Harry Winston examines multifaceted founder in Geneva retrospective

Jeweler Harry Winston is reflecting on its 80-year history through an exhibit at the Cité du Temps in Geneva.

“Facets of Harry Winston” looks at the career of the house’s eponymous founder, making a comparison between the many angles through which Mr. Winston approached his business and the multidirectional faces of a gemstone. Opened on Jan. 18 alongside the start of the Geneva-based watch event Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, this exhibit enabled Harry Winston to share its story with watch and jewelry enthusiasts as they gathered in the city.

Horology and history
During Mr. Winston’s career leading his self-titled house, he incorporated expertise across a variety of fields. He was a gemologist, a businessman, a philanthropist and a pioneer who led to the house being credited with a number of firsts for the jewelry industry.

Inside Facets of Harry Winston

His innovative approach also led to the founding of Harry Winston Timepieces in 1989.

Paying homage to the brand’s physical presence, at the center of the exhibit are replicas of its Fifth Avenue flagship store and Geneva Manufacture. These models house images, timepieces, anecdotes and moments in the brand’s history that illustrate its position on the red carpet as well as its legacy as the “King of Diamonds.”

Facets of Harry Winston

Facets of Harry Winston will be on view until Feb. 21.

Fellow Swatch Group brand Breguet is also hosting an exhibit at Cité du Temps. “Breguet, A Story Among the Greats” looks at the connection between the brand’s timepieces and famous figures, including writers and composers.

Breguet, which does not show at SIHH, typically maintains a presence in Geneva surrounding the trade show by hosting a branded exhibit.

In 2015, the brand hosted its fourth annual pop-up exhibit at the Geneva Airport before trade show Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie.

Breguet’s exhibit opened on Jan. 5 and focused on Reine de Naples women’s collection, which dates back to 1812. Breguet’s exhibit was held in the departures area, allowing it to reach consumers as they traveled back home after the show, which ran Jan. 19-23 (see story).