Pre-Baselworld 2009: Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 1 Watch

The house of Harry Winston, originator of the remarkable "Opus" watch series and the innovative Tourbillon Glissiere, has announced the "Histoire de Tourbillon" collection--a series of five exceptional haute horlogerie timepieces which illuminate the artistry and mechanical brilliance of the tourbillon.

The Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 1 is the debut piece of the collection.  A concept of luxury watchmaking which places equal emphasis on craftsmanship and contemporary mechanical architecture, the Histoire de Tourbillon 1 features a grand 48mm case that combines 18K white gold with Zalium--an ultra-light alloy employed by the aerospace industry, and used exclusively in the luxury watchmaking sphere by Harry Winston.  

The sculptural dial with its recessed hour and minute subdial reveals the fascinating secrets of the hand-wound movement, whose most immediately alluring aspect is the twin single-axis tourbillons.  Inclined at a 25-degree angle, these dual whirlwinds complete a full revolution every 36-seconds--a rate nearly twice as fast as that performed by most tourbillons.  Each of the tourbillon regulators are comprised of no fewer than 88 hand-finished components, yet weigh a feathery 0.46 grams, a factor which contributes to the noteworthy rotational speed.  The striking curved bridge the tourbillons are suspended upon were created according to the concept of "hypnotic art" and foster the impression that the complex devices are moving ever closer to the viewer.  Turning the Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 1 watch on its reverse side reveals a supplementary time display; rotating discs indicate hours, minutes, and elapsed seconds.  Power reserve of the caliber is 48 hours.  

Each of the 20 Histoire de Tourbillon 1 watches planned for production are to be constructed in Harry Winston's state of the art facility in Plan-les-Oates, Switzerland.  Water resistant to 30 meters, each timepiece features an anti-glare treated sapphire crystal, and a luxurious strap in black alligator leather.  The individual number of the limited edition is engraved on the caseback.