Harry Winston Unveils Opus 9 at Baselworld 2009

The Harry Winston Opus Series, initially introduced in 2001 and based on the brand's successful collaboration with most gifted independent watchmakers, has been joined by a new innovative masterpiece – Opus 9, presented at Baselworld 2009.

Harry Winston Opus 9 has smartly united technical innovation with the top-quality diamonds, demonstrating linear driven time captured in diamonds.

Opus 9 uses diamonds not simply as decorative elements. They are used as the functional element of time- telling. The groundbreaking timepiece shows the time with help of two parallel diamond chains. Each chain sparkles with 33 baguette-cut diamonds. Each chain features a vivid mandarin garnet indicating the hours on the left side of the dial and the minutes on the right side.

Watches.infoniac.com thinks it is remarkable that each diamond is meticulously calibrated and set into the links, to guarantee the proper movement. The chains are crafted in brass to maximize mobility and minimize friction. The diamonds are presented as two floating lines of light.

Opus 9 accommodates an automatic self-winding movement. The movement incorporates a special rack and pinion mechanism that creates the lateral drive required for propelling the continuous gliding movement. To mobilize the considerable weight of the diamond chains, the system needed utmost balance and mechanical precision, having represented a new technical and functional challenge.

The sophisticated case of Opus 9 is crafted in white gold and features the following dimension: 56 mm x 48 mm x20 mm. The case construction incorporates a structural bridge used to enhance technical and aesthetic stability of the overall design. The bridge forms a lynch-pin lock necessary to secure the mobile components of the timepiece in place, improving stability and shock-resistance. Due to transparent sapphire crystal, the movement of the chains is visible at any angle.

Extremely innovative Opus 9 was born due to the joint efforts and creative talents of two outstanding personalities - long-time harry Winston designer, watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, and designer, Eric Giroud. Opus 9 timepiece
is the first time that the duo has joined forces to develop a Harry Winston timepiece design.

Harry Winston Opus 9 provides a 72-hour power-reserve and is 30-meter water-resistant.

It is secured to the wrist on a black alligator leather strap fitted with a white gold buckle.

The stunning Harry Winston watch will be available in a limited edition of just 100 pieces.