In its Histoire de Tourbillon collection, Harry Winston recognizes the tourbillon as a medium of artistic expression unique in scope, depth and subject — a work of art that shows you not only the time, but the nature of time itself. Mathematicians, engineers, craftsmen, philosophers and designers combine to challenge the laws of physics by creating a mechanical dance that unveils time’s tantalizing secrets. The third series in Harry Winston’s exploration of the tourbillon choreographs two rotating escapements that guide the time unscathed through the pitfalls of gravity.

 

Three tourbillons are in action, each rotating at different speeds to perform distinct gravitydefying functions. Two of them are nested one inside the other to rotate the fourth dimension of time through the three dimensions of space. In this bi-axial tourbillon, one tourbillon carriage rotates every 40 seconds within a second carriage going around in 120 seconds on an axis perpendicular to the first. This ensures that the vibrating balance moves through every possible plane in relation to the field of gravity to average out positional errors.

 

The third tourbillon carriage rotates a separate balance on a single axis in the conventional 

way, but at the relatively high speed of one revolution every 36 seconds. This tourbillon is most effective when the watch is in a vertical position, and by rotating the balance quickly it 

minimizes its exposure to the effects of gravity. For even greater precision, the two regulating systems are connected through a differential gear that gives an average of their two rates.

 

Uniting three tourbillions and two escapements with different properties in terms of mass, 

rotational velocity and inertia proved to be a delicate exercise in the balance of power. For 

example, the double tourbillon system has to be made as light as possible using titanium and 

aluminum alloys so that it does not consume a disproportionate amount of power at the 

expense of the single tourbillon.  

The watchcase, engineered to display the tourbillon systems to their best advantage, is unlike any other. The complex architecture is constructed of 77 parts in white gold and non-reflecting sapphire crystals with the caseband and lugs in Zalium®, a hard and ultra-light zirconium alloy.

 

Developed for use in jet engines, its non-allergenic properties and extreme resistance to 

corrosion make it ideal for watchcases.  

The fluid outlines of the tourbillon housing in polished white gold contrast sharply with the 

rectangular rigidity of the lower case displaying the indications. Even the Harry Winston triplearch motifs on the lugs have been squared off. Lustrous finishes — surfaces brushed to a silky texture, gleaming chamfers and the matt battleship grey of the Zalium® — set off the bold outlines of this extraordinary architecture.