Harry Winston Midnight Feathers Automatic 42mm
The House of Harry Winston continues its tradition of creating bold timepiece designs through its innovative aesthetic approaches. In 2012, the House played a trailblazing role in the world of watching making, offering an unusual combination of two ancient art forms that did not seem destined to meet and mingle: horology, the infinitely complex art of time measurement; and plumasserie (feather artistry), a rare and almost forgotten craft that expertly conveys the lightness and sophistication of nature through the artistic placement of feathers. The House of Harry Winston made a sensational entrance on the watchmaking scene with this majestic offering – a timepiece adorned with feather marquetry.
With the Midnight Feathers Automatic 42mm, horological expertise and the animal inspired craft of plumasserie meet again on a rich new canvas, reminiscent of finely textured fabric, like that used in bespoke tailored suits. Each remige or flight feather is carefully selected, shaped and then placed under a magnifying glass, so as to ensure optimal precision. The resulting marquetry motif plays on alternating colors that impart a vibrant, dynamic rhythm to the dial.
Feather artistry is practiced around the world as a visual representation of unity, and symbol of power, virility and valiance – which explains why it is still found in the hats of certain full-dress uniforms. Harry Winston’s Midnight Feathers Automatic 42mm takes the feather one step further, placing it firmly in the spotlight.
The marquetry adorning this horological masterpiece represents a journey to the outermost frontiers of the animal and plant kingdoms. The intense colors evoke amber tinted vetiver roots, bulrushes and cedar wood, while the rose gold of the case is the perfect complement to the brown alligator strap. These warm, contemporary tones further accentuate the elegance of the timepiece. The slim case features the House’s timeless design, three arches, a tribute to the iconic gates of Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue salon. The transparent case-back reveals the refined finishes of the mechanical movement driving the hours and minutes functions with impeccable precision. The skeleton oscillating weight, the circular graining, the parabolic Côtes de Genève and the beveled bridges all confirm a proud heritage of watchmaking excellence.
The Midnight Feathers Automatic 42mm is a singular experience, as each piece is truly one of a kind, due to its unique aesthetic, with each hand-crafted dial naturally varying according to the feather and the touch of the master artisan. The House of Harry Winston remains as dedicated as ever to exploring uncharted territory and opening new horizons in the pursuit of its art.
Technical details
Model: Harry Winston Midnight Feathers Automatic 42mm
Movement
Caliber HW2008
Mechanical with automatic winding
Diameter: 26.2 mm
Height: 3.37 mm
Number of parts: 186
Number of jewels: 28
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
Balance spring: Flat silicon balance spring
Finishes: 18K white gold skeleton rotor, parabolic Côtes de Genèves, circular graining, bevelled bridges
Functions
Hours, minutes
Case
Polished 18K rose gold
Diameter: 42.5 mm
Height: 9.1 mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Case-back: Transparent, sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 3 bars
Dial
Marquetry of brown and black domestic goose feathers
Strap
Brown alligator strap Mississippiensis
Buckle Polished 18K rose gold pin buckle
