Harry Winston Midnight Big Date Only Watch 2013

Harry Winston makes an appointment with Only Watch 2013

In line with its charity commitments, Harry Winston reiterates its participation to the 5th Only Watch. This year’s exclusive watch, the Midnight Big Date, combines sobriety and distinction.

By David Richard

Seven months after the historical purchase by Swatch Group, the American group Harry Winston (of Canadian origins) recapitulates the good memories associated to international sophisticated pieces. Can the choice of the sober timeless distinction that is a Midnight Big Date be imputed to its new status? Just like a message fixing an imminent appointment…?

Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013 The Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013

Harry Winston and magnificent minimalism

Would it have been only ordinary to offer one of these mechanical creative treasures of which the brand is the secret-keeper?

A development of the 1995 Calendrier Perpétuel Birétrograde? An Opus prototype? A black Zalium Triple Rétrograde chronograph? That is the brand’s ultimate since its arrival in the horology world in 1989 and the Grail of any wealthy watch passionate. However, Harry Winston opted for the simply refined luxury of a slightly revisited Big Date on the occasion of this international charity auction.

Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013 Harry Winston Midnight Big Date revisited unique piece

One relevant point to be noted is that “The king of diamonds” was a discreet man while he was also responsible for glamorous Hollywood appearances. His taste for designing while watching his partners in real life earned him his personal style! Satiny litheness of platinum weaving, invisible mountings, levitating stones and light ornaments were the ingredients for the popularity of this excellent minimalist mind. Paradoxically, the man famous for his wild quest of the biggest diamonds ever was also a master of sobriety on the condition that magnificence was attached to it. The proof of such a quality is perfectly embodied in the Midnight Big Date.

With its accessible look, this 42 mm watch displays the time through its off-centred dial at the 12 o’clock position.

Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013 The HW 1018 calibre of the Harry Winston Midnight Big Date

The finely faceted hands are animated by an in-house HW 1018 calibre both automatic and anonymous in spite of a considerable 72-hours power reserve, 297 components and a polished finish in the form of this pink gold openworked mass visible through the case’s sapphire glass back. The brand took it upon itself to announce the scope: “The main role is executed by the big date which takes an uncompromising stand at the 6 o’clock position”. A date, a time! Is this ultimate pragmatism on luxury planet?

Perfection in the quest for the tiniest details

To look for the uniqueness of the Only Watch 2013 watch is synonymous of playing spot-the-difference game among the four models introduced in 2011. They all feature a pink gold case and a bezel with three arcs. What can then be admired is the fineness of the details and finishes such as the outer edge of these so elegantly polished lugs. However, is it not common belief that the essential is equal to details? It is uniquely the platinum dial which differs due to the element overlapping and new ornaments.

Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013 Focus on the pink gold case and the Midnight Big Date gold dial

Gold hands with a satiny sunburst finish, a pink gold appliqué date circle set with a pink diamond for the occasion, the centre of the date window with a satiny sunburst finish as well as the “small snail” finish at the centre of the hours and the addition of a diamond at the 12 o’clock position; all of these compose the novelties of this watch. One can only admire this change in continuity, which decidedly modifies everything in the sophistication of the model. The asymmetrical effect provoked by the “big snail” engine-turning is increased by the bicolour effect. The visual equilibrium is very bright.

The Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013 wristshot The Harry Winston Midnight Big Date  2013 wristhot

What about the success of this watch? Well, it is a total hit. Together with this evident summary of the brand’s historical values, we bet without a doubt that the choice of the visible simplicity was not a coincidence. Better again, it takes date. In Harry’s words: “People will come to see us, make it worth their time”.

Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013 Harry Winston Midnight Big Date for Only Watch 2013

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