Balance & Bridge Team
- Nov 11, 2023
- 3 min read

Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto Wins the CPHG 'Petite Aiguille' Award - A First for A British Brand

Bel Canto - Image Courtesy of Christopher Ward

Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG)

The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) stands as the pinnacle event in the world of watchmaking, annually recognizing and celebrating the industry's most exceptional timepieces. This prestigious awards ceremony, held in Geneva, Switzerland, gathers horological luminaries, enthusiasts, and experts to honor innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence.

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The GPHG encompasses numerous categories, ranging from classic to avant-garde, with each winner symbolizing the epitome of achievement in its respective class. Esteemed by watchmakers and collectors alike, the GPHG serves as a global stage for showcasing the artistry and technical prowess that define the finest watches. With a history rooted in promoting horological excellence, the GPHG continues to elevate the craft, bestowing recognition upon those who push the boundaries of precision and elegance in the world of haute horlogerie.

An Award Well Deserved for the Christopher Ward Team

In the realm of luxury timepieces, Christopher Ward has long been a name synonymous with ambition and a steadfast commitment to democratizing haute horlogerie. Their chiming creation, the C1 Bel Canto, stands as a testament to this ethos, aiming to make the intricate art of watchmaking accessible to a broader audience.

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The Infamous Christopher Ward Bel Canto Chime

At the heart of the Bel Canto lies its pièce de résistance—the passing chime or Sonnerie au Passage complication, a poetic nod to the inexorable passage of time. Central to this innovation is the FS01, a groundbreaking chiming module named after the technical director, Frank Stelzer. A decade ago, CW's first master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke, conceived the JJ01 module, designed for optimal jumping-hour accuracy by evenly distributing the load over an entire hour. This served as a foundational inspiration for the evolution into the Bel Canto's FS01.

In 2019, Frank Stelzer took the reins, transforming the hour-long charge and hour jump from JJ01 into the mesmerizing passing chime complication. The result was a marvel that demanded the creation of 50 new components, a testament to Christopher Ward's relentless pursuit of excellence.

The marriage of auditory and visual perfection became the overarching goal in the Bel Canto's design. Designer Will Brackfield faced the challenge of achieving visual equilibrium across the watch face, concealing minor components behind the platine to accentuate the main striking elements and the stunning sunray finish—a technique applied through positive coating.

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No Shortage of Expertise

However, the quest for supreme finishing did not end with design mastery. Christopher Ward collaborated with renowned specialists to bring the Bel Canto to life. Armin Strom, celebrated for crafting high-end open-worked watches, contributed the platine, while Chronode provided the bridges, hammer, and gong, and "Viquodeco" played a pivotal role in supplying the special wheels required.

The culmination of this collaborative effort was unveiled on November 1, 2022, with the limited edition Azzuro Blue iteration. Breaking company records, this exquisite timepiece sold out within hours, a testament to the watch enthusiasts' recognition of the Bel Canto's blend of technical prowess and aesthetic allure.

Truly Changing the Game

In crafting the C1 Bel Canto, Christopher Ward has not only pushed the boundaries of watchmaking but has also celebrated the artistry of its collaborators. As the Bel Canto adorns the wrists of its fortunate owners, it stands as a harmonious symphony of innovation and design, a timeless melody echoing the brand's dedication to making haute horlogerie an experience for everyone.

Congratulations, Christopher Ward. Bravo!

View the Bel Canto at Christopher Ward

Thank you to Christopher Ward for providing images for this article, and thank you for reading!

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