Beat Haldimann Workshop Visit and H1 Tourbillon

alex · 2017-05-02T02:24:25Z

Discover Beat Haldimann's workshop in Thun, Switzerland, and his unique approach to independent watchmaking, featuring the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon.

alex

WPS member · Independents forum

42 replies17047 views55 photos

Alex's captivating account of his visit to Beat Haldimann's workshop offers an intimate look into the world of an independent watchmaker renowned for his H1 Flying Central Tourbillon. This article illuminates Haldimann's unique philosophy, blending traditional craftsmanship with a distinctively modern aesthetic. It provides readers with a rare opportunity to appreciate the meticulous, hand-crafted approach that defines true haute horlogerie.

My first encounter with Beat Haldimann was at the AHCI booth at Basel sometime in 2001 or 2002. I was subjugated by his H1 Flying Central Tourbillon with its mesmerizing dance on the centre of the dial.

A very discreet watchmaker, Haldimann set up his workshops in 1991 in Thun (German part of Switzerland not far from the Capital city Bern) creating both wristwatches and one off pendulums.

His workshops are located in a superb turn of the century villa of which the ground and first floor are reserved for his workshops and the higher floors are his living quarters.

We arrive at Villa Nussbühl, which is surrounded by an aura serenity and calm. At the entrance hands a large and imposing Haldimann clock!

The gardens invite to calm meditation

The entrance is welcoming with prints of Haldimann's watches on the walls

Haldimann has a very interesting approach to watchmaking. Even though he has a very traditional philosophy he doesn’t want his watches to look vintage in anyway. Without being overtly modernist and disruptive, the designs remain classic and relevant in the 21^st century with no real tribute to the past (other than the hands which are inspired by those found in a pocketwatch from Haldimann Frères from 1790)

Even though Beat makes the vast majority of components (other than a few components such as jewels or crystals) in his workshops there is no trace of CNC machines but rather tools dating from a pre-digitalized period that Beat has painstakingly tracked down. These tools are used to cut plates, bridges, gears and pinions to name a few. Haldimann also makes his own dials, cases and hands!

He even cuts the wood that he will use for polishing angles!

He also keeps a storage with components not only of his current watches but components enabling him to service and restore watches bearing the Haldimann name going as far back as...1642!!

It is also on the ground floor that Haldimann brings the grené finish to his dials and backplates. The surprising sheen and grené effect of the dial is obtained by using a silver base on which the indexes and logo are first engraved and filled with lacquer. The frosted finish is then obtained by hand applying a silver powder on the dial, a daunting and painstaking task requiring skill, expertise and talent.

On the first floor and 20 years before Google and the Silicon Valley startups Haldimann had set up a relaxing play area with a piano and pool table for him and his team

Guests can even drink Haldimann beverages!

One of the rare areas where electronic devices can be found is in his (amazing) library where Haldimann uses his Mac to conceive his movements. He also keeps here all the plans and sketches for his watches. His collection of watch books is also quite impressive and a proof (if need be) of not only his interest in all things horological but also his horological culture.

As we head into the workshops we pass by a device used to check the properties of the components created as well as different tools which were made by Haldimann.

Haldimann has a team of two watchmakers, the most recent one joined him...20 years ago! Together the three of them make between 20-30 watches and pendulums per year. One of the watchmakers was working on the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon that features a whopping 16.8mm diameter tourbillon that hovers above the dial!

Even though Haldimann's movements are hidden behind a single backplate the finish is traditional and beautifully made.

The sixty something components of the tourbillon cage weigh less than four Swiss stamps!!

Thankfully my visit took place right after Baselworld and therefore Beat had some watches on hand to show me. One big surprise was when he told me that all his watches come with a lifetime service!! Yup you read it right, once you buy a watch from Haldimann you will get free servicing for life (it is however unclear if it is his life or your life

) . Joke aside I find this to be a brave move and shows the confidence Haldimann has in his watches.

H1 Flying Central Tourbillon

The H2 is a flying tourbillon with double escapement and remontoire d’égalité based on physical principle of resonance where each balance will even out the discrepancies of the other providing for greater accuracy.

H12 in platinum

Haldimann decided to undertake the challenge of putting the balance on the center of the movement whilst keeping central hours and minutes hands!

The new H12 in steel with lovely blue dial

The H11 (without subseconds) in red gold with blue dial and silver dial

The numerals on the dial are hand engraved and lacquered, the client has the choice between different colors

I have to admit that a visit to Haldimann was an eye opener, a magnificent opportunity to visit a superb watchmaker who has been under the radar in the past years and a man whose philosophy and vision are apparent not only in his watches but also his workshops and even life. His humility and discretion mirror his watches which at first glance may look simple but feature a cavalcade of subtle details making them amazing works of crafstmanship.

Tschüss Beat and hope to see you again very soon

Key Points from the Discussion

A contributor inquired about the sizes of Haldimann's watches, particularly the center tourbillon, and how the lugs sit on the wrist.
The artisanal values and commitment to excellence, including a lifetime service offering, are highlighted as key aspects of Haldimann's brand philosophy.
The discretion and treasure-like quality of Haldimann's timepieces are noted as significant draws for collectors, making them highly sought-after discoveries.
The use of vintage tools for watchmaking, some appearing more suited for larger machinery, was a point of interest, showcasing Haldimann's dedication to traditional methods.
The existence of Haldimann watches dating back to 1642, and the watchmaker's ability to service them, revealed a surprisingly long and rich family history in horology.
Haldimann's honest approach to watchmaking, emphasizing in-house production of nearly all components, is deeply appreciated by the community.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

May 2, 2017

Thank you so much for this treat. An amazing article all around. Cordially D

Alkiro1

May 2, 2017

Many thanks Alex. Best wishes Alkiro

sham1

May 2, 2017

at Basel in March but he did not speak much English unfortunately. Your brilliant and informative article has given me lots of information of this exclusive brand. I am always impressed when I read about watchmakers of this genre which many may not know too much about but indulge in their passion of watchmaking at the highest quality and in their own unassuming way. Thank you very the photos and article. Do you know what are the sizes of his watches? Yes, I know, I know, me and size as usual

alex

May 2, 2017

thanks for the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article

patrickmaniac

May 2, 2017

Really enjoyed it. Awesome! Cheers PAt

Gelato Monster

May 2, 2017

Thank you for taking us to experience Beat Haldimann

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Beat Haldimann Workshop Visit and H1 Tourbillon

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