Harry Winston: Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom

Inspired by the beauty of the Japanese cherry blossom tree, the Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom Timepiece has been unveiled by Harry Winston at Baselworld 2017.

Mr. Winston, the legendary New York jeweler, was a close observer of nature and translated the natural world into his high jewelry diamond designs. Following in the steps of its founder, Harry Winston designers have looked at the blooming of the sakura cherry blossom tree. In Japan, the blooming of the sakura is a cherished cultural event celebrated with flower-viewing festivals known as hanami, which are held under the branches of the cherry trees. In Japanese tradition and philosophy the delicate white and pink flowers of the sakura announce the arrival of spring – representing the renewal of life and optimism – but, because they bloom so briefly, the fallen petals also serve as a reminder of how ephemeral and precious life is.

Executed with great artistic sensitivity, the dial of the Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom Timepiece is a delightful recreation of the flowering. The background is crafted from pale green-blue mother-of-pearl and uses the natural iridescence of the nacre to simulate clouds. 39 brilliant-cut white diamonds and 29 brilliant-cut pink sapphires dispersed across the dial represent the flowers and petals of the cherry blossom tree; some are still attached to the white gold branches of the tree while others are captured as they float to the ground. The precious gemstones are cut in different sizes to create a sensation of depth and movement.

As all the models in the Avenue Collection the case of this timepiece takes its design cues from Harry Winston’s historic Fifth Avenue Flagship Salon in New York. The elegant architecture of the 18-karat white gold case echoes the stately stone façade of the store and features the three supporting arches that frame the entrance way on the case at 12 and 6 o’clock. The case is set with 29 brilliant-cut diamonds. Placed on the dial at 12 o’clock, the letters HW are housed in an octagonal frame, a shape inspired by Mr. Harry Winston’s favourite diamond cut – the emerald cut.

The Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom Timepiece is presented on a green-blue alligator strap to match the color of the dial. The 18-karat white gold buckle is set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds and – novelty for the Avenue Collection this year – it incorporates a 18-karat white gold folding clasp.

By Valeria Garavaglia