Welcome to our luxxee magazine weekly wrap-up, where we bring you fresh news about what's going on in the watch world.
A new look for Christopher Ward - The C1 Bel Canto
Christopher Ward is a brand I’ve followed since getting into the watch-collecting hobby. Known for their dive and sports watches, Christopher Ward watches have been on many collectors' radars due to their quality and price. Over the years, the brand has shown a slight evolution with new complications and features on specific models. However, Christopher Ward blew the doors off absolutely everything with their latest release in the C1 Bel Canto.
“Named after one of the most melodic styles of opera, the watch combines haute horlogerie with a level of finishing usually reserved for the most exclusive – and expensive – Swiss timepieces.” - Christopher Ward
Christopher Ward has created its in-house complications for years and recently has indulged in creating its in-house movements. Examples of their complications include a moon phase, a mono-pusher chronograph and a world timer. The new movement for the C1 Bel Canto is the FS01, a jumping hour with a hammer striking a chime to mark every hour that passes. The features in this watch are the same as those found in minute repeaters, and those often skyrocket to six figures or more.
The dial of the C1 Bel Canto is a work of art. Placed upon an Azzuro Blue plate, the dial features a floating chapter ring, a steel chiming spring, the chime hammer, and the micro-dial supported by two high-polish steel trusses. The new FS01, created by CW’s technical director, Frank Stelzer, adopted the jumping hour function from the existing calibre, the JJ01, adding 60 new components built on a Sellita SW200. These components are housed in a Grade 5 titanium case to ensure the best chime sound possible. I should also mention that the brand has taken a risk by having no branding on the dial, which adds even more elegance. The only hint of branding is the CW logo on the crown.
“Frank and our design team worked tirelessly to refine both the aesthetics and sound of the watch. For example, over 80 different springs and hammers of different materials, lengths and shapes were tested (and rejected) before the sought-after ‘beautiful singing’ chime in the key of D was achieved. In a treat for the eyes, the bridge-and-hammer mechanism on the dial resembles a songbird.” - Christopher Ward
The C1 Bel Canto is one of the most stunning watches I’ve seen in a long time. Christopher Ward has taken a level of intricacy and craftsmanship only seen in the highest end of watch collecting and made it accessible to a broader audience. Watches that resemble works of art charge a pretty penny and are challenging to come by for anyone. The C1 Bel Canto was limited to 300 pieces and has sold out. This beautiful piece retailed for $4,795. That’s a lot of watch for the price, and I’m not surprised it’s already sold out.
Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XVI
It’s that time again, the Geneva Watch Auction hosted by Phillips Auction House. Phillips Auctions are always the best to check out because of the rare and unique timepieces, both vintage and modern timepieces that hit the auction floor. One of the highlights of the even are some exceptionally rare wristwatches by legendary watchmaker, George Daniels.
I decided to scan some of the watches available at this week's auction (November 5th & 6th) and give myself the difficult task of picking my top 5 (starting from “least” favourite to most.)
5. Lot #36 - 1974 Rolex Submariner ref. 5514 COMEX
It’s safe to say that the Submariner is one of the most iconic wristwatches ever created. Hundreds of brands have copied the design, and it’s a timeless classic that will always be at the top of the wristwatch aesthetic ladder.
4. Lot #31 - 1960 Grand Seiko ref. J14070GS - The First Grand Seiko
One of the most subtle watches up for auction, one that made waves in the Swiss watch industry in the 1960s. The Grand Seiko ref. J14070GS represented true Japanese craftsmanship and would be the precursor to Grand Seiko’s dominance in mechanical and quartz wristwatches. This lot's lucky winner will have a beautiful dress watch and a physical piece of horological history.
3. Lot #137 - 2008 DeBethune Dream Watch 1 Prototype
DeBethune is a brand known for creating wild and unique mechanical designs. The Dream Watch 1 is no exception. The launch of the Dream Watch collection opened the doors for DeBethune to go all out, creating stunning and wearable mechanical art. The Dream Watch 1 is a platinum prototype with a 3-dimensional moon phase, power reserve indicator and a blank zirconium “sail” shaped top plate.
2. Lot #198 - 1940 Rolex Chronograph ref. 3330
Reference 3330 is one of the rarest chronographs produced by Rolex and extremely hard to come by. I picked this one for three reasons; it’s a unique Rolex, the patina is gorgeous, and the watch speaks to me in many ways. It’s cool, which is the main reason. The watch is an unusual size for its era at 37mm, making it the perfect fit for any wrist.
1. Lot #102 - 1969 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6241 “Paul Newman”
Before you question my choice, hear me out. The Rolex Daytona is a watch I hold near and dear to my heart because of its history in motorsports. The other reason I picked this watch is the connection to Paul Newman. The Paul Newman Daytona is high atop the watch collecting pedestal in all references, but this version comes in 14k gold with a beautiful champagne dial. Reference 6241 was a limited run of 2000 pieces, while the 14k gold model was limited to just 400, making this a rare version.
The Social Corner - Madrock Watches & Adventure
On today’s Social Corner, I wanted to spotlight a friend, Jamie or @madrock_watches_adventure. A fellow Canadian and a great guy with great taste in watches, Jamie showcases all his watches in his collection through various adventures and landscapes.
The brands you can expect to see on his page are various microbrands, Bell & Ross, Tudor, Seiko, Orient, Zenea and many others. Feel free to check him out!
Thank you for reading luxxee's weekly wrap-up and don't forget to come back next week to see what’s happening in the watch world!
