If you were to ask watch enthusiasts about the most stunningly affordable timepieces featuring unique hour complications, the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto would undoubtedly top the list. Joining it in the spotlight is the MeisterSinger Bell Hora, another timepiece lauded for its exceptional craftsmanship. Introduced in late 2022, the C1 Bel Canto gained immediate attention for its extraordinary design and high-horology features—all at an impressive price point. Now, we're thrilled to unveil its exciting evolution: the C1 Bel Canto Classic.

The C1 Bel Canto Classic maintains the elegant 41mm diameter and 48mm lug-to-lug structure of its predecessor, constructed from lightweight grade 5 titanium. Its refined case showcases a mix of brushed finishes and polished chamfers that add a sophisticated touch, including sleek accents around the signed crown and the pusher used to activate the chiming mechanism. While it retains a water resistance rating of 30 meters, the Classic version introduces a striking new glassbox sapphire crystal, which prominently displays an updated dial adorned with a laser-etched guilloche pattern available in delightful shades of blue, gold, green, and silver.

A significant shift can be seen in the redesigned time dial, which now features a beautifully circular-brushed finish and bold Roman numerals, replacing the previous baton indices. The minutes track has also been polished; a delicate, stepped outer ring with dot markers ensures effortless readability. The hour and minute hands mirror the spirit of design but have been tailored to fit each dial color, with black hands for the gold version, silver-toned for the blue and green, and striking blue for the silver. An additional colorful highlight on the dials is the on/off indicator for the "sonnerie au passage" function—marked in red on the blue and green dials, while harmoniously matching the handset color on the silver and gold versions.

One of the most captivating features is the chiming mechanism, which remains unchanged and is elegantly displayed on the dial. This contrasts beautifully against the high level of hand-bevelling and meticulous finishing, rendering the watch a classic icon compared to its more modern predecessor. Notably, the dial cleverly forgoes the Christopher Ward logo, showcasing the brand's confidence in this distinctive timepiece.

Inside the C1 Bel Canto Classic beats the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, offering a solid 38-hour power reserve. This movement is paired with an FS01 striking hour module, a remarkable adaptation developed by Frank Stelzer—a name also behind the MeisterSinger Bell Hora, reinforcing that Geographical distinction of aesthetic and functionality among chiming watches.

To complete its aesthetic, the C1 Bel Canto Classic arrives with a choice of luxurious Seta leather straps, gracefully tapering from 22mm to 16mm, or an exquisite Grade 2 titanium bracelet equipped with quick-release end links and on-the-fly micro-adjustment for the perfect fit. With a price tag of EUR 4,450 for the leather strap version and EUR 4,885 for the titanium bracelet, the C1 Bel Canto Classic stands out as a phenomenal value for such sophisticated horological craftsmanship.

With its striking elegance and unique features, the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Classic isn't just a watch; it's a statement piece for any serious watch collector and an incredible find for those entering the world of high-end timepieces. Get ready to elevate your collection!