The Watch That Changed A Brand Forever - Bel Canto!

[@valientdiscretion]

I have a beautiful purple Bel Canto, absolutely loved it, wore it for a couple of days and then thought - what have I done? I'm 3K poorer and I can't read the tiny time from it, and I can't hear the chime most of the time as it's so quiet. Put it away for a month, then relaxed and put this thing of beauty on my wrist and I'm finally enjoying it.

[@Discoworx]

It's hard to get in the swing of things with a new watch for some reason.

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

I will gladly take it off your hands!

[@palmab]

The review I needed to hear!

[@timfromonline]

It's worth mentioning that the chiming mechanism is meant to look like a bird. The hammer is the tail and the chiming indicator is the beak. Some people don't see it right away! I have the salmon dial and I love it.

[@yodajenkins808]

Yesterday at the grocery store, the lady next to me in the queue commented on how beautiful my watch was. I was wearing my salmon (rose) dial Bel Canto. She wanted to know what it was, so I told her it's a Christopher Ward, and she googled it right there with enthusiasm. 😊

[@dominicrusho]

BEL CANTO = MILF MAGNET CONFIRMED

[@ciresolstice]

Cool story.

[@DouglasRosser]

I have no desire to own a Bel Canto but I agree with you 100%

[@joelopic]

CW is doing some beautiful work but as a divers fan. Their new titanium Lumiere is irresistible and gonna be a big hit for them as well.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Big prediction! Which colour did you order?

[@zillsburyy1]

when is the san martin version lol

[@chair5728]

I can’t wait

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

I'm 100% down for that! I'll take mine in aventurine or purple sunburst (just like the CW version)!

[@P_Ezi]

Huh, huh, hoe, where is Mr Pagani?!

[@LegendX2010]

Ya know... I wouldn't put it past them to try. Maybe even pull something off.

[@steve10]

They will probably do it better for £250

[@bogrot69]

I watched Marc Frankel's video after he received his Bel Canto as well. It really is a thing of beauty. The red version is gorgeous!

[@elmoelms2743]

I own a couple of cw watches but only at the entry level. They are very well made and great value. This one is definitely out of my buying range but I’m not too disappointed. Never the less it’s a great looking watch. Excellent review Jody

[@limirl]

I got to hold one at the SF windup watch fair and I was blown away by it. Prior I had thought the Bel Canto was bit of a gimmick but up close it was beautiful.

[@marksaxby607]

It is, but all that makes it is a beautiful gimmick

[@mell3109]

In the world where most watches are separated by different hands, bezel or colour of the dial the Bell Canto is a breath of fresh air. I have the light blue on a white rubber strap and I love it

[@ikakau]

I also ordered the “Red One” and look forward to receiving it.

[@AntCar-z4s]

I have. C60 Trident and a C1 Moonphase. CW is knocking it out of the park. Innovative and affordable. Great combination.

[@turbyoulance]

Their logo is the swiss and UK flags aside each other. I felli n love with this watch and if someone wanted to make this their Grail watch it would fill that spot nicely. I also liked the sealander series especially the Mulberry dial . The Andrew Morgan Red version would be my choice as well on the Bel Canto, although the emerald Green and the Purple variant's are almost as appealing as the Red version.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

It looks like nothing else out there! And the chime is lovely. As is that light blue variant... Can't wait to see someone wearing one!

[@ticker2140]

Definitely one for the afficionadoes. £3k for a chime! It's the Casio for me:)

[@JoeGiz64]

Not only a chime..mechanical chime.

[@DukeDurrango]

Solid and fair review. I received my bel canto Nero about three weeks ago and it’s exquisite. Beautifully crafted, albeit a bit hard to read at some angles. Video and pictures don’t do justice to the polished beveled edges and the polish on the gong. It’s a great piece, especially at the price point.

[@willelliott5052]

Thank you for your refreshing candor when describing this watch. I agree that the chime is underwhelming. I never hear it unless I am listening for it. I agree that the dial is not easily legible. They could have made a greater contrast between the hands and the bridge. Also, the bracelet adjustment is unreasonably difficult to operate on mine.

