Beat Haldimann H11 BaselWorld 2013 Review

DonCorson · 2013-06-16T23:09:47Z

Don Corson reviews Beat Haldimann's H11 at BaselWorld 2013, exploring its unique central balance and understated design. Discover community debate on its movement.

DonCorson

WPS member · Independents forum

16 replies7385 views10 photos

Don Corson's report from BaselWorld 2013 introduces Beat Haldimann's H1 and the new H11, highlighting the independent watchmaker's commitment to traditional craftsmanship without CNC. Corson emphasizes the H11's extreme understatement, suggesting it's a watch that truly reveals its character when experienced in person. His initial skepticism, overcome by a hands-on encounter, underscores the unique appeal of Haldimann's work.

16 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

BaselWorld 2013 : Beat Haldimann

Beat Haldimann was again present this year at BaselWorld in the independents tent known as the "Palace". Beat was showing his iconic H1 and the new H11 watch. Going from the central tourbillon above the dial of the H1 to the central balance wheel seen throught the back, the H11 is a reduction of complication, but without any reduction in the care.

As always Beats watches are made without resort to CNC using the best production technology of the '70s. Picking up the H11 one sees immediately the heritage of the watch. The H1 and the H11 both come from the same stall. While the H11 lacks the contrast of the almost flashy baroque tourbillon planted in the completely serine case, the shine of the H11 comes from the extreme understatement that it embodies. If it is possible for understatement to yell at full voice it is doing so in this watch.

This is a typical case of a watch that you need to hold in your hand, strap on your arm and let it talk to you. I was sceptical from the pictures, but convinced in person. I think that Beat has another winner.

Key Points from the Discussion

The H11's movement design, with a central balance wheel and significant empty space, is questioned for its aesthetic and technical sense, appearing like a small movement placed in a large case.
The use of a tiny barrel and relatively small balance wheel in a large movement is criticized for not optimizing available space, contrasting with chronometers like the Peseux 260 or Zenith 135 that feature large components for horological performance.
The H11's simplicity, dial, hands, and central mounted escapement with central hour and minute hands are praised as an interesting and desirable innovation, with the finishing held to the highest standards.
While acknowledging that taste is subjective, the discussion points out that watchmaking, as micro-mechanics, has objective technical solutions and rules, suggesting a need for more critical analysis of mechanical qualities.
The design choices, such as the central balance and power train layout, are defended as necessary given the watch's unique architecture, and the Omega central tourbillon is cited as another example of a non-huge balance wheel.
The 'problem' of wasted space in the H11 movement is acknowledged, and the difficulty of criticizing independent watchmakers compared to larger brands is noted, with a suggestion that future complications might utilize the space.

The Discussion

WatchCollectorCB

Jun 17, 2013

beautiful watches! [nt]

foversta

Jun 17, 2013

I publish a review of the H11 soon. [nt]

Ronald Held

Jun 17, 2013

Looking forward to the detailed review. (nt)

cisco

Jun 18, 2013

My favourite watch of 2013

But I'm biased the independant I prefer. Thanks for the photos Don, it will remain a dream for me that's another amazing watch from Haldimann. cheers Francois

Goldenlutin

Jun 18, 2013

The movement of H11 makes no horological sense to me

There is something "wrong" for me about the H11. Why making a large movement with a tiny barrel and a relatively small balance wheel? When you look at the movement you just see empty space everywhere. All elements would fit in a much smaller movement. For me, one should optimize the available space and use it as much as possible. Look at famous wristwatch chronometers like the Peseux 260 or the Zenith 135: huge barrel and huge balance wheel. This makes sense to me, at least from an horological p

cisco

Jun 19, 2013

You seems to know a lot... but I don't get your point

Why do you want an extra large balance wheel? and a huge barrel? Are your considerations technical or aesthetical? You may have noticed that the balance is central so that you can not have huge barrel in the opposite side of the balance wheel like in old chronometers you quoted. And how do you want two big barrels? the power train goes around the center, I am not sure to see how you organize with two barrels. If you look at the Omega central tourbillon the balance wheel is not huge either (I sup

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 16 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

Related Articles