Founded in New York City in 1932 by the legendary gem expert Harry Winston, the eponymous brand has long been a titan in the world of high jewelry. Known as the King of Diamonds, Harry Winston established a legacy based on the acquisition and setting of some of the world’s most famous gemstones, including the Hope Diamond and the Taylor-Burton Diamond. While the house built its reputation on Fifth Avenue as a premier jeweler to royalty and Hollywood stars, it successfully expanded its expertise into haute horlogerie in 1989. Now a part of the Swatch Group and operating a state-of-the-art manufacture in Geneva, the brand maintains its founder’s philosophy by fusing American aesthetic opulence with Swiss mechanical precision.
People are drawn to Harry Winston watches for their unique intersection of fine jewelry and complex engineering. Enthusiasts appreciate the brand’s ability to treat a watch as both a functional instrument and a canvas for artistic expression, often featuring exceptional gem-setting and innovative materials. A significant draw for serious collectors is the brand’s transparent collaboration with independent watchmakers, which has cemented its status as a serious horological contender rather than just a jewelry house that produces watches. The use of signature design elements, such as the three-arch lug system inspired by the brand’s New York salon, provides a distinct visual identity that resonates with those seeking exclusivity.
The brand’s horological portfolio is headlined by several landmark collections and series. The Opus series, launched in 2001, is perhaps the most famous, consisting of annual limited-edition collaborations with master watchmakers to create revolutionary mechanical complications. Another significant line is the Histoire de Tourbillon, which pushes the boundaries of the tourbillon complication through multi-axis movements. More accessible but still highly sophisticated pieces are found in the Ocean collection, known for its sporty elegance and the use of Zalium—a proprietary zirconium-based alloy. Other key collections include the Emerald series, which pays homage to Harry Winston’s favorite diamond cut, and the Project Z series, which emphasizes modern, high-tech aesthetics and mechanical ingenuity.
