Introduction
Few watches have transformed perceptions of a brand quite as dramatically as the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto. Its defining complication is wonderfully simple in concept: at the top of every hour, a hammer strikes a gong to produce a single audible note, the traditional sonnerie au passage. The Bel Canto's combination of mechanical ingenuity, theatrical presentation and relative accessibility earned it the Petite Aiguille Prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, making Christopher Ward the first British watch brand to receive a GPHG award.
This exceptionally limited 2024 edition was created with The Horologicals and produced in just 30 pieces. Built around the theme "Time is Precious", it combines a textured black display with contrasting yellow-gold-coloured elements, while the case back carries an Aztec-inspired Xochitl flower motif representing youth, love and beauty and reinforcing the edition's meditation on the fleeting nature of time. The present watch is a like new example of this small series and an unusually scarce interpretation of the model that changed Christopher Ward's standing within contemporary watchmaking.
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Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, booklet and original receipt
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Christopher Ward
Dimensions
41mm
Model
C1 Bel Canto x The Horologicals
Movement
Automatic Sellita SW200-1 with FS01 chiming module
Reference
C1
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2024
Condition
Like new
Material
Grade 5 titanium
Included
Box, booklet and original receipt
Dial Color
Black with yellow-gold-coloured accents
THE DIAL
The Horologicals edition gives the Bel Canto's distinctive architecture a dramatic black-and-gold treatment. A textured black gradient-finish base provides the backdrop for the exposed chiming mechanism, while the contrasting yellow-gold-coloured time display and hands reinforce the edition's "Time is Precious" theme. The signature bird-like arrangement of hammer, gong and bridges remains the visual centrepiece.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 41mm Light-catcher case is manufactured from lightweight Grade 5 titanium, chosen in part for the material's ability to help transmit the sound of the striking mechanism. Particular to this 30-piece edition is the case-back decoration incorporating an Aztec-inspired Xochitl flower motif and the "Time is Precious" message that provides the conceptual foundation for the collaboration.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall like-new condition. The case shows only light signs of wear or handling. Comes with box, booklet and purchase receipt.
Our Perspective
The Bel Canto is already an important watch in Christopher Ward's history, but editions such as this demonstrate how effectively its unusual architecture lends itself to more individual interpretations. Limited to only 30 pieces, the Horologicals edition adds a coherent concept and distinctive black-and-gold aesthetic without distracting from the mechanism that made the original so compelling. As number 01 of 30, this example has an additional appeal within an already exceptionally small production run.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
