Harry Winston - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII Hong Kong Saturday, June 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Harry Winston
    Year: Circa 2002
    Reference No: 200/MTFPJ38P
    Case No: No. 004525
    Model Name: Opus One "Piece Unique"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Harry Winston deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Harry Winston International Warranty stamped Harry Winston Tokyo dated 3rd November 2002, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the exciting world of horology, once in a blue moon collectors are able to witness something truly special and this was the case for the Harry Winston Opus series. Although the idea of brands collaborating with watchmakers to build movements is not something that is entirely new, the usual scenario does not credit the ingenuity of the man behind the movement.

    During the time when Maximillian Büsser was the CEO of Harry Winston Timepieces, the genius behind the Opus series realized quickly that the new millennium saw a boom for highly talented and skilled independent watchmakers. Capitalizing wisely on the occasion, Büsser set out to create the Opus series in collaboration with various watchmakers to create timepieces bearing the DNA of the brand (Harry Winston) while also bearing signature traits of the watchmaker, allowing both parties to co-share the center stage hand in hand.

    The first timepiece from the Opus series was the Opus One released in 2001 in collaboration with one of the most revered watchmakers in the industry, François-Paul Journe. With a decorated career in the watch industry, Journe set out to create his own brand in 1999. The Opus One project resulted in a total of 18 unique pieces across three different movements, a time-only with power reserve and large date, a Résonance and a tourbillon with Remontoire d'Égalité and a power reserve, such as the present example.

    Out of the 18 unique pieces, 6 of the unique pieces featured a tourbillon with Remontoire d'Égalité.

    - Blue dial set with 118 diamonds
    - Black dial set with 118 diamonds
    - Silver dial
    - Grey dial
    - Turquoise dial (Offered in Geneva Watch Auction: XIII)
    - Pink dial (The present example)

    Journe has been creating some of the most important timepieces before the man even knew himself, starting from his early souscription pieces, which included the Résonance and the Tourbillon Souverain. F.P. Journe tourbillon timepieces are extremely impressive, featuring a constant force device (Remontoire d'Égalité), the mechanism distributes an equal amount of energy regardless of the winding level of the mainspring resulting in greater accuracy and amplitude of the timepiece.

    Establishing a momentum for the Opus series for years to come, the Opus One can arguably be considered as the most important project for both parties. Combined with its rarity and technical brilliance, the unique timepieces have become one of the most sought after creations by Journe in recent times. The present example featuring a pink dial with a desirable brass movement offered by the original owner from Tokyo is fresh to the market and has never been offered in public before. Presented in absolutely pristine condition and complete with its full set of accessories, "The Rising Sun" is certainly a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire the coveted and unique example of the Opus One hailing from Japan and one of the earliest creations from the esteemed and respected Journe.

Property from the Original Owner

Σ808

Ref. 200/MTFPJ38P
An extremely fine, important and unique platinum tourbillon wristwatch with Remontoire d’Égalité, power reserve indication, warranty and presentation box

Circa 2002
38mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$800,000 - 1,600,000 
€85,400-171,000
$103,000-205,000

Sold for HK$3,654,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII

Hong Kong Auctions 5-6 June 2021