[@johnmarshall8522]

I also have a red Bel Canto on order, can’t wait!

[@grumpyoldman2380]

Give me the Casio and the cash difference.

[@SampleTracks2224]

A cheap Casio is certainly an amazing watch that's really interesting and different that everyone will be curious to see

[@Newerasamearea]

Such a good review in terms of distinctively useful insight

[@chrisjackson376]

I love the C60 Trident, this watch got me into CW, I own a C60 Sapphire, I just love the watches.

[@CT-wq1je]

Interesting. Well done on CW for making it. As a fan of titanium watches I should like it but I do actually like to be able to tell the time with my watch. I'd only buy this if I could afford to spend this much on a watch to wear as art or for fun with another one to tell the time (Arnie style). I'd also never use the bell so I'd rather get one of their other models. Be fascinated to see how long it stays in your collection. Good honest review.

[@bagpiper]

It is a neat and quirky piece but there are others in the CW catalog I'd much prefer.

[@Zanpaa]

It's very much CW flexing, and a halo product. Even if you don't want one, it's a very big statement from a brand to make their own chiming watch, something only very few brands do.

[@Great-Scott]

I tried one of these on at Intersect in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. There's definitely a mystique around this watch and it is becoming a bit of a legend in the microbrand watch world, if not the greater watch world. I forgot it was titanium and was surprised how light it is. I was also surprised how wide it was and I knew then I would likely not pull the trigger on one anytime soon because of it. I suppose form truly followed function. I think the red one is the way to go and I'm quite fond of the purple. I did almost pull the trigger on the Andrew Morgan Edition when it first was introduced but I do not quite love it that much. Anyway, my anticipation to try on the Belcanto was at 9.9 but when I left the CW booth my excitement was about a 7. By the way, there were a good number of people in attendance in a nice sized room and I couldn't hear the darn chime. May have been 7.5 if so. 😁

[@robortski]

I appreciate the Bel Canto for what it is but I love my Twelve way more.

[@gary2632]

Always liked it, purely for the fact they did something very unexpected. They deserve the recognition in my humble opinion.

[@YoRHa_2E]

It's great and I appreciate what they've created, but it's not something I would buy if I could afford to. I can't help feeling that the novelty of the chime would wear off pretty quickly with me, unfortunately.

[@jeffs5422]

I love how you are on top of the latest watch releases!!!

[@AusMedic89]

ive got 2 CW's, 39mm C63 Sealander and the new C60 GMT. CW is killing it.The new Luminere looks fantastic!

[@MarkDanks-m6r]

Great review Jody. I’m the owner of four CW’s and the one thing that has always drawn me to the brand was their affordability. In the last few years they’ve released a number of more ‘expensive’ models, the Bel Canto included. I just hope that they don’t forget us humble watch ‘appreciators’ and increase prices beyond our grasp. We don’t all have your money Dr. Jody lol 😃😂👍 keep up the good work… oh, and learn to swim!!! 👍

[@huseyinkose5102]

I took delivery of my Viola Bel Canto back in July. It’s a beautiful piece, however something was up with the sapphire lens so I’ve returned it for inspection. Setting aside my gripes around QA for what is a high-end piece for CW, I have to say Customer Services have been brilliant thus far. It won’t put me off recommending the purchase of one, just be aware that you may have some teething troubles.

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

Awesome video as usual! Kudos! Look forward to seeing if you can get your hands on a CW Lumiere!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Just got the confirmation today that they are sending me an orange one! LUME WARS might have to come back.....

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

@@JustOneMoreWatch 💜AWESOME!!!!!! Jodi, you rock !

[@cosmodoc]

@@JustOneMoreWatchLume Wars, yes please!

[@PatrickAnderson-vh7hv]

Not to be blunt or anything, but it reminds me of an Invicta or something. And three grand for a "ding"? To each their own, I guess. If I wanted something mechanical that makes noise (and actually could have some practical use), I'd rather get a Vulcain Cricket or something. But that's the beauty of this hobby, we're all different.

[@edmonguy]

lol, I'll take the Casio for the ding, and be extra happy because I'll be able to see the time. 🤣

[@08ryanalollipop]

If i could afford it I 100% would have bought the AMW edition. I hesitated to get one but came to my senses.

