Prediction: The Bel Canto is the start of a new trend
In the next 12 months I expect to see micro-brands and some low-mid tier brands develop and introduce more affordable complications / designs such as this. Whether it's about keeping up with the joneses, or just meeting a market bored with the current boring offerings, CW has started a new / renewed product category and price point that many in the industry will be looking to capitalise on.
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Wayne
Watch nerd with a small collection from New Zealand.
Wellington
Member since
Last active: 5 days ago
I agree that the success of the Bel Canto will likely see renewed interest in adding interesting complications to watches in the $1-5K price range, I suspect it will take more than a year to happen. CW was developing the Bel Canto for a couple of years before it was released.
Yes I think it will start just such a trend and will be interesting! Better than a load of homages and dive watches in my book.
it is likely that in a lot of cases the quality may fall short. Something interesting to see is what will CW do next. Cos the stars aligned on this one. And it seems to be part of a pattern of getting more and more complex each year. A grand complication for £5k?.. who knows!
Very exciting trend to see more competition based on function rather than just copying designs. As in the other thread, I think the Bel Canto and Accutron 2020 speak to the same audience of watch nerds who value truly unique functions over just brand. This is good for the watch industry.
As far as Im concerned, as a long time CW client I welcome the Bel Canto and as soon as I saw what it was during that preview Zoom call I was just hoping that the dare and boldness would carry on to other references and models (perhaps not with the same level of R&D). A chime watch isn't really for me, but there's lots to be done elsewhere, and Im ready to pay for it, and I also believe CW is mature enough for that now.
However, as far as Im concerned the limitation will be the movements they use. And that might also be an issue for other smaller brands. When I look at what the MT calibre, the Calibre 400 and other inhouse movements allow Tudor, Oris or Nomos to do in terms of upgraded proposition and offering (power reserve, thinness, etc), as a watch enthusiast I just love it. CW has the SH 21, but its dimensions tends to limit its usage.
Or perhaps it's just my spoiled self getting a tad tired of the SW200 becoming some sort of NH35.
I would like to see CW have a mechanical alarm like the Jeager LeCoultre Memovox and like the JLC a simple one with a classic presentation, and most of all affordable because if they are priced competitively I would go with the JLC.
I haven't seen this yet but love the idea. It's also the only way for CW to keep moving their price points up. The amazing success of their moonwatch (and subsequent price jumps, plural) showed that the brand was ready to move upmarket. If the way to do it is incredible value for high complications than I applaud that, and I hope their competitors do the same. In Switzerland, Frerderique Constant have been doing it for 20 years to great success.