Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary, known for his keen interest in luxury timepieces, highlighted this innovative watch in an Instagram post on January 14, 2025. The Christopher Ward Bel Canto watch has captured attention across the horology world. In his video he stated,
"Affordable luxury with a six-month waitlist! This one's a showstopper."
The Shark Tank investor called the watch "a showstopper," underscoring its appeal as a high-value offering in the realm of fine watchmaking. The Bel Canto, with its combination of advanced complications and sleek design, has set a new standard for affordable luxury watches, making it a standout in the industry.
Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary's perspective on Christopher Ward Bel Canto watch
In a video shared on Instagram on January 14, 2025, Kevin O'Leary discussed the Christopher Ward Bel Canto watch with a retailer. The interaction provided a detailed overview of the watch's standout features, including its chiming mechanism and construction from grade-5 titanium.
According to the video, the Bel Canto features a passage complication, enabling it to chime at the top of every hour. The wearer can activate or deactivate this feature as needed. Kevin O'Leary emphasized that this complication is rare at the watch’s price point, saying,
"One of the lowest price watches that has that feature."
The retailer noted that the watch’s module includes an additional 60 components, contributing to its intricate design and functionality. The conversation also highlighted the watch’s availability in various colors and its popularity, evidenced by a six-month waitlist.
The Shark Tank investor was particularly impressed by its "nice tone," achieved despite its titanium construction. Additionally, the retailer mentioned that prominent horologist Roger Smith owns the watch, saying,
"It's a UK brand, and I've heard that Roger Smith is a fan of the brand, and he actually owns one, which is, that's high price."
Christopher Ward Bel Canto Watch
According to Time and Tide, The Christopher Ward Bel Canto represents a bold departure from the brand's traditional offerings, as detailed in an analysis by Time and Tide. Known for its budget-friendly and well-crafted sports watches, the UK-based brand has elevated its reputation with this innovative timepiece.
The watch measures 41mm, a size that caters to larger wrists while maintaining elegant proportions. Constructed from grade-5 titanium, the watch’s head weighs only 53 grams, ensuring lightweight wear without compromising durability. Its case features finely brushed surfaces with minimal polished areas, balancing elegance with subtlety.
The front of the watch is free of branding, showcasing the craftsmanship without interruption. The domed sapphire crystal and 13.4mm thickness add to its modern yet timeless aesthetic. The dial is multi-layered and three-dimensional, featuring a sunburst finish radiating from the center of the time display. The "Cielo blue" colorway transitions from pale blue to light gray under varying lighting conditions.
The sonnerie au passage complication, rarely seen at this price point, activates a tiny hammer to chime on the hour. Each component in this mechanism is hand-finished, adding a touch of high horology.
The watch is powered by the Caliber FS01, an extensively modified version of the Sellita SW200 movement. With the addition of 50 components, the movement supports its unique chiming complication while maintaining reliable timekeeping. It offers a power reserve of 38 hours, ensuring consistent functionality.
The movement’s efficient design allows Christopher Ward to deliver a high-end complication at a more accessible price. The brand’s dedication to sound engineering is evident in its two-year development process, during which 80 sound springs and hammers were tested to achieve the perfect chime.
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