HARRY WINSTON & ANDREAS STREHLER, OPUS 7, A UNIQUE GOLD, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET WRISTWATCH WITH SEMI-SKELETONISED MOVEMENT
CASE NUMBER: 032'142
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Estimate
USD 300,000 - USD 400,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Closed: 19 Oct 2023
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HARRY WINSTON & ANDREAS STREHLER, OPUS 7, A UNIQUE GOLD, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET WRISTWATCH WITH SEMI-SKELETONISED MOVEMENT
The Opus 7 was the result of a collaboration between Harry Winston and independent watchmaker Andreas Strehler. The talented Andreas Strehler honed his skills as a prototype maker at famed movement specialists Renaud & Papi before establishing his independent watchmaking firm in 1995. He worked on the restoration of antique timepieces before presenting his first creation at Baselworld watch fair in 1998 - a perpetual desk calendar which combined a desk calendar with a pocket watch.
To be chosen by a creator of an Opus timepiece is a recognition and also a challenge. When Strehler was approached by Harry Winston in 2006 to develop the Opus 7, his creation will be compared and judged in the light of all the previous Opus timepieces. It is also know that an Opus watch has to transcend the conventional traditions of watchmaking. For Strehler whose entire philosophy of watchmaking is based on the movement, his approach was not to create a watch but a mechanism which is entirely visible, thus creating an aesthetic of its own.
The Opus 7 was released in 2007 at Baselword watch fair in a limited edition of 50 watches in white gold. One's attention is immediately captured by the pusher and the beautiful bridge in the shape of a butterfly as well as the eye-catching central wheel in blue which dominates almost the entire face of the dial. Strehler has always liked to use complexity to provide simplicity in his movements.
Using a brilliant switching mechanism that enables indicators to signal different functions, Strehler created a timepiece with an alternating display showing at one time either the hours or the minutes or the power reserve indicator but not all three at the same time. This is accomplished by pressing the crown which changes the display. This movement heralds an entirely novel manner of displaying the time which subsequently alters the wearer's perception of time.
The present timepiece is a unique example and is distinguished by its baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires on the bezel.
Provenance: Philips, Hong Kong, May 2016
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CASE NUMBER: 032'142HARRY WINSTON & ANDREAS STREHLER, OPUS 7, A UNIQUE GOLD, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET WRISTWATCH WITH SEMI-SKELETONISED MOVEMENTEstimate: USD 300,000 - 400,000
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
OVERALL CONDITION: Good CASE: Shows some signs of wear, a few surface scratches visible. The case has been polished in the past. The gold hallmarks are a bit faint, but still visible. The gem-setting on the bezel, case band and lugs is intact DIAL: Nice, clean and original MOVEMENT: Ticking at the time of cataloguing. However, we do not test the movement for accuracy. A service is recommended. BUCKLE: Good condition, a couple of light surface scratches. Gem-setting is still intact.
PLEASE NOTE 1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor. 2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the terms and conditions. We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.
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Lot 5Sale 21994
CASE NUMBER: 032'142HARRY WINSTON & ANDREAS STREHLER, OPUS 7, A UNIQUE GOLD, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET WRISTWATCH WITH SEMI-SKELETONISED MOVEMENTEstimate: USD 300,000 - 400,000
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