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An Opus video per day: 10 Opus watches, 10 movies, don't miss this thread!
As you saw it in my report of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Opus collection (click here), 10 movies featuring the watchmakers and designers who created the 10 Opus were shown. Thanks to the interviews, they explain in these movies the reasons and ideas behind the creation of each Opus. Thanks to Harry Winston, I'm able to publish them in the forum. I will post them once per day, from today to Saturday then from Monday to Thursday of next week. I will post them all in this single thread. So don't miss them, it is a great opportunity to learn more about these 10 watches and about this collection which had a strong influence on the watch industry.
Of course, I start with François-Paul Journe and the Opus 1.
Stay tuned!
Fr.Xavier
This message has been edited by foversta on 2010-10-11 12:34:05 This message has been edited by foversta on 2010-10-26 14:26:57
Of course, I start with François-Paul Journe and the Opus 1.
Stay tuned!
Fr.Xavier
This message has been edited by foversta on 2010-10-11 12:34:05 This message has been edited by foversta on 2010-10-26 14:26:57
Movie #1: François-Paul Journe and the Opus 1
Let's start with François-Paul Journe and the Opus 1!
The Opus 1 was created in 2001. Actually, 3 different watches were unveiled: the Opus One 5-day Automatic, the Opus One Resonance Chronometer and the Opus One Tourbillon for an overall total of 18 pieces. Platinum case diameter is 38mm for each watch.
One of the 3 Opus 1, the Opus One Tourbillon:
The Opus 1 was created in 2001. Actually, 3 different watches were unveiled: the Opus One 5-day Automatic, the Opus One Resonance Chronometer and the Opus One Tourbillon for an overall total of 18 pieces. Platinum case diameter is 38mm for each watch.
One of the 3 Opus 1, the Opus One Tourbillon:
Movie #2: Antoine Preziuso and the Opus 2
Antoine Preziuso created two watches for the Opus 2. First is the Opus Two Tourbillon. The front of the watch unveils an open Tourbillon with a large bridge and a very delicated decoration. The HW letters contribute to enhance the sophisticated and artistic style of the dial.
The second Opus Two features a retrograde Perpetual Calendar on the reverse side: this combo Tourbillon & Perpetual Calendar is one of the Preziuso's specialities.
Both watches have a 38mm platinum case and were released in a LE of 11 pieces. One diamond set piece per watch was also issued.
Thanks to its finishings, the Opus 2 has a very luminous dial which seems to be like lace. There is also a very surprising feeling of depth. A true 3D dial!
The second Opus Two features a retrograde Perpetual Calendar on the reverse side: this combo Tourbillon & Perpetual Calendar is one of the Preziuso's specialities.
Both watches have a 38mm platinum case and were released in a LE of 11 pieces. One diamond set piece per watch was also issued.
Thanks to its finishings, the Opus 2 has a very luminous dial which seems to be like lace. There is also a very surprising feeling of depth. A true 3D dial!
This is a subtle and understated Opus
Probably because Preziuso was not elevated with 'god-like' adulation by fan-boys, the Opus 2 has been elegant in the background.
The true PuristS can appreciate the depth of design, as it invites the observer to immerse themselves into the limpid pool of the dial. Like the Sirens of Scylla calling, this Opus 2 beckons seductively but chastely. There is more to this Work than it has received credit. A quiet meditation rather than a punch to the head. It dos not shout vulgarity....Loook at ME! Really -- LOOK!
It just whispers coyly, "I'm here for you......please embrace me passionately....just the two of us." [sigh]
Regards,
MTF
This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-10-12 21:30:58Inspired by the 5th Avenue boutique...
Didn't know the design of this timepiece was inspired by the 5th Avenue boutique.
Beautiful timepiece!
Beautiful timepiece!
I love the depth of the dial on the Opus 2.
There is so much to investigate and examine in each nook and cranny of the dial. I think Opus 2 is one of the most romantic watches of the series thus far.
Cheers,
Daos
Cheers,
Daos
Movie #3: Vianney Halter and the Opus 3
Without any doubt, the Opus 3 is the most known Opus with the Opus 5: its shape, its design, its mouvement, its time display make it a very ambitious. Too ambitious, too daring maybe when it was unveiled in 2003. The objective of the Opus 3 was to explore new territories in the watchmaking art. Let's imagine the challenge: the six indicators (hours, minutes with a countdown of the four last seconds and date) had to jump instantaneously. This Opus 3 required 7 more years of develoment to become reliable. Despite this very long wait, the Opus 3 has not lost any piece of magic and it is still considered as one of the most breathtaking watches of the industry.
