Bel Canto Phoenix
Discussion
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.
Details of the Bel Canto Phoenix
https://thedriversunion.com/BelCanto.pdf
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.
Details of the Bel Canto Phoenix
https://thedriversunion.com/BelCanto.pdf
It's a beautiful thing, especially in that colour, but I can't bring myself to buy one for the simple reason that I struggle to read the time on the dial, which is a pretty fundamental element of watch design. The hands seem to get 'lost' on what is quite a busy face, it took me a few seconds to find the hour hand on the image you posted for example.
Although, using advanced man-maths I can tell the time from the 'bell' hmmmm....
Although, using advanced man-maths I can tell the time from the 'bell' hmmmm....

tangerine_sedge said:
It's a beautiful thing, especially in that colour, but I can't bring myself to buy one for the simple reason that I struggle to read the time on the dial, which is a pretty fundamental element of watch design. The hands seem to get 'lost' on what is quite a busy face, it took me a few seconds to find the hour hand on the image you posted for example.
Although, using advanced man-maths I can tell the time from the 'bell' hmmmm....
It amazes me how many people I know who are serious about watches that don’t care about legibility. Although, using advanced man-maths I can tell the time from the 'bell' hmmmm....

tangerine_sedge said:
It's a beautiful thing, especially in that colour, but I can't bring myself to buy one for the simple reason that I struggle to read the time on the dial, which is a pretty fundamental element of watch design. The hands seem to get 'lost' on what is quite a busy face, it took me a few seconds to find the hour hand on the image you posted for example.
Although, using advanced man-maths I can tell the time from the 'bell' hmmmm....
I know what you mean, and I need to focus to read the time on my Azzurro. Although, using advanced man-maths I can tell the time from the 'bell' hmmmm....

This is why the hands are black on the Phoenix.
In real life, it's actually a lot easier to read the time at a glance on the 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.


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.


Never had any interest in CW until the Bel Canto. The release model in deep blue is stunning and I would have purchased one, however I was too late to the party. The prices being asked on the secondary market at crazy or I would have it in the collection. For me, the other current colours don't do much for me.
Ninjin said:
Never had any interest in CW until the Bel Canto.
Same here.Although I have to agree with the "marmite" part for me, it would be another one of my "novelty" watches.
Legibility is a big part for me, as I notice I keep gravitating towards watches I can actually read the time on.
I think making the face where the hands are actually full instead of having it an open ring would have helped a lot there.
ZesPak said:
Legibility is a big part for me, as I notice I keep gravitating towards watches I can actually read the time on.
I think making the face where the hands are actually full instead of having it an open ring would have helped a lot there.
The Phoenix has black hands, and is easily readable at a glance. I think making the face where the hands are actually full instead of having it an open ring would have helped a lot there.
It's not going to compete with a dive watch for legibility however

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