[@adk7962]

I think it’s a super cool watch, and I’m happy for you that you have one coming. As for me though, it’s way outside my price range, and if I were to save up $3,000 for a watch, there are so many others I want before this one. Again, super cool and congrats! (Edit) I got an email stating my Ascent is on its way. I literally let out a gasp of joy! 😅

[@jaredstephenson6468]

I disliked the Bel Canto when I first got into watches but now, I am just so enamored with it-especially in purple and blue. The chime is so charming and it's just such a positive little ray of sunshine, right on your wrist.

[@allyw7405]

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be delighted to be gifted one, but it does makes me appreciate my new bicycle bells for a smidge of the price.

[@scottlauren3145]

I'm not sure if I'm in the minority or the majority but this does nothing for me.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Never heard of it.. Does it have a front side too? Where you can see what time it is?

[@douglascheesman]

I think they really need to put some contrasting color on those hands. As soon as they put “blued hands” or contrasting hands and markers on then I’m buying one

[@tombundgaard]

You are so right!

[@markstanton63]

It's the sort of watch I'd get excited about buying ...... Then hardly ever wear the ting once it was in my possession ..... and I'd struggle to see what time it was. Very pretty though

[@ZzackOblong]

Good review as always Jody, but there's nothing about that watch that i like.

[@bestboy897]

Great and fair review. The chime is a fancy party trick but it's cool and that's what matters

[@WatchWiseUS]

The Liumiere is going to be another watch that will elevate this brand. I cannot wait to see one.

[@johnsoradi]

i don't always agree with watch reviewers. but this watch is beautiful and perfect size. love it.

[@morgan97475]

Love my green Bel Canto. My gripe with it has to do with the grinding sound made when I wind it as well as the crown seemingly "slipping" (or not catching" when adjusting the time. I will be sending it back to CW for a servicing.

[@whichwatch5651]

Hope Jody shows this much love to his wife and kid. The gushing is evident in this one. To be fair, the watch is pretty special. Would like one, but working in an office, I could rarely use the chime.

[@haroldwiser2641]

Cool watch. Love the resonator/tuning fork.

[@stevenbennett3922]

Six months. Try 18 months(they wanted to make sure the finish was correct). I have one. Can you tell the time. Yes, if you concentrate and as you say after dark. Can you hear it when it chimes. Yes, if you are in a quiet environment. Is it a watch you want in your collection. Possibly.

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

I definitely want one. I just don't wanna pay that kinda coin (pronounced kwahn)...

[@fernandoespinosa8055]

CW is a very good watch brand, design and built wise, but I´m not a fan of niether de Bel canto nor the Twelve, love the Sealanders and the Tridents (have one of each) even the Dune, but all this fuzz for Bel and 12, I don´t get it. Greetings from MX.

[@Barbecuejag]

Bel Canto is certainly his not your father's Erebus. 😀 Seriously, as a Bel Canto owner (plus a Moonglow, Blue Marine, and quite a few other Ch Wards) I can attest its the combination of unique and original design, high level finishing, materials used, and the coolness factor that makes Bel Canto an amazing watch!

[@captbumbler5356]

Hi Jody, great review of a interesting watch but I haave a Sekoda that will chime and it did not cost this much been in my box for over twenty years.

[@Jardker]

I need a Lume Wars…. Bad!!! I know there has been a winner declared from previous episodes but 80% of my watch buying is based on lume performance so seeing how models stack up was really nice. All your videos are great and I’m appreciative of any content you put out but Lume Wars is the best!

[@czguy3045]

I'm never really sure what I think about watches like this. On one hand, I want to be somewhere between offput and disgusted but I'm also slightly intrigued. DEFINITELY not enough to buy one instead of a Tudor or Omega, and that's not a slight against Ward. I have a Ward and it is super impressive in every category other than lume. Great video. Definitely shows off the watch.

