Okay, so I’ve been eyeing the Christopher Ward Bel Canto for a while now. It’s just… different. That chiming complication, at that price point? It seemed too good to be true, so I finally decided to take the plunge and see what it’s all about.
First, I spent ages on their website. Just looking at all the different color options. They’ve got a bunch, but I was leaning towards the blue or the green. I watched a ton of YouTube reviews, trying to get a feel for the size and how it wears on the wrist. It’s 41mm, which is usually a good size for me, but the integrated bracelet made me a little nervous.
I finally pulled the trigger on the blue one. I just couldn’t resist that dial. The ordering process was smooth, nothing to complain about there. Shipping took a little longer than I expected, but hey, international shipping, what can you do?
Unboxing Time!
When it finally arrived, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. The packaging was pretty nice, felt premium. And then, there it was. The watch itself. Honestly, pictures don’t do it justice. The dial is mesmerizing, with all those layers and textures. And the way the light catches the polished indices… wow.
I immediately put it on my wrist. The bracelet was surprisingly comfortable. I had to remove a couple of links, which was easy enough with the included tool. The integrated design really works, it hugs the wrist nicely.
The Chime!
Of course, the main event is the chime. You activate it by pressing the pusher at 2 o’clock. And then, on the hour, every hour, it lets out this single, clear “ding!”. It’s not super loud, but it’s definitely noticeable. It’s just… cool. It’s a little piece of mechanical magic on your wrist.
I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and I’m still in love. I find myself just staring at the dial, admiring the craftsmanship. And that hourly chime? It always brings a smile to my face. It’s a conversation starter, too. People are always curious about it.
The Downsides?
- The power reserve is only 38 hours. that means that you should wear it everyday.
- The price. Although the price is not expensive as other brands.
Overall though, I’m incredibly happy with my Bel Canto. It’s a unique, beautifully made watch with a complication that’s just plain fun. If you’re looking for something different, something that stands out from the crowd, I’d definitely recommend checking it out.