Many people have emailed me asking about the Omega Central Tourbillon, and how it "compares" to the Haldimann H1.

I happen to appreciate and respect both very much, but upon seeing them in person, they are in fact quite different.

It would be far too easy to dismiss the Omega Central Tourbillon as a mass produced product of an industrial conglomerate, but this would be patently unfair to Omega or their beautiful tourbillon.

This movement is reputed to be the single most expensive movement in the Swatch Group lineup to produce, and is only produced in very limited numbers by a very small group of specialists within the Omega organization.

For more information, click here for a brief overview

On the other hand, the Haldimann is essentially the product of one Master Watchmaker, who has come up with very innovative solutions to some problematic technical hurdles, including getting the escapement gear train layout to fit inside a traditional tourbillon, yet do this in an iconoclastic central position; or re-designing and creating a new pallet design for space, layout, and other considerations.

Beat also uses one of the (if not THE) largest balance wheels ever used in wristwatch form factor. Among those that feel a tourbillon actually can help in timekeeping stability, there are those that believe a large balance is a crucial technical design element.

From a design and wearability standpoint, both are beautiful and elegant, but both have vastly differing "presence."

One has more flourishes and superficial design "details" while the other is very simple, understated.

One could fairly say that one is "fancier" in design, the other more "pure."

I'll let you decide which is which.

I personally really like both, just like I love Ferraris and Lamborghinis; Porsches and MB/BMW; I appreciate both Bertone and Pininfarina.

Respectfully submitted,

TM

The H1 looks surprisingly thin, ant that domed crystal looks super.

Do you by chance know the diameter of the H1's balance wheel?

Two exquisite pieces, without a doubt.

Thanks again,

Paul

I know there are a few others at 10mm, but I believe 11mm is the largest ever used in a wristwatch.

Thanks for your kind words.

TM

If the 10 to 11 mm diameter figure is correct, could it be that the balance wheel used in the H1 is the largest ever incorporated in a tourbillon wristwatch, as opposed to wristwatches in general?

I'm pretty sure the serially produced, time-only Zenith cal. 135 uses a balance wheel that exceeds 13 mm. Also, though perhaps not yet complete, I think Volker Vyskocil's balance is also greater than 13 mm.

Best regards,

Paul

Just give me a chance; I'll stick my foot in sooner or later...



The 10-11mm was in reference to tourbillon escapements in wristwatches, though now that you mention it, I am not sure WHAT the diameter of the balance is. