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. This example is a special edition piece created with input on aspects of design by members from ThePuristS. The watch features several design aspects on the dial that are unique to this small series, such as the 1, 7, and 8 numerals being a deep red tone and a numerical homophone in Chinese that symbolises the wish for the group's prosperity. Further to this, the case was slimmed down, while the glass has a more pronounced dome to compensate for this reduction in height.
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.
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. Two concentric rings that express the time through Breguet-style hands in this particular example, lie at dial level, underneath the tourbillon cage. These hands mark the watch has being part of the slightly earlier production, as does the addition of a "H1" on the dial, which symmetrically mirrors the Haldimann signature across the flying tourbillon.
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.
The exhibition caseback reveals the in-house manual wound calibre H-Zen-A. It's not surprising to see a slight variation in the way that the calibre is referred to across examples, as even today the watchmaker is continually making minute adjustments to improve the movement. To mark the watch's special status, the rim of the caseback is engraved, with "The PuristS Edition", "Flying Central Tourbillon" and the watch's number. The movement itself is fairly minimal in appearance, wearing 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 annular hour and minute hands, with a complex gear train. Aside from the working rubies, the plate features an embossed brand logo with fine, precise engravings detailing the brand name, calibre and serial numbers.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Haldimann H1 Flying Tourbillon will be subject to 20% VAT
