Watches

High Jewellery Timepieces by Harry Winston

The glittering world of Harry Winston continues to shine with the introduction of new High Jewellery Timepieces: Marble Marquetry, Ultimate Marble Marquetry, and a mechanical masterpiece, Precious Signature by Harry Winston

Marble Marquetry by Harry Winston
Ultimate Marble Marquetry by Harry Winston

The Marble Marquetry by Harry Winston is crafted in platinum and meticulously set with vibrant blue sapphires and diamonds, with the new timepieces taking their design cues from the star-shaped pattern of the marble floor leading to the heart of Harry Winston’s New York Flagship Salon.

Both the Marble Marquetry and Ultimate Marble Marquetry bracelet timepieces recreate the dynamic star-shaped motif of the marble flooring in classic Harry Winston high jewellery style. With a wreath of precious blue sapphires and diamonds expertly set around the case, the larger timepiece – Ultimate Marble Marquetry – features a star crafted from ten pear-cut sapphires and interspersed with pairs of brilliant-cut diamonds. The case of the smaller model – Marble Marquetry – is encircled by a halo of 24 brilliant-cut diamonds, while the two star-shaped motifs are highlighted in pear-cut sapphires and diamonds at either end.

Pear-cut sapphires, accented by diamonds, dominate the scenery, bringing the vivid blue colour of the sapphires to the fore. The case and dial emulate the octagonal lines of Harry Winston’s preferred emerald cut. To depict the smooth, even surface of the marble floor, Harry Winston’s gem-setters have employed the maison’s characteristic setting – the invisible setting, the most difficult and elaborate of all – creating a solid surface of 48 baguette-cut diamonds, with the stones seamlessly floating above the surface.

The bracelet, a work of art, flows in a fluid, tapered stream of gemstones around the wrist. Reminiscent of Harry Winston’s earlier pieces, the platinum wirework supporting the stones is practically invisible, and the sapphires are arranged at different heights to create a magnificent sense of depth and dimension. Fitted with a discreet platinum box clasp, Harry Winston’s new Marble Marquetry high jewellery timepieces are equipped with a Swiss quartz movement and are water-resistant to 30 metres.

Precious Signature by Harry Winston

A mechanical masterpiece, the Precious Signature by Harry Winston is an extraordinary objet d’art that redefines the luxury accessory space. With a sophisticated automaton movement provided by Swiss watchmaker and historical automata expert, Jaquet Droz, the solid white gold Precious Signature has the unique mechanical ability to reproduce Harry Winston’s signature in ink on paper. It can also be configured to generate the signature of its owner. Doubling as a practical daily companion in the form of a table clock, this luxury desk accessory is definitely a conversation piece.

Crafted in 18-karat white gold and Harry Winston’s proprietary Zalium – a high-tech zirconium-based alloy – the outer case of the Precious Signature is enveloped in panels of precious blue opal, 542 mesmerising baguette-cut diamonds, and two blue sapphire cabochons. Opal, like those featured on the Precious Signature, can rival diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, in terms of their rarity.

Measuring just under 19 cm in length, the case shape recalls the stately arched entrance to Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue Flagship Salon, while the two rounded arches bear the stylised markings of the original entrance, in diamonds. The baguette-cut diamonds crowning the arched doorways are arranged in ascending order, in horizontal and vertical rows. Just below the diamond arches are two cabochon sapphires evoking the golden rosettes that decorate the wrought iron door to Harry Winston’s New York Salon.

A desk clock is positioned on the left side of the case and framed by a row of 40 baguette-cut diamonds. Set against a silver sunray dial, blue opal accents and rare diamonds highlight the applied gold hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The hallmark Harry Winston emerald-shaped gold applique crowns the dial at 12 o’clock. To the right of the quartz-powered clock is another diamond-framed arch offering a glimpse of the mechanical automaton movement nestled under the protective cover.

Lifting the opal-and-diamond-set white gold cover reveals the automaton movement. When the correct personal code is entered, the emerald-cut diamond gently slides to the left, revealing a pusher on the side of the case. The pusher, in turn, deploys a trap door located on the bottom of the gold case and a mechanical arm extends, to insert the provided pen. Just before the spectacle begins, check the power reserve indicator in an octagonal-shaped plaque set with 38 diamonds, located above the cylinders and use the diamond-studded activation key to set the wheels in motion as the automaton performs the signature on paper.

What truly sets the Precious Signature apart is the lavish attention to detail and luxury finishes, with no surface left untouched by Harry Winston’s master gem-setters. The Precious Signature by Harry Winston is presented in a special box with a tray of paper and designated areas to store the pen and the activation key.

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