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by Kyle on October 19, 2009
Highly coveted watch (and jewelry) manufacturer Harry Winston just announced an interesting new watch, the Midnight Minute Repeater. The watch has a special aperture (marked with a diamond), through which the repeater mechanism can be viewed by the lucky wearer of this watch. The Midnight Minute Repeater is limited to 40 pieces in white gold and 40 pieces in rose gold (with the option of a black or silver dial. The case is nicely sized at 42mm. The watch comes on a black alligator leather strap with match gold folding clasp.
If you did not know, a “repeater” function consists primarily of a hammer and gong (or multiple hammers and gongs). At specified intervals, the the hammer strikes the gong producing a pleasing chime to alert the wearer. In the case of a “minute repeater”, the interval is one minute. The minute repeater is one of the most complicated and I think interesting complications that a watch can have – the challenge lies not only in the mechanics of the function but also getting the “chime” to emit a pleasing sound.
The Midnight Minute Repeater’s function can be activated on demand by pressing the button located at 8 – there is a distinct chime for the hours and minutes. If you study the closeup image closely, you can see that this watch has 2 cleverly engraved hammers – the one on top is engraved with a “H” and the one on the bottom with a “W”. I’ve highlighted these in the photo below:
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Outstanding!!
Not a many people realize this but Harry Winston, Patek Phillippe and Breguet are the only manufacturers that make minute repeaters. Another reason they are so valuable.
James, your comment is totally wrong, there are several manufactures which are able to make minute repeaters. For example, your are forgetting JLC, Gerald Genta and more.
A Minute repeaters watch is not that rare. A Grand Sonnerie is much rarer.
After researching this Felipe, you are correct. Thank you bringing this to my attention and I retract my first sentence. However, whether it be a MR or a GS, the fact remains that we still have alarm clocks that light up if we need the time during the night or we can simply look at the dial if we need the time during the day.
These complications are relics of the 19th century and prior. There is no need for them in the 21st century period. But there is a want. And that is why if you want one badly enough the options for who to buy them from is limited, compared to buying a tourbillon or perpetual calender.