A vivid color variation that reinterprets the Harry Winston "Z" design

Harry Winston has expanded the possibilities of watchmaking with its diverse approach.
One such attempt is the "Project Z" series, which has been running since 2004.

The Zalium Variation combines the unique material Zalium, a lightweight zirconium-based material that exudes a unique sense of weight and a dull glow, with eye-catching vivid colors, making it a one-of-a-kind luxury sports watch that only Harry Winston could create.

HARRY WINSTON “Zalium Variation”

　Harry Winston has been a watch design innovator since entering the world of luxury timepieces in 1989. The originality of its timepieces, often seen in its retrograde hour and minute displays, reached a turning point with "Project Z," launched in 2004. This project involved the development and introduction of a unique alloy based on Zalium, a special zirconia-based material with properties similar to titanium. The satin-grained case radiates a dull luster, evoking a more substantial impression than any other metal currently on the market. Yet, when held in the hand, its weight is unimaginable given its imposing appearance. Unlike its industrial counterpart, titanium, titanium is a difficult material to process without being machined from a blank. However, Harry Winston found a saddle point between aesthetics and practicality in its color and properties.

　Among all the "Project Z" models, the one that received particularly high praise from watch enthusiasts was the "Project Z10," released in 2016 with a worldwide limited run of 300 pieces. It was the first model to feature a free-sprung base movement with a silicon balance spring, and the three-dimensional feel of the case was also greatly enhanced around this time. The Z10's color scheme is primarily dark blue, matching the dull glow of the zalium. This is a sort of theme color that is common to all Project Z models. Furthermore, it was customary for a one-year gap after the release of a Project Z to be followed by a relaunch of an 18K gold version of the same design as part of the HW Ocean Collection.

　The recently announced "Zarium Variation" is an ambitious product that overturns these conventional conventions. The basic structure of the Z10, including the Zalium case, remains the same, but it has been redesigned in vivid yellow and orange colors.

　The alligator leather, stitched over black rubber, is a strikingly vivid color. The HW logo at 12 o'clock on the offset dial and the luminous markings on the hands and applied indexes are also vibrantly vivid when not illuminated. Meanwhile, the outer edges of the minute chapter ring and retrograde counter retain their metallic finish thanks to a coating. While this area was matte on the original Z10, it has been changed to a treatment that retains a metallic luster on the new Zalium variation. What sets this color arrangement apart from ordinary casual sports watches is that it creates an appropriate contrast and a sense of luxury while maintaining the dull shine of the Zalium case as a base.

　From a historical perspective, the Z10 limited edition model was also Project Z, created in the early days of Harry Winston's involvement with the Swatch Group. This model marked a turning point, as Harry Winston's watchmaking moved to the "next level." This is evident in the dramatically improved case finish and the improved fundamental strength of the movement. However, the production run of the strikingly reborn Zalium variation is only 100 pieces each, making it even rarer than the original Z10. This makes it a rare product that is sure to be highly sought after.