Over time, the Midnight collection has found its place in the Harry Winston catalogue embodying the sleek and elegant style of the brand. One of the first watches of this collection is the Midnight Automatic which has defined the asthetic elements that would be re-used on a regular basis thereafter. The Midnight case with a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 9mm  has brought indeed a new dimension to Harry Winston being as refined as the Premier case while being more easily approachable. When it was presented at Baselworld 2011, the Midnight Automatic seduced me with its simplicity and delicacy that I found consistent with the spirit of the brand. However, in my mind, a doubt remained: the watch featuring an inert dial, without second hand, maybe there was a risk to become a bit boring in the long run despite its pretty finishes dial?


I think Harry Winston became aware of this risk and at the same time of the potential given by the wide surface of the dial. The bezel of the case is pretty thin, the opening and the purity of the dial provide a large area for the expression of alternative decorations bringing the energy and the originality that the watch may need. This is the reason why the Midnight Automatic "Blue" with a white gold case was then unveiled. The reflections of light created by the blue dial are beautiful. They enliven the dial when the wrist moves and they totally offset the lack of the second hand. The blue dial has another virtue: thanks to its dark color, it reduces the perception of size, which in the context of a refined watch with a 42mm diameter is not useless.

The Midnight automatic Blue:



The Midnight Monochrome Automatic, which made its first appearance at Baselworld 2013, is part of the same approach but the aesthetic audacity goes beyond. To break the smooth and perhaps too quit style of the dial, Harry Winston created a metallic slate dial impression that literally transforms the atmosphere of the Midnight Automatic.


Thanks to its unique and irregular texture, the dial creates a kind of paradox which explains in large part the unique charm of this watch. Indeed the Midnight Monochrome Automatic combines a white gold case which remains very traditional in its presentation with a more singular dial. Harry Winston has yet found the perfect mix: the originality of the metallic slate effect does not fall into eccentricity and its rendering still stays within the criteria of refinement of the brand. Again, they are the shades and the reflections of light that alter the appearance of the dial which becomes more or less dark depending on the moves of the wrist. Irregularities can clearly be seen as virtually disappear.

The metallic slate impression is enhanced by the simplicity of the Midnight Monochrome Automatic. Applied indexes and logo are sufficiently discrete to avoid overloading on the dial. The Midnight hands are as usual beautiful, very thin and with character. Perhaps my only real regret lies in the date window. In such a context, maybe it would have been better to remove it to fully preserve the surface dedicated to the metallic slate effect. Its presence is however not shocking even if a dark date disk would have been preferable.


Without any surprise, the caseback  displays the same movement than with the other versions of the Midnight Auto. The Girard-Perregaux caliber GP3300 is a reliable and effective movement with a 4hz frequency  and a power reserve of 45 hours. I appreciate its winding efficiency and its simple decoration that matches the spirit of the watch. However, it always has a contained diameter (26.2 mm) and it seems a bit  lost in the case. A solid caseback would have been a better option.

The dark color of the metallic slate impression reduces the perception of size:


The Midnight Monochrome Automatic is a watch that after the first feeling of surprise, seduces with its controlled originality. The texture of the metallic slate impression proves to be a bold and adapted decoration adapted to the context of the slender and dressed watch. With this new dial, the Midnight Automatic finds a new energy and becomes much more animated than the original version due to light reflections it causes. It is dedicated to customers who look for a classic watch but at the same time with the little touch of character that prevents it from falling into a too rigid style.


Thanks to the Harry Winston team for the warm welcome at Baselworld 2013.

Pros:
+ The originality and elegance of the metallic slate dial impression
+ The slender and refined Midnight case
+ The efficiency of the GP3300 movement

Cons:
- The date window seems superfluous in this context
- A solid caseback would have been welcome, despite the pretty gold winding rotor