FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watches
Do I need to make an appointment to visit Harry Winston?
You do not need an appointment to visit a Harry Winston Salon. However, if you would like to call ahead, we would be pleased to arrange an appointment and pre-select a range of pieces tailored to your preferences.
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 order a certificate, and how do I know whether my watch is genuine?
Each Harry Winston watch purchased from a Harry Winston Salon or an authorized retailer comes with a stamped international warranty listing the watch’s reference and serial number. Harry Winston may provide a retail replacement valuation for current styles purchased from a official Harry Winston Salons and authorized retailers, subject to proof of purchase. Some restrictions and fees may apply.
What is the current value of my Harry Winston item?
Harry Winston provides retail replacement valuations for the original purchaser of an item. Some restrictions and fees may apply.
How long is my Harry Winston watch guaranteed?
Your Harry Winston watch is guaranteed for a period of 5 years for timepieces purchased on or after March 1, 2026, and for 24 months for timepieces purchased prior to that date, provided the warranty card has been duly stamped by a Harry Winston Salon or an 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 battery life, normal wear and tear and aging, damage resulting from negligence or lack of care, or any work performed by unauthorized people.
What is the difference between automatic and hand-wound movements?
Both automatic and hand-wound watches are mechanical watches. A mechanical watch operates on the principle of the spring system. The difference between the two movements is the way in which the watch is wound. In automatic watches, a rotor is attached to the movement. When your wrist moves, the rotor winds the watch automatically. A hand-wound movement needs to be wound manually using the crown.
Should I regularly wind my automatic watch?
We recommend winding your automatic watch at least once a month if it is not worn regularly. If the watch has not been worn for some time, wind the crown approximately 20 turns before wearing it again on the first day. Once worn daily, no additional winding is necessary, as the automatic system is powered by the natural movement of your wrist, which 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 fully every morning, without forcing. When resistance is felt, stop winding. If the watch is not worn regularly, it should be wound once a month to prevent the oils from drying and to ensure optimal performance.
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 may vary depending on the timepiece. If you are unable to find the user guide, please contact us at clientcare.timepiece@harrywinston.com.
Why has my watch stopped?
While a mechanical watch may stop due to a defect, it may also stop simply because it is not sufficiently wound. 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 situations apply, please contact one of our Salons to have your watch examined by an authorized service center.
What should I do if my Harry Winston watch runs fast or slow?
A mechanical watch may gain or lose anywhere from a few seconds to up to two minutes per week. Its accuracy may be affected by shocks or exposure to strong magnetic fields. If your watch gains or loses more than two minutes per week, we recommend having it checked by an authorized watchmaker or by your nearest Harry Winston Salon.
Can I play sports while wearing my watch?
Avoid sports that involve strong impacts or vibrations, as these may disrupt the movement.
What should I do to ensure that my watch remains water-resistant?
Water-resistance is not permanent and requires regular maintenance. It can be affected by the aging of gaskets. Have your watch tested every year to prevent accidental water infiltration and irreversible movement damage. Before any contact with water, the crown must always be fully pushed in or screwed in to prevent water from entering the mechanism. Except for certain models specifically designed for diving, do not operate the pushers or the crown while the watch is submerged, as this may allow water to enter the movement.
After exposure to salt or chlorinated water, rinse your watch with warm water to protect the gaskets. Remove your watch before taking a shower, as variations in water pressure and temperature may cause damage.
How can I clean my Harry Winston watch?
Harry Winston watches can be cleaned using a microfiber cloth or a cotton bud and soapy water. Rinse the watch under warm running water and dry it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Be careful not to get your strap wet as it may cause damage (except for rubber). Always ensure that the crown is fully screwed in or pushed in to prevent water from entering the mechanism. Do not operate the pushers or crown while the watch is submerged, as this may allow water to enter the movement.
What should I do to keep my watch strap in good condition as long as possible?
Except for rubber, all other strap materials are permeable. Avoid contact with water and moisture, greasy substances, and cosmetic products to prevent discoloration and deformation. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, to prevent the color from fading.
How can I replace my watch strap or adjust my bracelet?
You may contact or visit any official Harry Winston Salons and authorized retailers to obtain a new strap or to have your bracelet adjusted. Proof of purchase is required.
How often should I have my watch serviced, and why?
Your watch requires regular servicing to ensure optimal performance. This will prevent oils from drying, and wear and tear of certain components. Service intervals depend on the model of the watch, the climate, and the level of care it receives. As a general rule, servicing should be carried out every 5 years.
Where can I have my watch serviced or repaired?
You may bring your watch to any official Harry Winston Salons and authorized retailers. Your watch will then be sent to the nearest Harry Winston certified technical center. We offer a 24-month warranty on all work performed.
How much does a service cost, and how long does it take?
The cost and duration of a service depend on the complexity of the movement, the work required and the condition of the watch. Our servicing is tailored to each timepiece. Once the necessary service and parts have been identified to ensure your watch meets our quality standards, a detailed quotation will be provided, outlining the price and estimated turnaround time.
Can I order spare parts to service my watch?
Harry Winston does not supply spare parts directly to customers. Our authorized service centers ensure professional servicing in accordance with our strict quality standards.
What are the stages of a complete case/bracelet refurbishing?
During refurbishing, a thin external layer of metal is polished off. This service is therefore not recommended too frequently, as the original shape of the watch may be slightly altered. The following operations are typically included in a case/bracelet refurbishing:
- Complete disassembly 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 and satin-finishing)
- Polishing of the bracelet and buckle (this often requires complete disassembly of the bracelet)
- Cleaning of the case and bracelet using ultrasound wave
- Rhodium plating or coating, if necessary
- Reassembly 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 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 the condition of all the movement components, with repair or replacement of any worn or damaged parts
- Cleaning of all the parts in specific baths to remove all traces of lubricant
- Reassembling and oiling of the movement
- Functional testing 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
- Verification of water resistance, functions, and performance
- Setting of the correct time
- Fitting of bracelet or replacement of the strap (if requested)
- Final overall check
Where can I store my Harry Winston watch?
Your watch should be stored in its original box, on its own, or in a watch winder: to determine the correct rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of your automatic watch’s oscillating weight, and therefore adjust your watch winder accordingly, please contact Client Care in writing at clientcare.timepiece@harrywinston.com. Avoid metal-to-metal, stone-to-metal, or stone-to-stone contact, as this may permanently damage metals or cause fractures in gemstones. For transport, we recommend using a travel pouch.