Editor’s Note
This article explores the legacy of Harry Winston, a storied watchmaker renowned for its mastery of gem-setting and exceptional craftsmanship. Known as the ‘King of Diamonds,’ the brand’s unique access to precious stones and dedication to artistry, requiring over a year of labor for a single timepiece, define its luxurious identity.
Harry Winston is a watch brand uniquely nicknamed the ‘King of Diamonds’. Established over a century ago and built over three generations of the Winston family, the brand holds its own shares in diamond mines. Perhaps for this reason, Harry Winston watches are characterized by their adornment with diamonds and various other gemstones. It takes a single craftsman over a year to create just one watch.
Having firmly established itself as a global high jewelry brand, Harry Winston launched its watch division in 1984. It subsequently introduced a series of unique handmade watches, such as the Premier and Avenue collections, earning recognition even in Switzerland, the heartland of watchmaking.
What Harry Winston values most is ‘rarity’. For this reason, its watches are cherished as marriage gifts worth a lifetime of ownership. The brand’s flagship line, the ‘Midnight Collection’, is characterized by designs that maximize simplicity and elegance. The ‘Midnight Big Date’ model, in particular, is the epitome of a design where classic and modern sensibilities coexist.
The Midnight Big Date features a 42mm case and boasts a 72-hour power reserve (the maximum running time after one winding). It has a dial at the 12 o’clock position indicating hours and minutes, while the date is displayed through a round aperture at the 6 o’clock position, reminiscent of windows found on aircraft or ships. Another distinctive feature is the absence of the numeral 6 on the index, replaced instead by a small diamond setting. This design was inspired by the anecdote that founder Harry Winston always carried a diamond with him.
