BASELWORLD 2014: HARRY WINSTON AVENUE COLLECTION

One of Harry Winston’s most iconic timepiece designs, the Avenue Collection draws its inspiration from the architecture of the House’s historic Fifth Avenue Flagship Salon in New York.
Once called “the complete diamond industry under one roof,” Mr. Winston envisioned his Fifth Avenue Salon to be the ultimate jewelry box to showcase his most exceptional creations. Each detail was impeccably crafted to match the precision and beauty of the House’s finest gems – even the vitrines were shaped like emerald-cut diamonds, Mr. Winston’s favorite shape. It was within the walls of the Fifth Avenue Salon that Mr. Winston would welcome his clients from around the world – from Kings and Queens, to Movie Stars and Maharajas – to find their perfect jewel, a tradition that proudly continues today.

The newest models in the Avenue Collection translate the magic of the Fifth Avenue Salon into truly exceptional timepiece designs – the stately façade and signature arches recreated in the distinct rectangular-shaped case, which sets the stage for intricate diamond-set dials.

AVENUE CLASSIC

Avenue Classic interprets the enduring sophistication of the emerald-cut diamond, Mr. Winston’s preferred shape. The refined cut, which also serves as the logo of the House, is clearly defined in the gem-set chapter ring of this exquisite new model and comes to life in the subtle shimmer of the wave-like guilloché decoration. The indexes have been redesigned to create an even more precious and refined composition, with two rectangular diamond-set markers at 3 and 9 o’clock, a sunray satin-finished small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, and an emerald-cut applique at 12 o’clock. Demonstrating the House’s fine diamond expertise, the case is hand-set with 29 brilliant-cut diamonds – each one carefully selected to meet the House’s exacting standards and continued commitment to gems of the highest quality. The famed Harry Winston arches appear at 12 and 6 o’clock and are set with 2.46 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds – as if Mr. Winston himself had placed the final touch on this beloved classic.

AVENUE C ART DECO

More slender and rounded than the Avenue Classic, the Avenue C Art Deco presents a more contemporary interpretation of its architectural references. While seemingly pure, the dial is intricately constructed with different levels and layers, including exquisite appliques displaying the number 6 and the House’s iconic emerald-cut logo, and a gem-set chapter ring that brings radiance and dimension to the design.

The juxtaposition of the round chapter ring and rectangular case creates an intriguing blend of angles and curves for a look that is exquisitely feminine and undeniably modern. The matte and shiny sunray guilloché motif adds additional texture to the striking black dial. Set with the finest diamonds, the graphic contrast of black and white recalls the Manhattan skyline glimmering in the night, brilliantly interpreting the glamour and style of the city that never sleeps.

AVENUE C MINI ART DECO

As Mr. Winston once said, “a good diamond, however small, is a possession to be prized for generations.” This sentiment is perfectly captured in the Avenue C Mini Art Deco, which focuses on the powerful radiance of the world’s finest quality diamonds, in the most delicate proportions. Daintier than its iconic predecessor, the Avenue C, this new model has been carefully crafted to effortlessly drape across a woman’s wrist, recalling the fluidity and grace of the House’s fine jewelry designs. Further revealing its fine diamond heritage, the supple 18K rose gold bracelet is adorned with a magnificent array of 212 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.18 carats, while the House’s iconic arches, hand-set with brilliant-cut stones, appear at 12 and 6 o’clock. The contemporary composition of the dial features a sunray guilloché that alternates between matte and shiny finishes, and playfully interrupts the streamlined design of the case and bracelet. The finely snailed chapter ring surrounds a central snow-set motif, enlivening the watch with true scintillating style.

AVENUE C MINI LILY CLUSTER

The Avenue C Mini Lily Cluster presents a marriage of two Harry Winston icons – the Cluster and the Avenue – bringing the House’s most celebrated jewelry motif to its most recognized ladies timepiece. Dating back to the archives from the 1940s, the Lily Cluster design draws its inspiration from the beauty of nature – the sculptured geometry of flowers and leaves, and the elegant fluidity with which they take shape. In this exquisite model, cluster motifs, in pear and marquise shapes, dance across the white mother of pearl dial creating a lyrical composition that appears to be dreamt up by nature itself. The shimmering dial perfectly complements the radiant sparkle of the case, hand-set with 47 brilliant-cut diamonds, and set on a tailored rose gold bracelet for an ultra-elegant finishing touch.