Baselworld 2016: Histoire de Tourbillon 7

Baselworld 2016: Histoire de Tourbillon 7

For the seventh consecutive year, Harry Winston is unveiling an outstanding interpretation of contemporary Haute Horlogerie. Featuring two biaxial tourbillons, the Histoire de Tourbillon 7 takes another step forward in the world of high-end watchmaking and challenges current High Complications. Exceptionally creative, complex, and graphic, this timepiece showcases Harry Winston’s innovative expertise, while remaining faithful to Histoire de Tourbillon Collection, by maintaining the reliability of its complications and commitment to superlative watchmaking.

Harry Winston reveals its seventh edition of the most legendary complication: the tourbillon. After having explored its variations - biaxial, triaxial, double or coupled with a carrousel - Harry Winston surpasses all technical limits once again. In an incredible show, the Histoire de Tourbillon 7 features two biaxial tourbillons that dance with time.

The right side of the dial features a pyramid-cut reading area that houses the hour and minute hands. It is surrounded by indexable inserts that form a tilted three-dimensional hour circle. Extended by a long strip in either red aluminum or anthracite, depending the version, perforated for a better view of the two biaxial tourbillons, it overlooks a power reserve indicator in roll form that is flush with a domed sapphire crystal.

The left side of the dial displays the harmonious movement of the two biaxial tourbillons. The first tourbillon cage moves into a second cage and both turn on a different axis. The two biaxial tourbillons move the escapements of the Histoire de Tourbillon 7.

This timepiece is profoundly asymmetrical, unpredictable and spectacular; an extreme paradox for a subject of extraordinary technical intensity, produced by the infinite sum of scientific calculations.

The synthesis of two exceptional regulators

Flawless technique is critical for an outstanding performance. The Histoire de Tourbillon 7 is a striking example of brilliant mechanical complexity and technique. The tourbillon’s first cage completes its rotation in 45 seconds and houses a balance wheel that is tilted 30 degrees. The tourbillon and the balance wheel remain housed in the second cage, which has a different trajectory, as it lasts 75 seconds. The two cages nested one inside the other, assume an infinite variety of positions relative to gravity – the nemesis of timekeeping.

The two tourbillons, though identical in structure, frequency and speed, have their own behavior, due to their different positions in space. To reconcile the operation of these two rotating time-regulating bodies, the Histoire de Tourbillon 7 uses a spherical differential that optimizes performance, by connecting the two tourbillons - which have subtly different operations - and creating an average. The Histoire de Tourbillon 7 leverages the accuracy of two exceptional tourbillons and extracts the best performance.

Harry Winston's attention to detail

The Histoire de Tourbillon 7 is a sophisticated interpretation of a high complication movement, the result of exceptional attention to design. The case, made from white gold, has a 50 mm diameter and polished bezel. It features an opening in unique proportions to expertly showcase the dance of the biaxial tourbillons.

The crown is guarded by the iconic Harry Winston logo – three arches that represent the entrance to the House’s legendary Fifth Avenue flagship salon in New York. The case body has a satin finish and lugs that are accented with a diamond bezel. Short and plunging, the lugs are designed so that the large sides of the timepiece rest comfortably on the wrist. This careful attention to detail is a signature of fine watchmaking and a constant at Harry Winston.

Major complications require discipline and superlative craftsmanship. Every piece in the Histoire de Tourbillon Collection demands hundreds of hours of work in order to achieve perfection from every angle. The manual finishing of these tiny pieces is incredibly difficult and requires incomparable thoroughness. The bottom plate and bridges of this movement are made of titanium.

This material is necessarily strong but conveniently light weight and low maintenance. Notably, it is only 17 mm thick, a feat when considering the height required by each biaxial tourbillon. By choosing this material and minimizing its thickness, Harry Winston demonstrates its commitment to the wearer's experience.

A benchmark in modern Haute Horlogerie

The Histoire de Tourbillon 7 is an extraordinary timepiece and representation of true watchmaking. Its movement, showcasing first-class finishes, is among the most sophisticated that exist today. Its complexity demands extreme exclusivity. In fact, like its six predecessors, only 20 of these magnificent timepieces will be released: 10 pieces for the red version and 10 pieces for the anthracite version.

Beyond being an extremely technical timepiece, the Histoire de Tourbillon 7 is a point of pride and source of happiness for its fortunate owner. He alone has the privilege of observing the harmonious movement of its two incredible tourbillons. Their unpredictable dance defies the conventions of contemporary watchmaking. With its skill, lightness, and expert design, Harry Winston’s Histoire de Tourbillon 7 surpasses all rules and conventions, and sets the bar for high watchmaking and high complications.