Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

7 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he house of Harry Winston launched the ultra-technical and determinedly innovative Project Z9 watch line back in 2004, and the latest iteration to be showcased at Baselworld 2016 will not disappoint admirers of this special collection. The latest version, like its predecessors, features a 44.2mm case of Zalium™, a unique alloy that is both ultra-light and non-allergenic. The material is also highly corrosion- resistant which assures customers of the solid and long-lasting nature of the timepiece. What really draws the eye with Zalium, though, is its very particular grey shade. It’s something that is easily noticed when handling the watch. The case is satin-finished on the smooth surfaces and the edges contrast a shot-blasted effect. Also in line with previous editions, the ninth version of Project Z9 is open-worked or skeletonised. The dial had the majority of the material effectively shaved away, leaving the movement on glorious. This final lattice-like structure has a real sense of depth and intricacy. Powered by the HW3304 chronograph calibre, more state-of-the-art technology is deployed via a silicon balance-spring, which permanently beats at a frequency of 5 Hz. This oscillation speed guarantees Project Z9 a particularly precise rate. The HW3304 movement also boasts a flyback function, dispensing with the need to stop the chronograph to begin a new timing operation, as the hands are reset by simply pressing the pusher at 4 o’clock. The finishing, as is to be expected with Harry Winston, is exceptional. The 18-carat white gold rotor and the date disk are open-worked and other decoration includes circular Côtes de Genève work, circular graining, chamfered bridges, rhodium plating, as well as a Super-LumiNova revelator and an NAC-coated circular-grained mechanism cover. This watch is also something of a chameleon, changing its colours at different times of the day. According to Harry Winston, “The resolutely modern nature of Project Z9 is expressed on its dial, which is composed of an open-worked 3D grid bearing the indications. This skeletonised frame extends up over the inner bezel ring towards the indexes. The resulting effect is accentuated by two raised chronograph counters, painted in blue that stand out against a white background. The blue colour lights up the dial both during the day and at night, since the hands and indexes of Project Z9 are enhanced with blue-emission Super-LumiNova. The shade is also highlighted on the open-worked date disk that changes background colours based on the time of day – white by day, and blue by night.” Admirers of this ever-popular will have to be quick off the mark in Basel, as with the other watches, this will be a limited edition with only 300 being produced. Harry Winston – Project Z9