Beat (Bay-aht) Haldimann has honored us, ThePuristS' Community, by introducing a special variant of his highly regarded H1 Flying Central Tourbillon.
The original H1 already offered many unique features, including a proprietary pallet design that was designed and created by Mr. Haldimann himself, as well as an ingenious three barrel design that results in a very flat torque curve, for extremely stable and reliable timekeeping. It also incorporates several other specifications and designs that make this central flying tourbillon unlike any other. It is a true Master Watchmaker's Creation, one that is owned by no less a horological genius than Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. Even Martin Wehrli, a Director in Audemars Piguet, which owns Renaud & Papi, and someone who can be a bit jaded and cynical about timepieces and the industry, having seen and done it all in high horology over the past 30 plus years, had nothing but praise for the design and execution.
What makes ThePuristS Edition special for our community is that Mr. Haldimann was kind enough to incorporate some design suggestions I made to him, and was enough of a gentleman to offer to name the new model resulting, after our community.
There are many technical innovations which will be elaborated on in the coming days, but just the annular rings to run the hands are possibly as complicated as most complete gear trains in other watches.
Note that this is from an unfinished prototype.
Beat also makes his own ultra light tourbillon cage, escape wheel, and custom designed pallet.
The tourbillon cage is the lightest of its type, weighing less than four Swiss stamps.
It was a very special feeling to be able to hold the tourbillon complete in one's hand.
<br />(Note on the following paragraph - this is NOT an enamel or porcelain dial. It is a sandwich dial - a dial made up of two different plates, with engraved cut outs from the top dial to allow the contrasting lower dial to show through, in this case the hour indices. In this way, two solid metal disks can be used, with stable finishes that are impervious to fading or discoloration. Enamel and porcelain are stable finishes as well, but both are very fragile, and vulnerable to cracking and other physical damage. TM)
He uses a two solid piece sandwich dial, designed for permanence - the goal was to achieve the stability of enamel without the fragility of that medium. Both pieces of the dial sandwich are solid massive metal plates with a very stable finish.
Even the deployant buckle design is unique, and milled from 30grams of solid platinum (in the platinum version) One of the owners of the first four pre-series pieces, whose wrist is particularly small and difficult to fit, has commented how comfortable and well fitting the deployant is. (he was very worried about fit, while waiting for the finish and delivery of the first four pieces, a one year wait!)
(more pictures to come)
He tunes the escapement and case design to approximate the "voice" of a classic pocketwatch, and he believes in the mythical "singing Breguet over coil" (the lyre shaped tourbillon cage is an homage to this)
The preliminary reports from actual daily wear are starting to come in, and the on wrist running rate has been pretty spectacular...more updates to come.
Beat and I have been working on this special model for nearly two years now, and like proud new fathers, we are both ecstatic with the results.
The first four pre-series pieces, which were pre-ordered to sponsor the creation of the line, are all in private hands already, and the last I heard, all four owners have been walking around with this silly, goofy satisfied grin on their faces, and a microcosm of the pulsing of the universe on their wrists.
These four pieces, all variants of No. 00, feature a special dial (I'll not spoil the fun of trying to figure it out, if you ever have the rare chance to see one in person.)
Pieces from the naturally limited production will start with No. 05, and delivery after order and receipt of deposit takes approximately 1 year (which may increase as back orders start to build up.)
ThePuristS Edition Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon should be ordered directly from Beat Haldimann's Atelier. I am happy to assist in contacting Mr. Haldimann, but will not be directly involved in the final transaction, which will be between the new owner and Mr. Haldimann directly.
Yep, all in all a pretty special piece, one I am very proud of...
This message has been edited by thepurist178 on Oct 30, 2005 8:43 AM
Wow! Drop dead beautiful. The video really drives this home - thanks
October 30 2005, 12:32 AM
This is one of those watches that needs a warning to never wear while driving. You'll end up staring at the watch and not the road! Delicate and robust beauty. Thanks Thomas and Beat.
Of course it looks very classic too. Central tourbillon, so far i've only seen Omega's, in person at least.
Congratulations to you, Thomas and also Mr Haldimann for creating such a mechanical marvel and also such memorable piece. Thanks for bringing this news to us
This is NOT an enamel or porcelain dial. It is a sandwich dial - a dial made up of two different plates, with engraved cut outs from the top dial to allow the contrasting lower dial to show through, in this case the hour indices. In this way, two solid metal disks can be used, with stable finishes that are impervious to fading or discoloration. Enamel and porcelain are stable finishes as well, but both are very fragile, and vulnerable to cracking and other physical damage.
I'll dig up photos and explain when I get back to my photo archives, and have better, faster, more reliable net access.
Having had the privilege and honor of seeing the piece in person,
October 31 2005, 5:03 AM
I can honestly say that it is far more stunning to see and hold in your hands. It is truly a masterpiece and a beauty to behold.
Congratulations to Thomas and Beat on creating a work of art that is one of the most impressive timepieces that I have ever been fortunate enough to see.
Re: A worthy candidate for the very first ThePuristS edition!!
October 31 2005, 6:24 PM
Congrtulations and a hearty "well-done" to Herr Haldimann and Thomas for realizing this personalized vision in this age of mass-produced, copy-cat watches.
I've had the pleasure of handling the "non-Purist" H1 at a local dealer, and it is truly a unique masterpiece, especially its musical qualities. The tuning of the "voice" of of the watch and the lyre design make the watch particularly special for me. The lyre of Apollo...fit for the gods!!
I'm speechless. This is one very unique timepiece. Please disregard my comment about...
November 1 2005, 11:10 AM
...metal colour. It is just my preference. And come to think of it, pink gold and matching dial would detract from the understatement of this fine watch. Can't wait to see who the lucky owners will be.
Congratulations Messrs Haldiman and Mao. A stunning and true purists creation. >>
November 1 2005, 11:11 AM
My heart felt congratulations in bringing this project to fruition.
Andrew H
PS Thomas, will be in your neck of the woods on November 17th if you can manage an early lunch or late coffee. You could perhaps show me the prototype - please . Have also managed to get my sorry arse in gear and send you the long over due item I mentioned. Apologies. The usual excuses apply I am afraid.
The watch looks fantastic in the pics but seeing one in the flesh..
November 2 2005, 1:04 AM
..is just mindblowing! Something this breathtaking needs to be worn by someone befitting it.
So its a natural fit I'm sure!
Thanks for sharing a peek to me.
i feel that #1 is an epitome of the purists' spirit - it's about the nitty gritty.........
November 2 2005, 3:54 PM
details that will bring about "the silly goofy grin " and "microcosm of the pulsing of the universe on their wrists". how many trips have we taken "feeling on top of the world " after acquiring that piece that suit your every criteria - aesthetics, technical specs, budget etc.....yet that is only the begining of the next episode.so my speculation is #2 is probably under way.
great work! Haldimann and Thomas, thanks for bringing to life a watch with a heart and beats like a song.
so, am I really reading this correctly??? The imfamous Dr. Ludwig has actually contracted a complication for Thomas? I am kind of concerned as I am an avid U.N. collector and own several pieces, including the Maxi Marine in rose gold as well as the Sonata , which supposedly was seven years in the making. Are we going to see more of this? It's kind of disheartening to me........UN has always been one of my favorites because of their history and manufactured movements. Does this give a whole new meaning to "manufactured" movements? Makes me wonder what is next.
By the way....I happen to be a student of the Federation of the Swiss watch industry. FH
