Haldimann H1 Central Tourbillon

The most modern machine at Haldimann is an optical microscope from the ’60s, certainly not a CNC. Haldimann’s workshop and entire operation is his home, a villa overlooking the river Aare in Thun that has a deliberately meditative vibe. His eponymous independent manufacture makes 20-30 watches per year, entirely in the old way, including the old lifestyle of watchmaking in one’s home. He started at 27, in the steps of his ancestors who made pocket watches back to 1642. He started with a resonance clock in 2000 and then landed on the design which won him his reputation in 2002, this H1 Flying Central Tourbillon wristwatch. In 2005, he united the two concepts in the H2 with two flying tourbillons in resonance. Each is something approaching kinetic art with dramatic motion observable dial-side.

Photography for this Find comes via a prior sale by A Collected Man. The example coming to market is via Sotheby's

There may be no better, more impressive presentation of the tourbillon than here; the lyre-shaped cage itself is 17mm and can only be finished by the most experienced watchmakers at Haldimann as any pressure during finishing would distort its shape. That mass takes three mainspring barrels to power, two for the tourbillon and one for the Pomme style hands. It dominates the dial experience, which if you look closely also sports a brushed rehaut and engraved, lacquer-filled numerals. The case is 39mm in platinum and if you look closely, the sides are concave. Interestingly, earlier production pieces such as this 2005 sport ‘H1’ at 12, which disappeared in latter examples.

Haldimann have chosen not to scale, it's not a goal. Production remains tiny, there’s no publicity, and no boutique in Beirut. Haldimann don’t aim to grow. Haldimann will still restore and service any pocket watch bearing their name, free of charge. And each watch is guaranteed for its lifetime, also free. Their operation is carrying the flag for traditional watchmaking, aiming to be passed down for generations. Except unlike Patek today, I believe them.