The limited edition Harry Winston Project Z14 is the brand’s answer to the modern timepiece. It uses an untraditional alloy, Zalium, hence the Z name; has a sporty design with a rubber/textile strap; and it is openworked. To complete the algorithm, it’s a limited edition of 300 pieces.
Harry Winston Project Z14 Retrograde Seconds
The Case and Dial
Sized at 42.2 mm in diameter and 10.7 mm in height, the watch has a significant wrist presence, with an additional length for the lugs.
Like previous models in the Project Z series, the Harry Winston Project Z14 uses a case made of Zalium. A proprietary alloy of aluminum and zirconium, Zalium is Harry Winston’s proprietary exotic alloy that resembles titanium, in its lightness and strength, but with more hardness and scratch resistance.
As with previous iterations of the Z project, the case maintains the thick bezel and lugs design, with a prominent crown guard assembly.
The dial of the Harry Winston Project Z14 focuses on making the dial more 3D than before. The openworked concept uses a modular layering of plates and bridges, with a mix of polished and black surfaces. The gunmetal base is readily contrasted with the brand’s signature blue color in the hour markers and hour and minute hands.
The main timekeeping subdial at 12 o’clock completes the symmetric dial layout with a cubic design accented by a blue mintues track and Harry Winston’s emerald cut logo.
The brand’s blue is repeated again as the base for the retrograde seconds counter, as well as the blue screws on both bridges securing the main subdial.
The color contrast help bring the focus to the watch’s main complication the retrograde seconds. A vibrant red alludes to motorsports speedometers and the jump back reminds one of a tachometer gauge during a gear change.
The Movement
Harry Winston powers the Z14 with the HW2202 automatic retrograde seconds movement. The in-house movement uses a skeletonized rotor in 18K white gold, and increases anti-magnetism with a silicon balance spring.
It beats at 28,800 vph and has a 65 hour power reserve. Finishing wise, the movement is decorated with a radial Côtes de Genève on its main plates, accompanied by polished bevelled edges throughout.
Concluding thoughts
Overall, the Harry Winston Z14 fares well in design and complication. Its approach shows that it understands the modern affluent buyer, with the current trend of sports luxury timepieces. The openworked design is well executed and the retrograde display cleverly shows the snail cam in action for dial side animation. The watch is limited to 300 pieces and has a retail price of US$26,400.
