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The Harry Winston Tourbillon “Glissiere”
“Glissiere”
News
A self-winding Tourbillon
La Cote des Montres - March 3rd, 2007
A rectangular case frames a tableau of precision mechanics, recalling the wheels, sliding pistons and rails of a steam locomotive.
This kinetic sculpture is another astonishing timepiece, after Opus 6, conceived by the team of Hamdi Chatti since he took over as managing director of Harry Winston Rare Timepieces in Geneva in October 2005.
“Whether it’s with diamonds or mechanisms, Harry Winston’s purpose is to create a work of art,” explains Mr Chatti. “That means we always do it differently, because there is no art without originality.”
Manual winding and trime-setting system, direct drive through the back of the watch
to the barrel arbor and under-dial work respectively
The most apparent difference is the winding system: on one side, two sliding blocks of platinum with toothed racks that directly engage the winding ratchet; on the other side, stylized wings that crank up the ratchet via pinions.to the barrel arbor and under-dial work respectively
The steam-age power-reserve indicator along the bottom underlines the linear configuration of the movement. The flying tourbillon animates the endless locomotion through time in precise jumps of six degrees of arc. Its diamond endstone (Harry Winston oblige) proclaims a D-flawless finish throughout: the rails for the sliding weights are so smooth that oil would create friction.
This mechanical installation can be viewed from unusual angles — through lateral windows in the upper and lower caseband.
Also unconventional is the manual winding and time-setting system — direct drive through the back of the watch to the barrel arbor and under-dial work respectively.
Following this year’s sixth Opus watch and a Westminster-chime repeater, the “locomotive” sets Harry Winston’s new watchmaking on an artistic railroad of colour, that combines motion and form.
Specifications
Harry Winston Tourbillon Glissiere réf. 350/MATWL/BD et réf. 350/MATRL
| Movement | : | Self-winding, openwork movement, Cal. CC-CHW97A |
| Balance | : | 21,600 v/h, one-minute tourbillon |
| Power reserve | : | 120 hours (five days), single barrel |
| Manual winding and setting | : | Vertically through the caseback |
| Jewel bearings | : | 37 rubies, diamond endstone |
| Indications | : | Hours and minutes hands, power-reserve gauge |
| Case | : | Pink or white gold and sapphire crystal, 49mm x 47mm |
| Strap | : | Black alligator leather |
| Water resistance | : | 30m (3ATM) |
| Production | : | 25 in white gold, Ref. 350/MATWL 25 in rose gold, Ref. 350/MATRL Unique piece in white gold set with 216 brilliant-cut diamonds (4cts) and 180 baguette diamonds (13cts) Ref. 350/MATWL/BD |
