Reply With QuoteWe were just talking on the forum yesterday about some piece unique Pateks from the latest Talking Watches and now someone pops up with a piece unique McLaren. Incredible.
Bel Canto Phoenix
I am delighted to report that CW have agreed that I can share 1 image of the prototype Phoenix publicly.
Please note that this is a pre-production prototype on loan to me, and is the only watch in existence at present. It is also not accurately representative of the final production watch.
Note that the 99 limited bespoke watches are expected in late Q1 2024. The project actually commenced in December 2022 i.e. that's when I commenced discussions with CW. So we are certainly not queue jumping other Bel Canto customers.
Please don't contact Christopher Ward to request a Phoenix, as these sold out immediately on release, over six months ago.
I also attach a youtube video which appeared today, as it shows me wearing this prototype. Richard, of RichReviews, also wore the same watch for his parts to camera.
https://youtu.be/tY0TXYqGuqw?si=uguHIwrdqP6puNOO
Details of the Bel Canto Phoenix
https://thedriversunion.com/BelCanto.pdf
We were just talking on the forum yesterday about some piece unique Pateks from the latest Talking Watches and now someone pops up with a piece unique McLaren. Incredible.
Just fyi it's inspired by my McLaren.Originally Posted by wileeeeeey
The watch is not McLaren branded in any way, nor are McLaren involved. They only work with Richard Mille for watches.
The car is however a piece unique :)
I could never own a McLaren or a Richard Mille, but that CW could be in reach. And it is a thing of beauty.
I would never want to but I totally agree about the watch, the dial colour is stunning.
Seen another Bel Canto collaboration yesterday. CW are really pumping them out.
Yes. I saw something on the other new release which says they will NOT be delivered before any other Bel Cantos that are already ordered, which is perfectly fair.
I assume some of these LEs were ordered right at the very start, before some of the standard Bel Canto preorders.
That is a beautiful colour.
It seems wrong though that customers are waiting quite so long after putting deposits down to receive watches. Unless they were clearly informed how long the wait would be.
Currently the CW site says June next year
Stunning it might be. Tasteful….? Not for me.
There’s more than a whiff of the Emperor’s new clothes about this. It’s as ugly as flip.
Good watch for Elton John I think.
I thought it was just me.
Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk
It’s an interesting complication at a price no one else can match but it has a face only a mother could love, not helped by (IMO) dubious colour choices. Not just the orange (which is an acquired taste) but the green and blue aren’t great either.
Totally agree, I wouldn’t wear one.
Loved the video of the car, thanks for sharing. Interesting watch too and hopefully you are to be owner of 1/99?
Nivrel have a 5 minute repeater that although most of them now come in at north of 12 - 15k there is a lot of hand finished work done to the movement and in some cases precious metals added. They did have a plain dial one that was around 6k. Both watches are modified movements I know a lot is being made of what CW have done and it is impressive but its nothing really new. It sort of reminds me of when they brought out the mono pusher watch and that got a lot of press until quite few brands like Longines brought out much the same type of watch.
Hideous...
Indeed, it's a lot of watch for the money. But unfortunately all 99 sold out instantly.
Pls see my original post:
"Note that the 99 limited bespoke watches are expected in late Q1 2024. The project actually commenced in December 2022 i.e. that's when I commenced discussions with CW. So we are certainly not queue jumping other Bel Canto customers."
In fact this Bespoke watch fell behind series watch orders. Not ahead of them.
- - - Updated - - -
Yes, everyone with an allocation was told 2024 delivery when they ordered earlier in 2023.
Thank you :)
Yes, I have the allocation of 1/99.
Bel Canto Phoenix
I am pleased to report that CW have agreed that I can share 2 further images of the prototype Phoenix publicly.
Please note that this is a pre-production prototype on loan to me, and is the only watch in existence at present.
Note that the 99 limited bespoke watches are expected in late Q1 2024. The project actually commenced in December 2022 i.e. that's when I commenced discussions with CW. So we are absolutely not queue jumping other Bel Canto customers.
Please don't contact Christopher Ward to request a Phoenix, as these sold out immediately on release, over six months ago.
Those with an allocation will already have received a much more detailed update today.
Last edited by JasH; 19th October 2023 at 22:35.
I like the watch although must admit that I much prefer the first photo, these later ones make the dial appear much darker which doesn't appeal.
that said, this is starting to come across very much as a "look what I'm getting, you can't have one thread". The first photo and the thread in general, very interesting. The latest photos and a comment "CW have allowed me to share these photos" followed by "don't contact CW for one as they're all sold out" I find in poor taste at best.