[@johnsrabe]

Jody, thank you very much for the fun video! Re the watch… I don’t care at all about the packaging; I’d rather they put the money in the watch. The bracelet definitely needs work. It wouldn’t be that much more to give it a nicer bracelet with a less utilitarian clasp. I frankly think the Erebus bracelets look better, and so do some of Marc’s aftermarkets. And lastly, regarding the ding. It’s underwhelming. Maybe I’m an ignoramus, but would it have been that much more difficult to, say, give us two dings on the hour, and one and a half hour, or dings on the quarter hour and two at the top of the hour? I also think the ding is a bit bland. I’d like more brightness. Maybe it’s time for me to get a nice vintage Seiko Bell-Matic.

[@tkindschi]

I just have a feeling that after about 6 hours....I'd end up turning off the "ding" because it annoyed me. Kind of takes the shine off the thing at that point.....

[@Ian-dd5dm]

Great review of a popular watch, I love watches, I love what CW do and I guess this is very clever. However I don't really get this, I thought it would be decisive but it seems very popular with everyone, you can never second guess watch lovers.

[@MrLaponek]

Great review:) Just one thing, the bracelet is grade 2 titanium, not grade 5.

[@IanHutchison]

I really love my CW Malvern 595! Picked it up for half price on sale brand new from CW 😁

[@ulig12]

Fair review, maybe the best I’ve seen so far on the Bel Canto! I don’t like the general direction CW is taking starting with this show-off piece. The resulting price increases affecting their “normal” models for mere mortals unfortunately did not translate into better specs or quality after all. For the extra cash they are still good, but not better than 3 years ago. The days are over where one could recommend CW for their value proposition.

[@Spectrecontrol]

I think I'll add this to my list next to the Vulcain Cricket, I'm a sucker for that 'ding!'

[@AvaToccoRodriguez]

I dunno, there’s something about having two or more Casios chime In unison. There’s something special about that to me.

[@brysoga]

I’ve got the purple one and I’m waiting for my blue wave dial version to get made and sent.

[@fattmatt200]

Invicta had a minute repeater in their range until recently. For a third of the price citizen has a handsome repeater.

[@Zanpaa]

A quartz repeater isn't quite the same!

[@SampleTracks2224]

So does a £9 Casio. It doesn't count if it has an IC.

[@2manysigns]

That red is going to be great .

[@D3ZG1978]

Beautiful watch!

[@27madnoor]

Xaxa you are the harsh truth teller , and for that I admire you )

[@markmahood3093]

What an epic watch. Red would be my choice as well.

[@michaeloneil3653]

Love it! Sometimes you don't pay for the value you pay for the fun. Can you get the new Lumiere full review? That looks wild

[@MrRadush]

Hey Jody, have you heard of the williamwoodwatches mate? Defo worth to check them out! Cheers!🤩

[@toxicdad3896]

I love their moon phases too!! I see you double wristing to Jodie 👌

[@marksaxby607]

Absolutely agree about them swimming with bigger fish these days. I have had a few CWs in the past, but only a Makira remains, but for an ETA 2824 powered, Swiss made watch of really nice quality the £275 I paid (new, albeit in a 50% off sale of old) was stupidly cheap. The fact that, 9 years after I bought it, it still run 0 spd on my timegrapher is even more testimony to the value of the older models, even if the latest ones are a bit nicer still. I'm in the "yes, it's very clever and nicely made, but all it does is go 'ping'" camp on the Bel Canto - I admire it, but I don't want one.

[@andrewd7586]

I’m not adding anything that hasn’t already been said Jody but yep it’s absolutely stunning! An aside mate. I received my Erebus Ascent with malachite dial & wearing it now! Pro not as stunning as the Abel Canto, but a tad cheaper!🤤🥰🤣

[@Dunkelheit_Schwarz]

To me it's not only about the chime, it's that they also look super cool

[@davidc5191]

I ordered the red one too before the deadline and am also awaiting delivery.

[@MrManiaMan]

I just ordered the violet. Would ha e ordered red if available.

[@stephenglennan9963]

My CW BC did not chime automatically on the hour. It would chime if I hit the four o'clock button or move the hour hand to the hour. I explained this to the CW tech when I sent the BC back. I was informed politely thtat there was nothing wrong that the technicians could find and they sent the watch back to me. When I received the watch back, the same problem persisted. I emailed CW back and said that the problem persisted and I would like the to exchange it for another BC, and if that was not possible to refund my money. I just received an email from CW that they were refunding my money. I am very disappointed but I may order the 2025 CW BC that is being upgraded. However, as you said the price will go up.

