(PRESS RELEASE) — NEW YORK – International fine jeweler and watchmaker Harry Winston Inc. has announced the launch of the “Countdown to a Cure” timepiece in honor of its second year of partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
Designed exclusively for amfAR’s “Countdown to a Cure” campaign, the limited-edition timepiece of 20 men’s and 20 women’s models is the first official product to benefit amfAR’s efforts to develop the scientific basis of a cure for HIV by 2020.
Part of Harry Winston’s Midnight Collection, the men’s version features a 42mm white gold case with a navy blue dial that is accented with a multicolor gradient, representing amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure campaign colors that symbolize the fade of the disease from crisis to cure. The complementing 32mm women’s model is set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds and 19 vivid gemstones, from rubies and sapphires to spessartite garnets.
Retailing for $21,200 for the men’s timepiece and $16,200 for the women’s, the Countdown to a Cure timepiece will be sold exclusively at Harry Winston salons worldwide, with 20 percent of the retail sales price from each timepiece benefitting amfAR.
In January of 2015, Harry Winston announced a three-year partnership with amfAR in support of the organization’s mission to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research and its “Countdown to a Cure” initiative, which is aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure by 2020. Launched in February of 2014, the Countdown is designed to intensify amfAR’s cure-focused HIV research program through strategic investments of $100 million over the next five years.
Harry Winston’s support for amfAR marks the brand’s first collaboration with a global organization, signifying its increased philanthropic commitment to vital causes that affect millions of people worldwide.
“We are proud to introduce the new Countdown to a Cure timepiece and further strengthen our commitment to amfAR,” says 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. It is our hope that through our continued partnership, amfAR will be able to advance its efforts to end the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, giving millions of individuals around the world a more brilliant and healthy future.”
“We are deeply grateful to our friends at Harry Winston for their partnership and support,” says 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.”