FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment to visit Harry Winston?
You do not need an appointment to visit a Harry Winston Salon. If you would like to call ahead, we would be happy to set up an appointment and pre-arrange a selection of our pieces tailored to your preference.
Does Harry Winston carry Asscher-cut diamond rings?
The Asscher-cut is essentially a trade name that describes square emerald-cut diamonds, with wide-cut and steep-cut corners, a small table and a built-up crown. Harry Winston does carry this special make of square emerald-cut diamonds.
Does Harry Winston offer gemological certificates for its diamonds?
Yes. Every diamond engagement ring is accompanied by an original diamond report from the Gemological Institute of America.
What are the most popular engagement ring styles right now?
Every person has their own idea of what constitutes the perfect ring. Generally round brilliant, cushion, and emerald-cut rings are among the most popular; pear- and oval-shaped are also sought-after. Harry Winston’s timeless design aesthetic ensures that the rings we offer will never go out of style.
What diamond cuts does Harry Winston carry?
Harry Winston carries round brilliant-cut, cushion-cut, emerald-cut, pear-shaped, radiant-cut, oval-shaped, square emerald-cut, heart-shaped, and marquise diamonds.
What is more important in a diamond — color or clarity?
The importance of color versus clarity comes down to personal preference. Harry Winston only carries diamonds that are of D, E, or F color and greater than VS2 clarity. These high quality standards ensure that every ring you see in our Salon will feature a diamond of truly excellent beauty and brilliance. Please see our guide on Our Diamonds for more information.
What is the difference between an engagement ring from Harry Winston and one from another jeweler?
Remaining true to our heritage, Harry Winston emphasizes quality and those unique characteristics that reveal the exceptional nature of our diamonds. Our rigorous standards for diamond grading and decades of expertise ensure that every aspect of a Harry Winston diamond engagement ring is the absolute finest available in both quality and craftsmanship. This meticulous attention to detail and focus on exceptional quality has always been our insatiable obsession. At Harry Winston, our clients can sit in the calm atmosphere of an opulent room, taking the time they need to be educated and guided towards selecting the perfect ring.
Why do Harry Winston diamond rings sparkle so much?
As Mr. Winston would say, “No two diamonds are alike.” Before a diamond can become a Harry Winston Diamond, it must pass strict quality assurance criteria that go far beyond the Four Cs. Our expert team of gemologists evaluates diamonds differently taking into consideration not only whether a diamond looks good on paper, but whether it meets Harry Winston’s visual standards for beauty and brilliance. Two diamonds can have the same characteristics, but if one is not well cut, they will not sparkle equally. Our gemologists choose diamonds according to a more complex set of criteria, including a high level of connoisseurship, which cannot be translated into any gemological report.
Why is there no A, B, C in the diamond color grading system?
In 1953, the Gemological Institute of America introduced what is now the industry standard grading scale for colorless diamonds, grading them on a color scale from D to Z and a clarity scale from Flawless to I3. At the time the new grading system was introduced, several grading classifications were used that employed numbers, letters and descriptive words. This caused confusion when comparing two diamonds that had been graded with different nomenclatures. D was agreed upon as a starting point to differentiate from the previous systems.
Will Harry Winston create a mounting for my own diamond?
Harry Winston will only consider creating new settings for diamond jewelry that has been purchased from Harry Winston Salons - Terms and conditions apply.
Will Harry Winston create custom designed engagement and fashion rings?
We would be happy to welcome you to one of our Salons to discuss bringing your dream ring to life. Our terms and conditions apply.
What is the current value of my Harry Winston item?
Harry Winston offers retail replacement valuations for the original purchaser of an item. Some restrictions and fees may apply.
Where can I find an official Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer in my country?
Please consult the list of official Harry Winston Salons and authorized retailers.
Do I need to make an appointment to visit Harry Winston?
You do not need an appointment to visit a Harry Winston Salon. If you would like to call ahead, we would be happy to set up an appointment and pre-arrange a selection of our pieces tailored to your preference.
How can I order a certificate, and how do I know whether my watch is genuine?
Each Harry Winston watch purchased from a Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer comes with a stamped international warranty listing the watch’s reference and serial number. Harry Winston will provide a retail replacement valuation for current styles purchased in a Harry Winston Salon (or an authorized retailer with proof of purchase. Some restrictions and fees may apply).
How long is my Harry Winston watch guaranteed?
Your Harry Winston watch is guaranteed for a period of twenty-four months from the date of its original purchase, provided the warranty card has been duly stamped by a Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer.
What is covered under my Harry Winston watch warranty?
Your Harry Winston watch is guaranteed against manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover the life of battery, normal wear and tear and aging, any lack of care due to negligence, and any work performed by non-authorized persons.
How often should I have my watch serviced and why?
Your watch needs regular servicing to ensure its perfect functioning. This will prevent oils from drying, and wear and tear of certain components. Service intervals depend on the model of the watch, climate, and care received. As a general rule, a service must be carried out every 4 to 5 years.
I need a new watch strap, who can I contact and where can I have it replaced?
Contact any Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer for a new strap.I need to adjust my bracelet with additional/less links, what should I do?
You may bring your watch with proof of purchase to any Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer.
What are the stages of a complete case/bracelet refurbishing?
A thin, external layer of metal is polished off during the process. This service is therefore not recommended too often or the original shape of the watch may be slightly altered. The following operations are included in a case/bracelet refurbishing:
- Complete disassembling of the watch and its movement
- Dismantling of the case (crystal, pushers, crown, gaskets, tube, bezel)
- Removal of rhodium coating if necessary
- Polishing of case to original specifications (polishing, satin-finishing)
- Polishing of the bracelet and buckle (this often requires complete disassembling of the bracelet)
- Cleaning of case and bracelet with ultrasound wave
- Rhodium plating or coating if necessary
- Reassembling of watch and bracelet
What are the stages of a complete movement service?
