Harry Winston and Vianney Halter - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips

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    • Manufacturer: Harry Winston and Vianney Halter
      Year: 2011
      Reference No: 520/MMVHPL/D3
      Case No: 045558 further stamped with limited edition number 4/5
      Model Name: Opus 3
      Material: Platinum
      Calibre: Manual wind, inhouse movement, 47 jewels
      Bracelet/Strap: Leather
      Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Harry Winston deployant clasp
      Dimensions: 37.5mm wide 37.5mm long (not including lugs)
      Signed: Case, signed Harry Winston and Vianney Halter, movement signed Opus, deployant clasp signed HW
      Accessories: Accompanied by Original Guarantee stamped Seddiqi and dated June 26th, 2011, instruction booklet, outer box and fitted presentation box.

    • Catalogue Essay

      Of the field of independent watchmaking, the early 2000s saw a surge in creative and imaginative watchmakers, propelling the specialized group of companies to prominence. Although independent creative horology was still in its infancy at the time, the original approach to giving something genuinely remarkable was regarded vital, and Harry Winston properly opted to continue in a special project known as the Opus series. Büsser chose to collect some of the world's most competent independent watchmakers to build cutting-edge timepieces for the Opus line when he was the director of the watchmaking department for Harry Winston at the time.

      The Opus 3 was launched in 2003 by Harry Winston in partnership with the enfant terrible of independent watchmaking: Vianney Halter.

      Halter has always drawn inspiration from sources outside the domain of watchmaking, with most of his designs influenced by technology, steampunk, and science fiction. The Opus 3 is an unusual and arguably one of the most intricate time and date only watches ever made, with a casing that is distinctly Vianney Halter with a hint of Harry Winston for the flexible lugs. The interesting and unusual dial is adorned with a steampunk charm and six apertures for the digital time display. Consisting of 7 overlapping discs for the time and date indications but also a very playful and ingenious countdown of the last 4 seconds of each minute that can be read as follows:

      - From left to right in the top row: AM/PM and countdown indicator, date (tens), and hours (units)
      - From left to right in the lower row: tens of minutes, date (units) minutes (units)

      While the majority of Opus 3 watches were sold approximately ten years after its launch, it is thought that the movement had teething issues that required almost ten years to address. Furthermore, not a single order was cancelled throughout this time span, earning the Opus 3 legendary reputation among collectors.

      Launched as a limited edition model, 25 examples in pink gold, 25 examples in platinum and 5 rare examples in platinum with baguette-cut diamonds like the present example, the Opus 3 has become one of the most sought after creations by Vianney Halter in recent times as it was also the winner of the GPHG 2003.

      The present timepiece in almost unworn condition comes complete with its full set of accessories including its unique numbered presentation box. It is truly an opportunity for lovers of independent watchmaking to acquire a spectacular, highly rare and sought-after timepiece.

185

Ref. 520/MMVHPL/D3
An incredible cutting edge platinum and diamond-set wristwatch with digital display of time, date, countdown features, original guarantee and presentation box, number 4 of a 5 piece limited edition

2011
37.5mm wide 37.5mm long (not including lugs)
Case, signed Harry Winston and Vianney Halter, movement signed Opus, deployant clasp signed HW

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€98,200-196,000
$106,000-212,000

Sold for CHF214,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022