Nice guy.... ..Nice idea.......
Vianney is a nice guy ( and plays a mean jazz piano) with fantastc horology ideas.
It all depends on how you define 'Opus'.
If it means 'work' to you, then Opus 3 production execution did not make the grade. But if it means 'creation', then it is indeed An Opus.....a mighty fine one.
Regards,
MTF
Still my favourite Opus. Bravo to Vianney and everyone else who had a hand in it. [nt]
No message body
Movie #4: Christophe Claret and the Opus 4
With the Opus 4, the collection enters the world of the striking watches.If it may look much more formal than the previous Opus 3, it still belongs to the universe of the exceptional watches.
The Opus 4 is a bit a mix of two watches in one: the front side reveals a Tourbillon and the hammers of the minute repeater. We recognize this now classic Claret movement with the hammers located at 12 and 2 o'clock. It is a similar movement which is used, for example, by the Gronefeld brothers for their first watch.
With the back, the watch enters another dimension, a more poetic one with a large moonphases display and a date indicator.
Case is larger than the round cases of the Opus 1 or 2: the diameter reaches 44mm.
18 pieces were produced with platinum case and 2 with diamonds set.
The Opus 4 is a bit a mix of two watches in one: the front side reveals a Tourbillon and the hammers of the minute repeater. We recognize this now classic Claret movement with the hammers located at 12 and 2 o'clock. It is a similar movement which is used, for example, by the Gronefeld brothers for their first watch.
With the back, the watch enters another dimension, a more poetic one with a large moonphases display and a date indicator.
Case is larger than the round cases of the Opus 1 or 2: the diameter reaches 44mm.
18 pieces were produced with platinum case and 2 with diamonds set.
thank you forvesta for these posts
I really enjoy watching these interviews, this past week they have been the first thing i do when i arrive home.
thanks again for these wonderful posts
sincerely
marwan
thanks again for these wonderful posts
sincerely
marwan
Movie #5: Felix Baumgartner and the Opus 5
In 2010, the time display which uses cubes seems to us quite familiar thanks to the 20x collection from Urwerk. But let's go back to 2005. The Opus V was the first watch to introduce these little dices as hour indicator combined with a retrograde hand for the minutes display. This Opus V was clearly a win-win situation. For Harry Winston which unveiled one of the most impressive watches of the last 10 years and which is still considered today as the perfection in the originality. For Felix Baumgartner and his brand Urwerk: the success of this Opus V helped him a lot to develop the 20x collection. At first glance, this collection looks similar to the Opus V. But they are actually very different watches. The Opus V has only one hand and a retrograde system. The 20x watches have 3 hands which move continuously. They share in commun the hours display and the caliber base: the handwind movement from Lajoux-Perret which has a 5 days power reserve.
The watch is large (50mm round case), thick and heavy. 45 pieces in PG, 45 pieces in Pt, 10 pieces in Pt set with diamonds were released.
I will come back to this Opus V with a specific post.
The watch is large (50mm round case), thick and heavy. 45 pieces in PG, 45 pieces in Pt, 10 pieces in Pt set with diamonds were released.
I will come back to this Opus V with a specific post.
Almost tactile
Indeed the Opus 5 was the darling of PuristS for a number of reasons.....mostly tactile.
1) It was a "new" variation of reading time display, with antecedents from Audemars Piguet Starwheel. The rotating cubes instead of truncated cones was the 'novelty'. You always try to touch the cubes.
2) The case is wonderfully tactile, all that machismo curves and smooth metal with knobbly bits and arches...lovely!
3) Opus 5 touched the watch lovers because it actually worked (unlike the Opus 3) and proved that Harry Winston Rare Timepieces (as it was known) could produce haute horlogerie where the movement, dial, case etc, sparkled more than diamonds.
Regards,
MTF
Movie #6: Robert Greubel & Stephen Forsey and the Opus 6
The Opus VI was presented in 2006 and it is a perfect mix between the Greubel&Forsey technical features and the Harry Winston style. In fact, when we look at it very carefully it is far from the Greubel&Forsey aesthetical style: dial is less busy and the time display is maybe more intuitive (but still original). But the technical features come from them without any doubt: thanks to its layout, the dial seems to be entirely dedicated to the Double Tourbillon. The time display is secondary in this context.
