Here is an early example of the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon with a 39mm platinum case. The H1 is the first piece designed by maker Beat Haldimann as an independent in his workshop in Villa Nussbhül. Its simple aesthetic belies a surprising level of complexity in the form of a central flying tourbillion, oversized in its proportions. Even within the remarkable catalogue of work that followed it, the H1 is special. It represents not just his historical inspirations but the genesis of his vision of forward-looking, innovative watchmaking.

First introduced in 2002, the H1 was watchmaker Beat Haldimann’s first attempt as an independent. While he has come to be known for his experimental watchmaking, the H1 is perhaps the clearest indication of the historical inspirations that guide him. As the name suggests, central to the watch face is a large flying tourbillon, architecturally inspired by the one made by German watchmaker, and inventor of the flying tourbillon, Alfred Helwig. The philosophy behind the H1 is also very much rooted in the idea of pursuing mechanical innovation while staying within the parameters of elegant design, championed by Glashütte watchmaker Carl Moritz Grossmann. Haldimann’s subscription to this school of watchmaking is evident in his design of the H1.

The 39mm platinum case on this example features a three-part construction, with a pronounced bezel and caseback sandwiching a concave midcase. All parts wear an even polished appearance. At 3 o'clock is a well-proportioned onion crown. The lugs, originating from the midcase, are straight, with a gentle curvature to them. They are 20mm apart and the watch comes with a choice of alligator and grained black leather straps held in place by screwed in pins. A noteworthy feature is the signed platinum deployant clasp affixed to the alligator leather strap the watch comes with. While the H1 comes with a tang buckle as standard, this was an optional upgrade the original owner requested. The deployant clasp is robust and thoughtfully constructed, with its constituent parts screwed together. The exhibition caseback reveals the in-house manual wound calibre H-Zen-A. Fairly minimal in appearance, it wears a frosted plate with three visible spring barrels ­– two of them interact through gear trains with the pinion on which the tourbillon is mounted while the third governs the functioning of the hours and minutes hands. Aside from the working rubies, the plate features an embossed brand logo with fine, precise engravings detailing the brand name, calibre and serial numbers.

The watch face is marked by a recessed dial and a pronounced brushed rehaut. This aesthetic accommodates the tourbillon that floats over the frosted dial. Save for a chapter of engraved, lacquer-filled Roman numerals, interspersed with minute plots, the dial is minimal in terms of furniture. The H1 mark at 12 o’clock and the gently arched brand name at 6 o’clock, both engraved and laquered, reveal this to be an early production model – later examples do without the H1 at 12 o'clock while the brand mark is simplified and presented in a straight line. Two concentric rings that express the time through Breguet-style hands in this particular example, lie at dial level, underneath the tourbillon cage.

Measuring 16.8mm in diameter, the tourbillon is even bigger than those on 16-ligne pocket watch calibres of old that inspired its design. Completing a rotation every 60 seconds, thereby approximating a seconds hand, it has a lyre shape and a stainless-steel cage finished by hand, much like the rest of the movement. In fact, Haldimann famously forgoes almost all modern conveniences in favour of traditional tools and techniques for much of his manufacturing.

This example, first delivered in late 2005, comes complete with its box and requisite paperwork.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Haldimann H1 Flying Tourbillon will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Haldimann H1 is in very good condition throughout. Light superficial marks are found on the platinum case, lugs, and caseback, consistent with relative wear over time. The frosted dial, baseplate, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. The hallmarks and engravings located on the caseback and deployment clasp are crisp and well defined. The clasp itself is crafted from solid platinum, handmade, and uncommonly seen as a substantial optional extra at the time of purchase. 

Warranty

The watch was recently serviced by Haldimann in Aug 2023 and thus comes with the brand's lifetime warranty. The watch also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from  A Collected Man.