Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

8 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I M any elite watches claim to be cutting-edge, with broad faces, bright colour schemes, and distinctive design themes. Each, however, is simply a derivation on a classic, whether the manufacturer wishes to admit it or not. Rarely does something truly new and creative find its way into the watch world. Luckily for us, this is one of those fewmoments in time. The Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 6 is not only stunning to behold but, in fact, a truly exclusive timepiece for admirers of not only mechanical beauty but also exquisite craftsmanship. Even by just a momentary glance, it is obvious there is something special about the Histoire de Tourbillon 6 – even before learning about the mechanical complication beneath its face. The design of the watch is more than a rare piece of time-keeping machinery; it is also a bit of a visual departure for the Harry Winston brand, which has long dabbled in the traditional, albeit jewel-encrusted, timepiece motif. Fitting into the brand’s high complication line, which is the pinnacle of mechanical sophistication, the Histoire de Tourbillon 6 takes the genre in a new direction. More than its captivating shape, however, the watch boasts a true first in the history of horology: two independent hour indications, one regulated by a tri-axial tourbillon and the other by a carousel. Though separate movements, the two operate in the same meticulous manner and include the same exceptional precision-rating qualities. Amazingly, it appears to be neither design- nor function-driven. Instead, it finds the perfect middle ground, effortlessly living in two worlds… and two times. Not only are the two timekeepers constructed using different technologies, they’re differentiated by colour scheme as well. On the left side of the stunning, asymmetrical body, the tri-axial tourbillon movement is accented with orange over a grey background. The carousel features blue hands and markings against a black backdrop, the hands of which can be stopped, started, and reset at will. Additionally, this superlative creation also incorporates a ceramic pusher at 2 o’clock that can display elapsed hours and minutes like a chronograph. This unique and versatile function also drives a dual-time display that may be adjusted as desired via the 3 o’clock crown. Accenting the supreme exclusivity of the piece, the tourbillon movement is composed by three cages and alone requires 141 parts. The first two cages are nested, with the first performing a turn every 45 seconds, while its parent cage spins in 75 seconds on its vertical axis. The third, which completes a 300-second revolution, is perhaps the most splendid; it is set inside a sapphire crystal dome offering a fascinating view of the three-dimensional ballet of time below. Outwardly, the piece is large and full of braggadocio and immediately tells onlookers that the owner of the watch is not only an admirer of the watchmaking art but also in tune with modern trends. Inside, however, its HW4701 movement is subtle and inconspicuous. Exemplifying that motif, the carousel can remain idle, if the wearer so chooses. When released from a resting position, since it is tied to the watch’s power source and under constant tension, the carousel springs to life and quickly accelerates to cruising speed. Another benefit of such a premier piece is its ability to display dual time zones at the same time, both of which are accurate to the nearest minute. This rare capability is ideal for businessmen with a watchful eye on multiple time zones, and for those who live in one time zone but often do business in another. It allows for the wearer to monitor both without resetting the piece. Together, the two movements don’t simply make the watch distinctive in the marketplace of elite watch works; they also have a symbiotic relationship. Fighting the detrimental effects of gravity, the two movements operate at varying rotation angles and speeds that aid in the chronograph performance – key to the watch’s accuracy. Twin fast-rotating barrels also provide exceptionally regular torque and enhance the piece’s precision. The outstanding experience of the Histoire de Tourbillon 6 is not fully comprehended, however, until placed on the wrist. Measuring a simply expansive 64 millimetres from crown to crown, the timepiece is surprisingly comfortable to wear, thanks to its lightweight construction and ergonomic lugs. Affixed to the wrist with a broad, hand-sewn alligator strap with an ardillon buckle, the titanium frame is accented by an 18-carat white gold alloy case with high palladium content, giving the watch not only an extraordinary matte sheen but also magnifying the watch’s unique shape. Moreover, the body is expertly hand-bevelled and sandblasted – accenting the granular texture – before undergoing the galvanic treatment, coating it in a sophisticated and striking black metal layer that beautifully hints at the gravitas of the movement. Visually, the timepiece lends itself to being ideal for any event, from jet setting to jet skiing. After all, it is water resistant up to 3.0 bars. The Histoire de Tourbillon 6 has a distinguishing presence that makes it suitable for either daily wear or relegated for only special occasions, depending on the owner’s daring spirit of course. Importantly, it has the kind of design that makes it a conversation starter and highlight of an ensemble or simply a part of a finer outfit. It is not too dominating as to be overwhelming. Truly, it is the kind of movement that will catch the attention of onlookers, even when throwing open the door of Lamborghini. Broadly, though, if its mechanicals, pedigree and expert attention to detail were not enough to make it one of the most exclusive, desirable and enviable watches in the world, the Histoire de Tourbillon 6 will only be offered as an extremely limited edition. In fact, only 20 people on the planet will be privy to the majesty of the Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 6, making it an ideal addition to a robust collection for the world’s most discerning timepiece aficionados. Whatever role it plays in your collection, be it centrepiece or notable addition, it will certainly find a cherished place in the series.