Harry Winston Launches Countdown to a Cure Timepiece

(IDEX Online News) – Fine jeweler and watchmaker Harry Winston Inc. has announced the launch of the Countdown to a Cure watch, as part of its second-year partnership with amfAR, the American Foundation for Aids Research.

The watch, which has been exclusively designed for the campaign is part of Harry Winston’s Midnight Collection, features a men’s 42mm case with white gold case and navy blue dial, and a women’s 32mm model set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds and 19 gemstones, from rubies and sapphires to spessartite garnets.

The watches will retail for $21,200 and $16,200 respectively, with 20 percent of the price for each watch being donated to the Countdown to a Cure campaign. Only 20 of each of the men’s and women’s watches will be made.

Harry Winston entered into a three-year partnership with amfAR in January 2015, as they seek to find a cure to global AIDS epidemic, by developing the scientific basis for one by 2020.

"We are proud to introduce the new Countdown to a Cure Timepiece and further strengthen our commitment to amfAR," said Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. "Through Harry Winston's support, amfAR has been able to make significant research investments into cutting-edge research studies that address the remaining roadblocks to a cure."

"We are deeply grateful to our friends at Harry Winston for their partnership and support," said Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of amfAR. "The AIDS epidemic continues to take lives with every passing minute, so the Countdown to a Cure timepiece is a fitting symbol of the urgency with which we're pursuing our goal of a cure for HIV."

Since 1985, amfAR has invested around $400 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,000 grants to research teams worldwide.