Harry Winston’s 2019 Time To Move Collection: A Symphony of Horology and High Jewelry
Harry Winston, the illustrious “King of Diamonds” and a purveyor of exceptional timepieces, once again captivated the world of luxury with its 2019 Time To Move collection. This highly anticipated showcase unveiled a breathtaking array of watches that perfectly embody the brand’s unwavering commitment to superlative Swiss mechanical movements, cutting-edge contemporary designs, and innovative functions. Far from being mere instruments for telling time, these masterpieces represent a harmonious fusion of haute horlogerie and haute joaillerie, reflecting Harry Winston’s unique heritage at the pinnacle of both worlds.
The launch of these exquisite luxury watches, spanning an impressive eight distinct collections, was a momentous occasion, coinciding with two significant milestones in Harry Winston’s storied history. It marked the celebratory 20th anniversary of the jeweller’s iconic 5th Avenue Collection, a tribute to the brand’s New York origins, and the equally important 10th anniversary of the revered Histoire de Tourbillon Collection, a testament to its prowess in advanced horological complications. These anniversaries underscore not only the enduring appeal of Harry Winston’s designs but also its continuous pursuit of technical excellence and artistic innovation.
Unveiling Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Innovation
According to the company, the 2019 Time To Move selections were meticulously crafted to “bring to life” an extraordinary spectrum of features and artistry. This collection showcases everything from intricate double retrograde functions and poetic moon phases to ancient micromosaic handcraft and the mesmerising complexity of a four tourbillon movement. These marvels are elegantly integrated across Harry Winston’s most prestigious lines, including the Avenue, Premier, Midnight, Emerald, Ocean, Project Z, Histoire de Tourbillon, and High Jewelry collections, each demonstrating a distinct facet of the brand’s unparalleled expertise.
Celebrating Legacies: Avenue and Histoire de Tourbillon
The Avenue Collection, with its distinctive rectangular case inspired by the grand architecture of New York’s Fifth Avenue, revisited its most successful and beloved models for 2019. This re-exploration marked the dawn of a new decade for this iconic collection, reaffirming its status as a timeless symbol of urban elegance and sophistication. The new iterations paid homage to its celebrated past while introducing fresh perspectives that captivated both long-time admirers and new enthusiasts.
The Histoire de Tourbillon Collection, celebrating its tenth year, continued to push the boundaries of extreme horology. Known for its avant-garde approach to the tourbillon, a complication designed to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s precision, this collection has consistently delivered some of the most complex and visually stunning movements in the world. The 2019 models further solidified its reputation for technical mastery, presenting groundbreaking multi-axis tourbillons that are as much works of mechanical art as they are precision instruments. The presence of a truly exceptional four tourbillon model within this collection underscored Harry Winston’s commitment to pushing the frontiers of mechanical watchmaking to unprecedented levels.
A Deep Dive into the 2019 Collections
Each collection showcased at the 2019 Time To Move event offered a unique narrative, a blend of artistry, technical prowess, and a deep understanding of luxury. The breadth of designs and complications ensured that every connoisseur could find a piece that resonated with their personal style and appreciation for fine watchmaking.
Premier Collection: Artistry Meets Precision
The Premier Collection, Harry Winston’s very first watch collection, continued its legacy of artistic expression by masterfully combining the exquisite art of micromosaic from Italy with superlative Swiss mechanical automatic movements. The 2019 Premier models were a testament to the brand’s ability to integrate diverse artistic traditions. Micromosaic, an ancient craft involving the meticulous arrangement of thousands of tiny tesserae, was transformed into breathtaking miniature artworks on the dials, depicting scenes of nature, architecture, or abstract beauty. This intricate handcraft, fused with the reliability and precision of Swiss horology, created timepieces that were not only functional but also stunning examples of wearable art.
Midnight Collection: Feminine Elegance Redefined
The newest models in the Midnight Collection embraced a vision of understated elegance, characterized by their distinctly feminine and timeless appeal. The dials of these enchanting watches featured a captivating retrograde seconds complication, an elegant function where the seconds hand travels along an arc before instantly snapping back to its starting point. This fluid motion evoked the sparkling silhouettes of Harry Winston tiaras, infusing each piece with a subtle nod to the brand’s iconic jewelry heritage. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these Midnight timepieces were designed for the modern woman who appreciates both sophisticated mechanics and delicate beauty, often adorned with precious stones to enhance their allure.
High Jewelry Collection: The Zenith of Gem-Setting and Horology
For its part, the High Jewelry Collection was a spectacular display of Harry Winston’s unparalleled creativity and legendary gem-setting expertise. In this collection, watches transcend their role as time-telling devices to become magnificent pieces of jewelry, adorned with an exceptional array of the finest diamonds and colored gemstones. Each High Jewelry timepiece is a bespoke creation, a testament to the brand’s mastery in designing intricate settings that maximize the brilliance and fire of every stone. The marriage of complex mechanical movements with breathtaking gemological artistry underscores Harry Winston’s unique position as a maison where horology and high jewelry are not just adjacent, but profoundly intertwined.
Expanding the Vision: Project Z, Ocean, and Emerald Collections
Beyond these detailed highlights, the 2019 Time To Move showcase also brought renewed attention to other distinguished collections. The Project Z Collection continued its exploration of innovative materials and urban, architectural aesthetics, often utilizing Zalium, a proprietary zirconium-based alloy, for its robust yet lightweight properties. These pieces are typically characterized by their open-worked dials and sophisticated complications, catering to those who seek a blend of high-performance and avant-garde design.
The Ocean Collection, known for its sporty yet elegant appeal, presented robust timepieces designed for a dynamic lifestyle without compromising on luxury. These watches often feature intricate complications, water resistance, and bold designs, making them perfect companions for both adventurous pursuits and sophisticated occasions.
Finally, the Emerald Collection paid homage to Harry Winston’s signature emerald cut, translating its iconic shape into elegant and versatile timepieces. These watches often offer a more understated luxury, making them ideal for daily wear while still embodying the brand’s distinctive glamour and attention to detail. The refined proportions and often gem-set bezels make them a beautiful entry point into the world of Harry Winston timepieces.
The Enduring Legacy of Harry Winston
The 2019 Time To Move collection stands as a powerful reaffirmation of Harry Winston’s status as a leading innovator and artisan in the luxury world. By celebrating cherished anniversaries while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking and artistic expression, the brand solidified its reputation for creating masterpieces that resonate deeply with discerning collectors. Each timepiece, whether a tribute to a two-decade legacy or a bold new expression of a complicated movement, tells a story of passion, precision, and unparalleled luxury.
Through the integration of advanced complications like double retrograde functions and multi-tourbillons, alongside exquisite decorative arts such as micromosaic and the unparalleled sparkle of fine gems, Harry Winston continues to craft legacies for the wrist. The 2019 Time To Move collection was not just a presentation of new watches; it was an invitation to experience the very essence of Harry Winston: a world where time is measured not just in seconds and minutes, but in moments of extraordinary beauty and technical genius. These watches are destined to become cherished heirlooms, embodying the timeless allure and innovative spirit that define the House of Harry Winston.