H1 | Flying Tourbillon | Platinum

An early example of the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon with a 39mm platinum case. Its simple aesthetic belies a surprising level of complexity in the form of a central flying tourbillon, oversized in its proportions. Truly crafted by hand, the watch stands out even among independents for its incredible intricacy and skill. It is a distillation of Haldimann's early watchmaking philosophy, fusing historical inspirations with forward-looking, innovative watchmaking. First introduced in 2002, the H1 was watchmaker Beat Haldimann’s first attempt as an independent. A veteran of the independent watchmaking scene, Haldimann's work stands out in a sea of up and coming watchmakers, standing up to the the test of time and representing an early streak of unconventionality paired with incredible attention to detail and delicate handmade craft. While today, Haldimann is perhaps more 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. When placed under a loupe, it is evident that the H1 is hand made — from the carefully engraved numerals to the polish found across the stainless-steel lyre-shaped cage. Haldimann famously forgoes almost all modern conveniences in favour of traditional tools and techniques for much of his manufacturing. Even so, each element demonstrates the pinnacle of human achievement when it comes to what can be achieved by hand. This is especially evident with the tourbillon, as every component is so fine, yet comes together to work in perfect concert with the watch's intended function. 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. 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. Closer look Brand: Haldimann Model: H1 - Flying Tourbillon Movement: manual-winding calibre H-ZEN-A Functions: hours, minutes, 60-second tourbillon Features: rhodium dial, display back Case material: platinum Case diameter: 39mm Case thickness: 10.8mm Lug-to-lug: 47mm Crystal: sapphire front & back Strap: Jean Rousseau alligator strap, Haldimann platinum deployant clasp Lug width: 20 x 18mm Year: 2005 Accompanying materials: Haldimann outer box & inner wooden box, certificate of guarantee (signed & dated), Haldimann product booklet ConditionThis Haldimann H1 - Flying Tourbillon is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, only very light superficial marks on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings are well defined. WarrantyThe watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.