The Tourbillon is inclined at 30 degrees allowing the owner to the watch to get a spectacular view on the two rotating cages.
The Opus VI has a 44 diameter WG case and is a limited edition of 6 pieces.
Please note that Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey were after the Opus VI involved in another Harry Winston project with the Histoire de Tourbillon n°1.
The Tourbillon is inclined at 30 degrees allowing the owner to the watch to get a spectacular view on the two rotating cages.
The Opus VI has a 44 diameter WG case and is a limited edition of 6 pieces.
Please note that Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey were after the Opus VI involved in another Harry Winston project with the Histoire de Tourbillon n°1.
Last real Opus before Number X
The Opus 6 may have been the last real recognised Harry Winston 'Work' before the most recent Opus X resurgence.
"Opus" 7, 8 and 9 failed to spark PuristS passion, let alone fervour, not to mention plain indifference and (gasp) even uncharitable thoughts!
Nobody knows why. It just was...is.....will be......
Better to look forward from Opus X. 
Regards,
MTF
Movie #7: Andreas Strehler and the Opus 7
The Opus VII is without any doubt the most difficult one to comprehend. Once again, Andreas Strehler managed to create a fascinating timepiece. When you look at it, you don't understand how to read the time if you don't have the method. In fact, the watch belongs to the very rare category of the timepieces which don't display the time data at once. The pusher is a display menu: you press it and you change the information which is on the dial. You read the hours, the minutes, the power reserve one after the others but not at the same time.
The most impressive feature of the watch is the layout of the movement on both sides.
In fact, the handwind movement has two functions here: it is not only the engine of the time display: it is also the time display. The shape of the bridges dial side are far from being straight and draws elegant curves like a butterfly. The movement has a low frequency (2,5 hz) and a 60 hours power reserve.
WG Case has a 45mm diameter and features a very discrete reference to Harry Winston close to the pusher.
This Opus, maybe the most mysterious one, was produced in a limited edition of 50 pieces.
The most impressive feature of the watch is the layout of the movement on both sides.
In fact, the handwind movement has two functions here: it is not only the engine of the time display: it is also the time display. The shape of the bridges dial side are far from being straight and draws elegant curves like a butterfly. The movement has a low frequency (2,5 hz) and a 60 hours power reserve.
WG Case has a 45mm diameter and features a very discrete reference to Harry Winston close to the pusher.
This Opus, maybe the most mysterious one, was produced in a limited edition of 50 pieces.
Movie #8: Frédéric Garinaud and the Opus 8
Let's discover another UFO and an innovative time display with the Opus 8 created by Frédéric Garinaud !
As Garinaud explains it in the video, the watch was inspired by the 80's and by the first watches with digital time displays. But here, we face a pure mechanical watch !
The caliber is a handwind mouvement with a frequency of 3hz and a power reserve of 48 hours. The slide on the right side of the case activates the display by segments on the front. Minutes are indicated by 5 minutes segments. The watch like the single hand timepieces is dedicated to people have a special relationship with the flow of time.
The other surprise is on the back: time and the power reserve are also displayed with a disks system.
The WG case is not that big (45,8mm x 33,5mm). It features the parts used for the Premium case but with an adaptation of the context of the watch. They are sharper and enhance the 80's touch of the watch.
The Opus 8 was released through a LE of 50 pieces.
As Garinaud explains it in the video, the watch was inspired by the 80's and by the first watches with digital time displays. But here, we face a pure mechanical watch !
The caliber is a handwind mouvement with a frequency of 3hz and a power reserve of 48 hours. The slide on the right side of the case activates the display by segments on the front. Minutes are indicated by 5 minutes segments. The watch like the single hand timepieces is dedicated to people have a special relationship with the flow of time.
The other surprise is on the back: time and the power reserve are also displayed with a disks system.
The WG case is not that big (45,8mm x 33,5mm). It features the parts used for the Premium case but with an adaptation of the context of the watch. They are sharper and enhance the 80's touch of the watch.
The Opus 8 was released through a LE of 50 pieces.
Movie #9: J.M. Wiederrecht & E.Giroud and the Opus 9
When we consider the Opus 9, we find it very logical in its concept even if it is original as an Opus watch has to be.
The first logical point is Jean-Marc Wiederrecht's involvement in the project. Jean-Marc has had an important role in the development of the Harry Winston watches collection since the beginning. It is not strange to find him in an Opus project with his friend, the successful designer Eric Giroud.
