Valentin Blank
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Thank you, Francois-Xavier. I'm glad you like the H11. I think seduction
is the right term to describe what happens to you when you see the H11 for the first time. Believe me, it's such a captivating watch. When I visited Beat, he left me alone for two good hours to shoot the photographs. After this I had time to ponder the watch quietly and I couldn't decide which side I love more. The contrast of the dial and the movement is so tantalising.
Cheers, Valentin
Essay on the latest Haldimann creation – the H11 (pre-Basel world premiere)
Pre-Basel world premiere: H11 – Two faces of time (exclusively on PuristSPro) The first watch with central balance and central indication of time Dear fellow PuristS Many of you know about my fondness for Haldimann watches. Always keen on sharing my enthu...
Very Exciting :-)
Hope you are well my friend, thank you for sharing and look forward to seeing the final finished creation. S
Salman, my friend, thank you!
I hope you are well. I too look forward to seeing the finished watch in Basel. Cheers, Valentin
Very nice teaser.
I like what Haldimann produced in the past but never trully went in-depth. If the finishing is of a high standard (an important criteria for me) it is really something I'm longing to see and learn about. Thanks for sharing this piece of news Valentin. Che...
Mark, thank you for your comment.
The finishing is sublime! I was allowed to carefully examine the movement under a microscope and I definitely loved what I saw. Don't forget to take your magnifying glass along with you in case you go to Basel. ;) Cheers, Valentin
Sanity and functionality returns?
If so, good to see as for ME, he really lost it with the H9 or whatever that thing which was supposed to be a watch was. I of course just don't get it.
Arthur, thank you. I don't know what sanity is. I'm probably lacking it. But, yes,
functionality is written all over the H11. I find it really interesting how the H11, thanks to its functionality, is so discreet and at the same time so superior. Obviously, I can understand your rejection of the H9. You either hate this "watch" or you lo...
Why am I not surprised by your response (and good taste)?
Just remember to schedule an appointment with the bank manger first. :) Regards, Richard.
pplater, I still remember your reply to my H9 essay. Glad you
like the H11. Thanks, Valentin
It wasn't an essay, Valentin...
...it was poetry - which is fitting for these watches. Thank you once again for carrying the torch. Cheers, pplater.
Richard, I'm pleased to read that
with my essay and images I was able to convey some of the beauty of the H11. You absolutely have to see this watch in the metal! To follow its uncluttered heartbeat right there in the middle of the movement is tantalising. Thanks, Valentin
Kind of underwhelmed at least from pics
I can imagine in the metal being a whole different experience. But I still dream much more about his earlier pieces. Thank you for your--as always, beautiful writing Valentin.
Mostel, thank you for your comment and your words about my writing. I would be interested
to learn what exactly made you feel underwhelmed and why? Was it the quality of the pictures or has it to do with the depicted movement/dial? And if it is the latter, specifically what was is that has left you underwhelmed? Cheers, Valentin
Valentin
I find the dial rather bland in pictures. I appreciate the movement's innovations, but also find it visually uninteresting. I do not 'see' what the excitement is about, especially with the dial. BUT again, no doubt in person there is a sublimity not knowa...
Mostel, thank you for the clarification. Certainly, the
dial may appear prosaic and bland to some. Yet for me this creative restraint on the dial side is part of the fascination. But I agree, the watch must be seen in person to get the full impression. Hopefully you will soon find an opportunity to see the H11...
I look forward to pics of the final complete piece...
and very happy that this one actually tells the time..! Great report as usual on the Haldiman range. Yours, Andy.
Andy, thank you. I, too, can hardly wait
for Baselworld to open and getting my hands on the H11 in its final case. Oh, and speaking of telling the time: I absolutely love the new Haldimann hands with their unique shovel/heart shape and their generous length. Cheers, Valentin
thanks for the report
this is a piece I "get" - still on the track of paring down but now more of a return to essentials than a rejection of essentials. I look forward to seeing it. Best Andreas
Ken, you're most welcome. So we share a passion. And Haldimann
is always good for a surprise. Cheers, Valentin
A blast from the past and future....Haldimann
Dear Valentin, What a pleasure to read...both the facts and also that you are still writing essays. I prefer the H11 for the reasons you enumerated. Elegant dial on the outside and the secret pleasure of the mechanism behind. Thank you, MTF
Melvyn, nice to see you! Thank you so much for your kind
words and your thoughts on the H11 which aptly sum up what this watch is all about. I hope you and your family are well. Thanks, Valentin
Ming, yes it's been a while indeed. Thank you for
your comment! I hope you and your family are well. Thanks, Valentin
Perfect, once again.
I am a huge fan of Haldimann work and his research of perfection and meaning especially those last years. The H9 was a blast, I fell in love with this object. It means perfection, the watch passion limited to its essential. This H11 seems also perfect in ...
Francois, you're welcome. Indeed, both the
H9 and the H11 are perfect watches in their own way. Isn't it fascinating how diverse perfectionism can be. Thanks, Valentin
Absolutely, compared to his work before it make sense.
The global view of his creations is really coherent, from H1 to H11. I wrote about the encounter with the H9 last year here, and there were a lot of reactions (I read your article on the H1 first), mainly not so positive to say the least. :) The most inte...
Francois, you're observations are spot on. Too bad you can't
come to Basel this year. I, too, hope to see a lot of reports about the H11. Thanks, Valentin
impressive
interesting piece by Haldimann , i believe the balance wheel is being the new star of the show - as i hate to call it trend trend is never an artistic term to describe this exquisite at least in my book - several creations emerged from different independe...
Thank you, Faisal. The balance wheel has always been
captivating for me. It is the heart of the watch and in the case of the H11 the whole purism of a "simple" balance wheel is presented so beautifully. In fact, I prefer the central balance over a tourbillon complication. Cheers, Valentin
Same preference I have
Always found an endless charm in the balance wheel ,however I believe I should credit this artistic general move in balance wheel regard to the financial crunch which through it I see a smart innovative response to the collectors with a little compromise ...
Thanks a lot Valentin, I'm sure that I will be seduced by the H11.
I'm a fan of Haldimann, I still have my first encounter with the H2 in my memories! Fx
Thank you, Francois-Xavier. I'm glad you like the H11. I think seduction
is the right term to describe what happens to you when you see the H11 for the first time. Believe me, it's such a captivating watch. When I visited Beat, he left me alone for two good hours to shoot the photographs. After this I had time to ponder the wa...
Essence..
of not posting for nearly 2 years :) Seriously thank you very much for this delightful post Sincerely Damjan
Thank you, Damjan, for your comment. How right you are!
Glad you liked the read. Cheers, Valentin
Well, where to start Valentin? Perhaps from your beautifully written...
text about Haldimann's prowess as a "Maitre Horloger" his philosophy about time and his achievement so far demonstrated in his Extra Ordinary Time Pieces. Firstly, I have to admit that I didn't know of Haldimann, (ok, I live under a rock:)) and reading yo...
Francois, I am honoured to have introduced you to
Beat Haldimann’s wonderful creations and I am humbled by your kind words. Thank you so much! Of course, I can fully understand your first impression of the H8 and H9. I have been interested in horology for more than thirty years now and I have kept cultiv...
Ahhh, sandgroper...
...you found it - "below". ;-) The H11 plays to every personal preference. It is not the H1, or the H8 (either of which could bring an end to this madness), but it is a worthy addition to the Haldimann family. Perhaps, one day, an addition to the watchbox...
Yes Pplater, the H1 is absolutely mesmerizing and....
that "heart beat"! one could look for hours.....and forget the time! The H11 however, is more approachable,,,I assume:):) Cheers, Francois