The McLaren looks lovely but to be honest the first thing that sprang to mind when I saw the watch was one of those early wall mounted amusement arcade games that send a ball bearing spinning round to drop into different areas.
The colour is OK in a Seiko orange kind of way, but + - 20 secs a day, and a 38 hour power reserve, seems a bit low rent.
Mind you, reading all the build up I was expecting the price to be at least 4 or 5 times what it actually was.
I’m sure many people will love it though, watches are very subjective things.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
I was all set to give CW a call when I read here that I shouldn't do that.
Its hard to hide my disappointment, but then I consider my Seiko PADI diver a bit loud and flash.
Back to my simple watches that look like watches and I can tell the time with ease.
This one is likely to get you arrested for wearing a loud watch in a built up area.
Each to there own as they say.
I love the colours (especially in the subsequent photos), I like their willingness to branch out - but I do dislike the tone / messaging (FWIW, I am CW owner).
[OOK, now you mention it, I can see the Bagatelle resemblance.]
Ok, I’m confused. What’s top secret about the same watch you can already order/buy but with an orange dial? and is that a bronze case or just the picture? When posts read like a PR release it puts my teeth a little on edge tbh!
It's truly not the intent.
CW had not permitted images to be shared initially. Then, they allowed 1, then these 2. The reason for saying don't contact CW is because when the watch was originally released early this year, it got leaked, and although it sold out immediately what happened for some days was that CW's phone lines got inundated with calls asking for one. This prevented enquiries for watches that were available from getting through, and was understandably something they did not want. So I was asked to make it clear not to call for one.
I will no longer have the prototype soon anyway as it will go back to CW.
Next year I am sure there will be a hundred owners posting pics of theirs.
It's a lot of watch for the money, given the finishing and design. And of course being a sonnerie au passage.
In practice Bel Cantos are much more accurate than the stated +/-20. Both the prototype and my Azzurro are circa +5. But they will vary of course.
It's Grade 5 Titanium, as all Bel Cantos.
The golden colour is from the light reflecting off the wooden table in the 2 new pics.
To be honest I don't see it as a lot of watch for the money, so we'd have to disagree on that. Which feature is over and above other watches in that price range?
I don't see any plus in the hour repeater business either, can't see a practical use for it to be honest. I think it would just get annoying in the long run.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
As you said in your earlier post watches are subjective.
The watches that I typically wear are watches from a certain brands professional models range. However that is probably because they are practical and are worn as “normal” watches, not because I view them as special. Whilst many are amongst my favourite watches, they are quite boring.
I have ended up wearing my Bel Canto since January far more than I thought I would. It just makes me smile. Unlike the watches that I typically wear, I don’t wear it gardening, swimming, hiking, cooking or doing DIY etc, but to me that doesn’t really matter.
Trying to do a straight comparison with a £3.5k Bel Canto and a watch from say Tudor or Omega around that price point kinds of misses the point.
I'm struggling to understand what this thread is about. You were lent a watch and are pleased to report that the owner has allowed you to share one, and then two more, pictures, and, er...
"A man of little significance"
I can see it has a 'just a bit of fun' vibe for you which is fine. I have watches like that.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
It's a watch forum, so I thought some members might be interested in seeing a unique watch that's coming next Spring.
What’s the history behind this - you fancied a special edition for yourselves and others (a group of some sort?) contacted CW and they agreed?
Not familiar with the standard watch - is it just a special colour scheme or more different?
Apparently the watch is "The watch that became a worldwide phenomenon. Enabled by our pioneering FS01 module above the Sellita SW200-1, the C1 Bel Canto sounds a chime every hour. Constructed in Grade 5 titanium, it was described as a “masterpiece” by Watchfinder & Co."
Apart from the colour I'm not sure what other differences there are from the standard watches.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Yes that's correct, a bespoke for a car club.
Mechanically and structurally identical to any Bel Canto, but limited to 99 pieces and with different dial, hands and case-back.
There also 300 limited Azzurro and 300 limited Verde, plus a few other bespokes e.g. the matt gold coloured dial one.
There are LOT of reviews on Bel Canto on YT. This one for example:
https://youtu.be/G9RwelExeQk?si=e9a5OEVC0miHE7_T
Last edited by JasH; 22nd October 2023 at 15:00.
^ That makes more sense. I think your club has the best colour of the bunch.I look forward to seeing live wrist shots in due course.
Thank you kindly :)^ That makes more sense. I think your club has the best colour of the bunch.
Posting Permissions
