CIRCA: 2008
CASE MATERIAL: 18k white gold , case set with baguette-cut diamonds; bezel set with baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires
DIAMETER: 45 mm.
STRAP MATERIAL: Black CROCODILE leather strap
DIAL: Semi-skeletonised dial with sculpted bridges in the shape of a butterfly
MOVEMENT: Cal. OPUS 7 mechanical movement, 34 jewels
FUNCTIONS: Time only - the hours, minutes and power reserve indicated on a rotating disk activated by depressing the crown; 1st push for display of hours, 2nd push to display minutes, 3rd push to display power reserve
BUCKLE: Harry Winston 18k white gold buckle set with diamonds
WITH: Opus 7 product literature, presentation box

Ψ This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale.

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This lot is offered by Christie's Dubai Ltd.

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Lot Essay

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