Haldimann H11, Platinum

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.

The H11

Best known for his central flying tourbillons, the H11 Central Balance Pure is Haldimann’s first watch not to integrate the complication, introduced in 2013. Time is given priority on this piece, with only the hour, minutes and subsidiary seconds hands appearing on the dial side, complemented by a pared back, monochromatic design. This is one of the earliest pieces ever made, having been completed in 2013. 

If you turn the watch over, only the frosted main plate, crown wheel, ratchet wheel, and the iconic Haldimann central balance are visible. The central location of the movement’s balance wheel not only offers a unique visual element, but is also a first for a wristwatch with centrally mounted hour and minute hands. The oscillations of the balance are maintained by a unique modified Swiss lever escapement for improved isochronism - the cross shaped sprung anti-shock system, developed by Haldimann.

The Design

The movement is entirely hand-finished, displaying a frosted effect, echoing the finishing of the dial. This meticulous details and finishing is all the more remarkable, considering it was created without the assistance of any electronic equipment. Indeed, Haldimann forgoes the use of CNC machinery in favour of antique tooling, continuing the legacy behind his name.

The overall design of the case, dial and hands are retrained, yet characterful. The 39mm case is made out of platinum, which gives a satisfying heft when worn on the wrist. The striking textured dial is crafted from a silver plate, with the indexes being hand engraved and then filled in with lacquer. The dial is delicately brushed with silver powder, to finish the surface. As for the hands, these are inspired by an 18th century Haldimann Frères pocket watch.

The Set

This Haldimann H11 is accompanied by its outer box, inner wooden box, Certificate filled out by Beat Haldimann and a book dedicated to the watchmaker. It is fitted to one of our Tokyo straps, and also comes with its original Haldimann strap.

Closer look