The second logical point is the use of diamonds. This use seems to be so obvious for a Harry Winston watch but the unusual feature is that they are integrated into the time display: diamonds tell the time with the Opus 9 thanks to two parallel chains for hours and minutes.
The biggest difficulty was to create a movement enough powerful to animate these two heavy chains. This caliber is an automatic one with a power reserve of 72 hours.
This big (56mm x 48mm) watch was produced in a limited series of 100 in WG case.
The first logical point is Jean-Marc Wiederrecht's involvement in the project. Jean-Marc has had an important role in the development of the Harry Winston watches collection since the beginning. It is not strange to find him in an Opus project with his friend, the successful designer Eric Giroud.
The second logical point is the use of diamonds. This use seems to be so obvious for a Harry Winston watch but the unusual feature is that they are integrated into the time display: diamonds tell the time with the Opus 9 thanks to two parallel chains for hours and minutes.
The biggest difficulty was to create a movement enough powerful to animate these two heavy chains. This caliber is an automatic one with a power reserve of 72 hours.
This big (56mm x 48mm) watch was produced in a limited series of 100 in WG case.
Movie #10: Jean-François Mojon and the Opus 10
The Opus 9 is rectangular and has a straight time display.
The Opus 10 is round and is an ode to the circles ! But a round case doesn't mean that the watch is clasic. The time display created by Jean-François Mojon is very innovative and inspired by the planetary movement.
One of the most impressive points in this watch is the dial shape. It is not flat: it is curvy. The time data are displayed through rotating indicators on a revolving frame. The frame does a full revolution in 24 hours in a way, the indicators in the other way to keep the same orientation. Each indicator is set on individual satellite wheel.
In the Periphery of the dial, a second timezone is indicated thanks to the yellow hand by the Harry Winston logo.
On the back, the watch unveils the technical layout of the movement which features a very long escapement bridge and a linear timezone. This movement has a 3 days power reserve.
The Opus X is a large watch (WG case diameter is 46mm) and a limited edition of 100 timepieces.
With this Opus X, I put an end to my thread " an Opus movie per day". With its time display always on the move, that's a perfect way to symbolize the Opus collection ! Now our biggest wish is that the next Opus XI and XII will be as innovative as the first 10 Opus !
The Opus 10 is round and is an ode to the circles ! But a round case doesn't mean that the watch is clasic. The time display created by Jean-François Mojon is very innovative and inspired by the planetary movement.
One of the most impressive points in this watch is the dial shape. It is not flat: it is curvy. The time data are displayed through rotating indicators on a revolving frame. The frame does a full revolution in 24 hours in a way, the indicators in the other way to keep the same orientation. Each indicator is set on individual satellite wheel.
In the Periphery of the dial, a second timezone is indicated thanks to the yellow hand by the Harry Winston logo.
On the back, the watch unveils the technical layout of the movement which features a very long escapement bridge and a linear timezone. This movement has a 3 days power reserve.
The Opus X is a large watch (WG case diameter is 46mm) and a limited edition of 100 timepieces.
With this Opus X, I put an end to my thread " an Opus movie per day". With its time display always on the move, that's a perfect way to symbolize the Opus collection ! Now our biggest wish is that the next Opus XI and XII will be as innovative as the first 10 Opus !
Thank you for posting these, was so excited to check and see if the next video was out
each day, should do stuff like this more often. Thanks again, great series. Ben
All these videos have been very exciting to watch!
I like seeing the varied inspirations and execution of design each watchmaker has brought to their Harry Winston Opus project. Thank you for sharing all these videos! I look forward to seeing the next Opus watch!
Cheers,
Daos
Cheers,
Daos
Opus comes B-A-C-K !
Yay! Opus comes back into PuristS territory.
J-F Mojon: thoroughly sensible and focused chap, watchmaker and designer.
We may not be shouting from the rooftops but after a string of "Huh?" so-called Opus watches, Opus X is a resurgence for Harry Winston. Another few more winners and we really can say "Opus is Back"
Regards,
MTF
Just read the whole post and
darn ,,, you said it all perfectly
coudn't agree more with all your comments ....
ah we poor souls can just sit back relax and watch you Moderators do your splendid work
Best
Damian
coudn't agree more with all your comments ....
ah we poor souls can just sit back relax and watch you Moderators do your splendid work
Best
Damian