The Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto “Dragonfly” is a striking special edition of the award-winning C1 Bel Canto, a watch celebrated for introducing an accessible mechanical chiming complication to the modern watch market. The Dragonfly version features a vivid dragonfly-blue dial and is typically offered as a showroom-exclusive or special release, making it rarer than the standard Bel Canto models. The watch is housed in a 41 mm Grade-5 titanium case, chosen not only for its lightweight comfort but also for its ability to enhance the resonance of the chiming mechanism.

What sets the Bel Canto series apart is its “Sonnerie au Passage” complication, which causes the watch to chime automatically at the top of every hour. This is achieved through Christopher Ward’s Calibre FS01, a proprietary module built on a Sellita SW200-1 base movement. A small hammer visible on the dial strikes a circular gong surrounding the dial to produce the chime, and a pusher at 4 o’clock allows the wearer to activate or silence the sound.

The Dragonfly edition keeps the Bel Canto’s distinctive architecture, including a floating time-telling subdial, an exposed chiming mechanism on the dial side, and a domed sapphire crystal that adds depth to the design. The watch typically offers about 38 hours of power reserve, titanium bracelet or strap options, and 30 m water resistance, emphasizing its role as a modern mechanical art piece rather than a tool watch.