[@randynovick7972]

I love it from the mechanical appreciation standpoint, but I just don't care for how it looks and I don't really want a watch that makes noises. It's nice, but I don't want one... and I've got eight CW watches.

[@DekkerExpat]

No mention on the bird of the dial? Can't unseen it once you know!

[@kl9794]

If I ever get my hands on a Bel Canto, here’s how I’d justify it: The CW Bel Canto is like a baby grand piano and the Casio? Well, that’s your trusty digital keyboard. Sure, both play music, but one has that extra sprinkle of elegance and sophistication. 😁🎶🎹

[@slaphead2965]

That's a lotta money for a 'Ping.'🎶 ...good review though 👍🙂🇬🇧

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Aquitaine GMT next! My personal favorite.

[@robertj9978]

stupid question, but can it be set accurately without second hand? or is it more or less accurate time to play the sound?

[@timfit33]

Personally, i don't understand what all the fuss is about. If i had 3 grand to spend on a watch, there are many, many others i would choose over this. However, difference in opinion and tastes is what makes things so interesting. Each their own, and all that.

[@verykeen2please]

CW are the best value for interesting watches and the quality is top notch

[@stevespell9634]

You know I just don’t like that watch, AMW and You are my fav channels and you both adore this. Me I just don’t get it. It’s pretty much the only watch the AM recommends that I wouldn’t buy had I won the lottery. It’s a no from me. Here in Scotland I would probably get laughed at with that little bell sound. Wtf is that ya bawbag with your wee ping, Fanny. I can hear it now!

[@chrisdavis8399]

Think I’ll put that Swiss made value towards my mortgage payments…

[@craig2100]

Beautiful timepiece. It may seem pricey, but bring a comparison at the price point... you can't

[@Tyrone2714]

theyve had some pretty consistent wins with this, then the twelve, and recently the lumiere

[@andrewe.8321]

It’s super cool. Not for me, but super cool.

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Sorry - but 4K for a curiosity is something where I pass… CW has never been on my list and this watch will not change it!

[@caramel109]

I mentioned on another forum that the Bel Canto is CW's horological flex moment, and will be their high tide that lifts the whole company. Definitely not my thing but I certainly applaud them for doing something a bit different.

[@watchnutz4322]

It’s a fabulous watch. I have a 2018 C63 gmt and recent Trident 300. Both lovely watches. I have to agree with Jody though - they seem to want to move away from that ethos of affordable luxury Swiss watches that they made so much of in their earlier advertising. What’s next available in retail outlets I guess, obvious next move and prices will go further north! That would be a shame. I hope they don’t, I hope they stick to their roots and whilst these recent models are fun and exciting I hope they keep some affordable watches in the range.

[@the5th2000]

A lot of PhD grade vocab and turns of phrase in today's vid. I dig it

[@michaelwalters2390]

Isn’t the bracelet grade 2 not grade 5 titanium? I love the watch but have been slightly put off by the scratch resistance. My friend has the watch and the bracelet is already marked quite significantly

[@r.drizzle7257]

You could easily get a strap version

[@parrotheaddanny]

you wear the most interesting t-shirts! Where do you buy them?

[@robedmunds7163]

Does little for me, unlike their divers, which I love. Ironically, as I also can't swim😂

[@ailestriker9888]

I think Lobinni would be one of the first to attempt a homage with their use of unusual movements

[@andyguy0610]

WHT? I have always had the belief that the first job of any watch is to easily allow you to tell the time, anything else is a bonus. Some brands go out of their way to do the exact opposite ( E.G. those hideous Richard Mille monstrosities). No doubt the technology of getting the watch to do its party piece is clever but the watch fails on the "telling the time" function, A tiny skeletonised dial that has almost no contrast between the hands and the dial/background! No, I think I will stick with a good diver or G-Shock!

[@darrensmith6999]

My Casio goes Beep Beep (: