Harry Winston, like many jewelers out there, has branched out to horology – and quite successfully so I might add. The brand is completely Swiss made and has made a name of some repute in watchmaking circles with its daring designs and unique take on luxury timepieces.
What I like about Harry Winston is that even though they are known worldwide for their diamonds and exotic jewelry pieces, they don’t drape all of their watches in gems creating jewelry that just happens to tell the time. Quite the contrary, in fact, Harry Winston engages in the kind of watchmaking that even the most prejudiced purist would proudly wear on his or her wrist.
The Harry Winston Ocean Sport™ Chronograph is made from Zalium. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of this material, it is the name given by Harry Winston to this Aluminium and Zirconium alloy. This alloy reminds me of high grade titanium as it is light, strong, hypoallergenic, and non-corrosive. Zalium scores higher than titanium though, with its lustrous gunmetal aesthetic.
The case on this model measures a total of 44mm across not including the generous, ridged main crown. The bezel is unidirectional used for measuring elapsed times. Completing the look of this watch is a sleek, black rubber strap that tapers gently into the folding clasp made from Zalium. The Harry Winston Ocean Sport™ Chronograph is water resistant to 200 meters.
The Ocean Sport™ from Harry Winston features a quasi-skeletonized dial. I say “quasi” because even though the movement can be observed, there is a smoked sapphire crystal dial, which doesn’t allow a crystal clear view.
Using the smoked sapphire dial does allow a better contrast for the luminous, Zalium toned hands and counters at 3, 6, and 9.The counters at 9 and 6 on this model display the chrono minutes and hours respectively. The chronograph seconds hand is made from blued steel on this piece, while the continuous seconds hand occupy the 3 position. Just below the Harry Winston branding on the dial is a date aperture. The flange carries a noticeable minute scale.
Powering this model is a self-winding mechanical movement that also features a 42 hour power reserve.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Chronographs, Date, Diving Watch, Exhibition Case Back, Harry Winston, Haute Horlogerie, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Ocean Sport, Power Reserve, Skeleton Watch, Swiss Made, Unidirectional Bezel, Water Resistant, Zalium