he Ultimate Emerald Signature is the jewel in the crown of Harry Winston’s High Jewelry Timepieces. As its name suggests, it is the ultimate tribute to Mr. Winston’s visionary high jewelry aesthetic distilled in a secret timepiece. Referencing his preferred emerald cut for gemstones and his renown as the “King of Diamonds,” the inaugural Ultimate Emerald Signature was drawn entirely in diamonds. To mark the tenth anniversary of this masterpiece, the House of Harry Winston unveils an extraordinary version scintillating with diamonds and pink sapphires.
The Ultimate Emerald Signature is a testament to the exceptional skills and creative flair of Harry Winston’s gem-setters. While the color of the gemstones varies from model to model, the underlying architecture of this secret timepiece is shared by all.
Emulating the stepped facets of an emerald-cut gemstone, the octagonal 18-karat white gold case is constructed like a pyramid. The different tiers are set with brilliant- cut or baguette-cut gemstones of increasing dimensions and crowned at the summit with a fabulous 1-carat emerald-cut gemstone.
Countering the powerful geometry of the case isa radiant halo of marquise-cut diamonds. The 24 marquise-cut diamonds, suspended around the case with the minimum amount of metal and angled in different directions to catch the light, add a dynamic sensation of movement. In yet another delectable tribute to Mr. Winston, there are two large emerald-cut diamonds nestled amongst the marquise diamonds, set on the case at noon and 6 o’clock.
The enchantment continues as the secret watch reveals its dial. By swiveling the upper tiers of the case, the dazzling pavé dial is exposed, allowing the wearer to consult the time with absolute discretion. More than 100 hours were required to hand-set the 98 gemstones adorning the dial.
As befits the legacy of the “King of Diamonds”, the queen of the Ultimate Emerald Signature is a spectacular high-voltage timepiece swathed with about 10 carats of the world’s finest diamonds. Crowned with a 1-carat emerald-cut diamond, this majestic high jewelry timepiece sets the tone for its regal descendants.
Blue is an iconic color at Harry Winston, recalling the rare 45.52-carat blue Hope Diamond that its founder acquired in 1949. Renowned as the “most famous diamond in the world,” the Hope Diamond – and other extraordinary gemstones in Mr. Winston’s unrivalled collection – was the star of the “Court of Jewels” traveling exhibition before being donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Paying homage to the Hope Diamond, the Sapphire Ultimate Emerald Signature is set with a medley of diamonds and light blue and dark blue sapphires. Exploring other tonalities of blue, the Tourmaline Ultimate Emerald Signature combines diamonds with prized Paraíba tourmalines.
Renowned for their incandescent glow, the marriage of neon- turquoise Paraíba tourmalines and diamonds is mesmerizing.
The fourth member of this royal family is a heartwarming version with close to 10 carats of diamonds and romantic pink sapphires, blushing like a garden of gemstone roses. The new pink timepiece is set with 194 brilliant- cut pink sapphires, 137 brilliant-cut diamonds, 24 marquise-cut diamonds, 38 baguette-cut diamonds and an impressive 1-carat emerald-cut pink sapphire.
Estimated to have owned more than one-third of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the legendary Hope Diamond, Mr. Winston became known as the “King of Diamonds.” His larger- than-life diamonds interpreted in glamorous high jewelry pieces soon became red carpet icons, earning him the distinction of “Jeweler to the Stars.” To celebrate his passion for diamonds, it is only natural that diamonds play a starring role in the Ultimate Emerald Signature timepieces. Another facet of Mr. Winston’s career was his revolutionary approach to cutting and mounting gemstones. Discarding the old-fashioned mounts of the day in favor of minimalist settings, the gemstones basked in the limelight. One of his preferred cuts for gemstones was the elegant emerald cut. Instantly recognizable by its rectangular step-cut facets, the octagonal geometry of the emerald cut produces a ‘hall of mirrors’ effect. Extremely popular during the Art Deco era - which coincided with the foundation of Harry Winston in 1932 - it would become a hallmark Harry Winston cut.
The ultimate accessory for glamorous red carpet occasions, this versatile secret watch can be worn on the wrist on a sophisticated satin strap with a white gold buckle set with 29 brilliant-cut diamonds. Alternatively, it can be worn as a pendant or a necklace on the 18-karat white gold chain set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds or even as a brooch, thanks to the clamp system on the reverse side of the case.
All Ultimate Emerald Signature models are powered by a Swiss quartz movement for carefree maintenance.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- REFERENCES HJTQHM32WW001
- MOVEMENT Caliber HW1051 Type Quartz Number of jewels 5 Functions Hours and minutes
- CASE Case material 18K white gold Case dimensions • Diameter: 32 x 46 mm • Height: 11.8 mm Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides Water-resistance 3 bar (30 meters) Gem-setting on the case • 192 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.86 carats) • 38 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 1.24 carats) • 24 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 6.29 carats) • 1 emerald-cut diamond (approx. 1.01 carats)
- DIAL Dial material 18K gold Gem-setting on dial 98 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.29 carats)
- STRAP/BRACELET Strap material & color Black satin Buckle material 18K white gold Gem-setting on buckle/bracelet 29 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.16 carats)
- GENERAL INFO Total Gem-Setting • 331 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.36 carats) • 38 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 1.24 carats) • 24 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 6.29 carats) • 1 emerald-cut diamond (approx. 1.01 carats) Collection High Jewelry Timepieces by Harry Winston