Here is an early example of the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon with a 39mm platinum case. The H1 is the first piece designed by maker Beat Haldimann as an independent in his workshop in Villa Nussbhül. Its simple aesthetic belies a surprising level of complexity in the form of a central flying tourbillion, oversized in its proportions. Even within the remarkable catalogue of work that followed it, the H1 is special. It represents not just his historical inspirations but the genesis of his vision of forward-looking, innovative watchmaking.
Creating Traditionally
Beat Haldimann has been producing timepieces for nearly two decades, according to the most traditional, artisanal methods. Having made his first clock that harnessed résonance in 2000, Haldimann has become renowned for mastering the phenomenon in his work, alongside his more complex flying tourbillons. After starting his career as a watchmaker in 1991, he made the surprising discovery that watchmaking was a family tradition stretching back to 1642. In respect of this lineage, he still restores and services all watches which bear the Haldimann name, completely free of charge.
The watchmaker works and lives in the peaceful Villa Nussbhül, which overlooks the River Aare. Tucked away from the world, George Daniels himself used to visit Haldimann here, describing it as the ideal setting in which to work. From his workshop, he engages in forward-thinking watchmaking, whilst remaining tied to traditional techniques. Only making a few dozen pieces a year, Haldimann’s workshop is one of the few remaining ones to produce and restore almost everything by hand.
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