Unconventional Watch from Harry Winston Wins Prestigious Award

Tom O'Neill, CEO of Harry Winston, was honored to receive the prize for the sophisticated Harry Winston Tourbillon Glissiere that was voted the winner in the Technical Watch Category.

For this 7th edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie, a multi-disciplinary jury judged almost 400 watches presented by 90 brands competing in different categories. The prestigious event was founded in 2001. Today it attracts all the leading players of the watchmaking industry.

Harry Winston Glissiere Tourbillon automatic watch has enjoyed a great deal of attention of everyone interested in the latest says of watchmaking as it offers a new way of automatic movement winding characterized by the linear rather than circular motion.

The idea of the Harry Winston Glissiere creation originated from the steam engines' sliding pistons. On the dial side, the Glissiere is provided with two carriages produced from platinum. These are guided by a pair of rails that are at the sides of the gear trains, a bridge featuring a cut-out HW monogram pattern, and a flying tourbillon. All the above-mentioned details are placed so that to remind the wheels and connecting rods of a locomotive.

The described linear disposition is accentuated by the power reserve indicator. The indicator is powered by a transmission provided with conic pinions and screws that are featured via a carriage moving along a slide.

The two platinum pins that are sliding on their rails generate the movement that is insufficient for complete winding of the barrel spring. That is why the Harry Winston watch-makers united the pins with two more original systems of automatic winding. They consist of platinum pieces shaped like fans, rising and descending around an axis. This unconventional device is characterized by perfect winding ability. It requires about four hours to fully arm the barrel spring that provides a 120-hour working reserve.

The case back of the Glissiere tourbillon automatic watch reveals one more unforeseen system. Two distinct rams directly linked to the barrel's shaft and the under-dial work are responsible for this system of time setting and winding.

The watch's case measures 49 mm x 47 mm. The real zest of the timepiece are the lateral openings sported in the upper and lower part of the middle case. The openings allow the view of the complicated mechanical workings of the Glissiere from a really unusual angle.

The Harry Winston Glissiere tourbillon automatic watch has rightfully been appreciated as an exclusive work of mechanical art. The timepiece is crafted in white or pink gold, each version available in 25 pieces. Harry Winston has also developed a unique version executed in white gold set with 180 baguette cut diamonds and 216 brilliant cut diamonds.