This may be the season to be merry, but it is definitely also the season of some of the most stunning luxury timepieces of 2021. The MB& F x Bulgari Legacy Machine Flying T Allegra, and more recently, the Patek Philippe x Tiffany Ref. 5711 are examples that readily come to mind. And joining them now is the Harry Winston Premier Sunflower Automatic.
The Premier Sunflower Automatic, like many other timepieces in the Premier collection, is a constellation of precious gemstones. The dial is made of mother-of-pearl shot through with a blast of colour (bright red or blue) and arranged in 3D form. In place of numbers or Roman numerals are 12 diamond sunflowers surrounding 12 cabochons of mother-of-pearl which are applied to the beaded mother-of-pearl base. These then surround smaller flowers set with either eight rubies or eight sapphires. The result is eye-popping.
The sunflower motif itself is symbolic, adding a layer of depth to the timepiece. The sunflower is said to represent gratitude, making it perfect a perfect gift for this season. It first appeared in Harry Winston’s archival sketches in the 1950s, inspiring jewellery collections because of its beauty and symmetry. This model is designed to complement pieces in Harry Winston’s current Sunflower jewellery collection. “When we decided to incorporate the iconic Harry Winston sunflower motif in a watch design, our intention was to evoke the same natural grace of the jewellery collection and to create a timepiece that mirrors a precious jewel,” said Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, in a statement.
The Premier Sunflower Automatic is thus designed and made to look more like a piece of jewellery than a timepiece. The dial is set with 120 diamonds; there are 57 more set into the case and 17 on the buckle for a total of 194. The ones that form the petals of the sunflowers are prong-set rather than set into the metal, which raises them slightly above the dial, allowing light to penetrate through the side facets. The 18k white gold case and buckle add further sparkle.
This Harry Winston timepiece is limited to 30 pieces each in ruby or sapphire with matching alligator straps. Price is on request.
Source: Robb Report