Savant’s Seventh
Pursuing excellence in watchmaking, Harry Winston produced two biaxial tourbillons for the seventh edition of its Histoire de Tourbillon, writes Lily Ong
Called the tourbillon, French for ‘whirlwind’, this mechanical escapement is housed in a rotating cage that, because of the constant motion, averages out the effect of gravity when the watch is stuck in different positions. Ensuring accuracy in pocket watches, this mechanism is prized for its novelty and watchmakers turn to the creation of tourbillons to assert their authority in the art of haute horlogerie. For seven years in a row, Harry Winston outdid itself with its Histoire de Tourbillon, a sophisticated collection of limited edition timepieces dedicated to the craftsmanship of the tourbillon. Launched in 2009, each Histoire de Tourbillon underscores Harry Winston’s continued pursuit of excellence in innovation, by presenting the tourbillon in a series of spectacular new forms. The design of the timepiece continues to evolve annually, becoming more distinct and daring with its striking visuals and technical formation of its axes of rotation. For the seventh edition of the Histoire de Tourbillon, Harry Winston chose a twobiaxial tourbillon composition as its main attraction, after experimenting and exploring other variations in the past. The right side of the dial features a pyramid-cut housing the hour and minute hands. Indexable inserts that form a tilted three-dimensional hour circle surround this part of the dial. Extended by a long strip in either red aluminium or anthracite, depending on the version, perforated for a better view of the two biaxial tourbillons, the right dial overlooks a power reserve indicator in roll form flushed with a domed sapphire crystal. The left side of the dial displays the two biaxial tourbillons. The first tourbillon cage moves into a second cage and both turn on a different axis—it’s like a dance of time, really—and both in turn move the escapements of the timepiece. Harry Winston didn’t compromise on aesthetics. The white gold case has a 50mm diameter and a polished bezel, with an opening in unique proportions that showcases the dance of the biaxial tourbillons. The case body is satin finished and the lugs are accented with a diamond bezel. Befitting its standards of excellence, every piece in the Histoire de Tourbillon collection demands hundreds of hours of work to achieve perfection from every angle. Only 20 of the Histoire de Tourbillon timepieces will be released: 10 pieces each for the red version and anthracite version. One can only marvel and wait with bated breath at what Harry Winston is going to do next.