All work is completed by hand and requires expertise and years of experience from our watchmakers. The following operations are included in a complete movement service:
- Removal of the bracelet
- Complete disassembling of the watch and its movement (dismantling of the crown and winding stem in order to remove the movement with dial and hands)
- Dismantling of the case (crystal, pushers, crown, gaskets, tube, bezel)
- Dismantling of the dial and hands from the movement
- Dismantling of the movement, part by part
- Checking of the condition of all the movement parts, and repair or replacement of any that are worn or damaged
- Cleaning of all the parts in specific baths to remove all traces of lubricant
- Reassembling and oiling of the movement
- Check of the functions in accordance with Harry Winston quality criteria
- Adjustment of the rate
- Fixing of the dial and hands
- Encasing of the movement and replacement of all gaskets
- Closing of the case
- Check of water-resistance, functions and performance
- Setting of the correct time
- Fitting of bracelet or replacement of strap (if requested)
- Final overall check
What should I do to ensure that my watch remains water-resistant?
Water-resistance is not a permanent state and needs to be maintained. It can be affected by the aging of the gaskets. Have it tested every year to prevent accidental water infiltration and irreversible movement damages. Before any contact with the water, the crown must always be completely pushed-in or screwed-in to prevent water from penetrating the mechanism. With the exception of certain models specifically designed for diving, do not operate pushers or the crown if submerged in order to prevent water from entering the movement. After being immersed in salty or chlorinated water, rinse your watch with warm water to prevent any gasket damage. Remove your watch before taking a shower; pressure may be too great and cause damage.
What should I do to keep my leather/satin watch strap in good condition as long as possible?
Leather and satin are permeable, so avoid contact with water and dampness, greasy substances, and cosmetic products to prevent discoloration and deformation. Avoid long exposure to sunlight to prevent the color from fading.
Where can I have my watch serviced or repaired?
You may bring your watch to any Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer. Your watch will be sent to the nearest Harry Winston certified technical center. We offer a twenty-four month warranty on the work carried out.
What is the current value of my Harry Winston item?
Harry Winston offers retail replacement valuations for the original purchaser of an item. Some restrictions and fees may apply.
Where can I find an official Harry Winston Salon or authorized retailer in my country?
Please consult the list of official Harry Winston Salons and authorized retailers.
How can I clean my Harry Winston watch?
Harry Winston watches can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth or a cotton bud and soapy water. Rinse it under warm running water and dry it with a non-abrasive soft cloth. Be careful to not get your leather or satin strap wet as it may damage it. Always ensure to screw-in or push-in crown to prevent water penetrating the mechanism. Do not operate pushers or crown under the water to prevent water entering into the mechanism.
Should I regularly wind my automatic watch?
We recommend to wind your automatic watch at least once a month if not worn regularly. If the watch has not been worn for a while, wind the crown approximately 20 turns before wearing it again the first day. Then, no need to wind it the following days if it is worn on a daily basis. The automatic system oscillates depending on the movements of your wrist and this winds the spring.
Should I regularly wind my manual watch?
If the watch is worn every day, it needs to be wound once a day, preferably in the morning. We recommend winding the crown as much as possible every morning, without forcing. When you feel resistance, stop winding. If not worn regularly, it should be wound once a month to avoid oils from drying and to ensure optimal functioning.
Can I play sports while wearing my watch?
Avoid sports where strong shocks can produce vibrations and unsettle the movement.
What is the difference between automatic and hand-winding movements?
Both automatic and hand-winding watches are called mechanical watches. A mechanical watch functions on the principle of the spring system. The difference between the two movements is the way in which the watch is wound. On automatic watches, a rotor is attached to the watch movement. When your wrist moves, the rotor winds the watch. A hand-winding movement needs to be wound by hand using the crown.
How can I set the time or adjust the functions of my Harry Winston watch?
Each model has its own detailed user guide and functions that may vary. If you do not find the user guide, write to clientcare.timepiece@harrywinston.com.
Why has my watch stopped?
While a mechanical watch may stop due to a defect, it is also possible that it stops because it is not wound enough. Have you worn your automatic watch long enough for it to accumulate a sufficient power reserve? Is your manual watch sufficiently wound? If none of these reasons are suitable, contact one of our Salons to have your watch analyzed by an authorized service center.
What should I do if my Harry Winston watch runs fast or slow?
A mechanical watch can slow down or advance from a few seconds to two minutes a week. Proper functioning can be impacted by a shock or by a strong magnetic field. If your watch goes too fast or delays by more than 2 minutes per week, we recommend to have it checked by an authorized watchmaker. Please contact your nearest Salon.
How much does a service cost and how long does it take?
The cost and the duration of the service depends on the complexity of the movement, the work required and the state of the watch. Our servicing is tailored to your needs. After having determined exactly what service and parts are necessary to ensure your watch meets our quality requirements, a detailed quote will be made where you will find the price and the delay.
Can I order spare parts to service my watch?
Harry Winston does not provide its customers directly with spare parts. Our service centers offer the guarantee of a professional service with respect of our high quality standards.
Where can I store my Harry Winston watch?
A watch should be stored in its original box, on its own, or in a watch winder. Watch winder settings can be requested in writing to clientcare.timepiece@harrywinston.com. Metal to metal, stone to metal, and stone to stone contact can compromise metal permanently and cause fractures in gemstones. For transport, use a travel pouch.
