Harry Winston Premier Day-Date Platinum - 'Brushed' Silver Dial Unpolished

Harry Winston entered the world of watches from a rather different starting point than many of Switzerland’s traditional maisons. Founded in New York in 1932 by Harry Winston himself, the brand quickly established a reputation as one of the most important names in high jewelry, becoming synonymous with extraordinary gemstones and extravagant, architectural designs. Unsurprisingly, and not dissimilar to a handful of other brands that started in jewelry, watches became an extension of this world, with the brand treating the timepiece less as a conventional instrument and more as another canvas for exceptional stones, unusual forms, and high jewelry craftsmanship.

Harry Winston’s serious push into horology came much later, particularly following the brand’s acquisition by the Swatch Group in 2013, although its watchmaking ambitions made noise in the late 1980s with the Premier collection.

Produced exclusively out of precious metals with a handful of different movements and complications, the piece that we have here is one of those early watches. Crafted out of platinum, the case is wonderfully sized at 37.5mm and features a gorgeous combination of brushed and polished finishing. The dial inside is no different, with a lovely 'linen' or perhaps vertically 'brushed' surface along with applied indices, a date aperture with the 6 o'clock marker, and a day aperture at 12 o'clock. When factoring in the recessed crown with in the case, this makes for a rare, perfectly symmetrical design.

While the entirety of this piece clearly displays the design and execution prowess of the brand, it must be said that the bracelet is the real highlight of this piece. Like the case, it is crafted out of platinum, with each 'honeycomb'-style link composed of multiple pieces. It has the unique ability to articulate and contort in any direction in the same way that a leather or textile strap can. If not for the sheer weight of the platinum, it would feel like it too. And it doesn't stop at the links. The completely hidden clasp is fashioned out of white gold and at a glance, is nothing special. On closer inspection, the inner blades themselves subtly and tastefully form the letters 'H' & 'W.'

Last but not least, this piece is powered by an automatic-winding mechanical movement with both day & date functions.

Early examples from the Premiere line rarely surface and come to market, particularly with these absolutely stunning bracelets. And with the rise in popularity of artistic, design-forward watches such as this showing no signs of stopping (good, we're here for it), there is no saying when or where another might surface.