Baselworld 2015: Project Z9

Baselworld 2015: Project Z9

The House of Harry Winston introduces Project Z, a high-tech timepiece collection, dedicated to one of the most prestigious complications housed within a sports-like exterior. In keeping with the line’s innovative spirit, the Project Z9 channels a technically sophisticated vibe, which expresses a strong sense of performance through its case, dial and movement.

Tough and durable 

Like all iterations of Harry Winston’s Project Z, the case of Project Z9 is entirely made in Zalium™, an exclusive alloy, with a range of technical and aesthetic qualities that make it a truly unique material. Zalium’s™ ultra-light and non-allergenic properties make the 44.2 mm case exceptionally comfortable to wear, while its outstanding resistance to corrosion guarantees both its longevity and robustness. Ultimately, it is Zalium’s™, dark gray shade that sets it apart from materials traditionally used in men’s watches. The case of Project Z9 is satin-finished on the smooth surfaces, while the edges are shot-blasted.

Fast-moving 

The Project Z9 is driven by a high-frequency movement, for the first time. The new HW3304 chronograph caliber is equipped with a silicon balance-spring, which permanently beats at a frequency of 5 Hz. This oscillation speed guarantees Project Z9 a particularly precise rate. Caliber HW3304 is also equipped with a flyback function, so there is no need to stop the chronograph to begin a new timing operation, since the hands are reset by simply pressing the pusher at 4 o’clock. Its white gold oscillating weight is skeletonized, revealing a signature Harry Winston geometrical motif. The bridges and plates are chamfered, rhodium-plated and adorned with a circular Côtes de Genève motif, in keeping with the traditions of haute horlogerie. 

Openworked 

The resolutely modern nature of Project Z9 is also expressed on its dial, which is composed of an open-worked 3D grid bearing the indications. This skeletonized frame extends up over the inner bezel ring towards the indexes. The resulting effect is accentuated by two raised chronograph counters, painted in blue that stand out against a white background. The blue color lights up the dial both during the day and at night, since the hands and indexes of Project Z9 are enhanced with blue-emission Superluminova. The shade is also highlighted on the open-work date disk that changes background colors based on the time of day - white by day, and blue by night. 

 

With its exceptional movement, and a Zalium™ case that boasts remarkable properties, along with a complex dial, Project Z9 asserts itself as a chronograph that is at once technical, practical and exclusive. Like its predecessors, this ninth chapter in the Project Z saga will be issued in a limited-edition, with only 300 being produced.