Harry Winston Opus V: A Grand Masterpiece

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Bernard Cheong reflects on his Harry Winston Opus V, a watch he considers a 'grand master' from 2005, predating the mainstream watch collecting boom. He shares personal anecdotes and philosophical insights on watch ownership, value, and the future of watchmaking in an era of advanced manufacturing technologies.

I had to pick this forum here on the AHCI because I always feel that the Opus V is one of the "grand masters" made during the 2005 years, a long time ago.

I am attaching a few pictures of how my wife looked like then...and we were NOT that wealthy..better yet..we were not in the Opus owner's class or target market.

BUT...I believed in Max and the vision of making watch collecting into a mainstream hobby.

Like cars.

Like cameras.

Which is why, today, that I have the money to buy without the saving part, I also buy things like the Philip Stein...because it represents an era, and age, that unusual watches of all sorts...the Philip Stein watch is not an Opus or an ahci, in fact, it is just a lifestyle item with some unusual claims of making one comfortable.

Whatever.

It represents how far we have come from 2005.

But way back then...yes..a blast from the past.

The Opus will remain as the mightiest watches ever attempted by man, especially Opus 3.

More on that later...

Here you can see how worn and seasoned my Opus V is...and soon..my Opus 3 too.

The scratches on the back was my lesson in pain...diamond rings of a woman.

We were so young then.

It was 2005...some 8 years back.

The next year, MB&F will be born..2006.

The Opus 3 was not even ready, and rumours that it cannot be made were rife.

What I had confidence in is that I was thinking that medical edge technology would make parts so easily...I was not far off.

Laser cutting and 3D printers were not common/present yet..and my dreams of making watch parts from just CAD files were not even close.

I am really thinking that for watchmaking, because it does not involve high wear and tear or severe damages like cars, spares are going to be a worry that will not be a big thing.

Printing or laser cutting them out..much more probable.

In surgical and orthopedics, it is already done, and to a higher degree of difficulty as it involves several planes and axis.

I would highly recomend people to support all the brands and the people who want to make watches...because it is resistant to going obsolete..and it actually ages well, like wine, without the spoiling risks.

Don't be too afraid of spares. I may be wrong, but I really do not think so..or else I will not be spending money on it.

My Leicas and my Krell amps..they go out of date.

But watches, they age and you remember the past, and the watches are so lovely to touch and recall memories of people.

I don't have a bone of hatred or envy in me.

If you have met me or know me, you will find I am a very unusual man. To me, I consider that for anyone to dislike me, is actually an honor..that I am relevant enough to use someone else's time.

I recall all the days of the years 2001 to 2009, and in many ways, those were the GREAT years.

But I think for 2013 to 2018..these years will be even GREATER.

Because I hope everyone will begin to focus on watches as much as cars and cameras and computers...and watches will bring friendships, and many clubs and many stratas of collectors.

Watches are the practical man's art/wine collection.

Key Points from the Discussion

A contributor appreciates seeing the Opus V with signs of wear, emphasizing that watches should be worn and enjoyed rather than kept as 'safe queens,' aligning with the author's philosophy.
The author reinforces his belief that wearing a watch enhances its value, rather than diminishing it, and encourages readers to explore his related post on the UN forum.
A contributor shares a personal connection to the Opus V, having had the opportunity to interact with the iconic watch, underscoring its significance among collectors.
A contributor observes that a significant percentage of younger people do not wear watches, raising a question about the future relevance of watches in daily life.

The Discussion

foversta

Mar 12, 2013

By the way, I think i know very well this watch: Thanks Bernard for having let me play with this iconic watch! Fx

Ronald Held

Mar 12, 2013

Will return to wearing watches. Maybe some will wear smart watches, most will not.

Nicko16

Mar 13, 2013

Nice to see they are reflecting subtle signs of use and not safe queens. A watch should be worn right? :) Really do enjoy reading your thoughts on things.

bernard cheong

Mar 14, 2013

an up hill, but sincere task, to convince the people's hearts and the market, that to wear a watch does not diminish its value, but increases it. If you have time..see my post on watches ..called the Stranger in UN's forum here.

doubleup

Mar 14, 2013

I would say 90% of people my age do not wear watches, ever. First formal dress went, now watches, what next?....

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