to my eyes many seem like lesser versions of the watches that were deemed good enough to make production.
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.
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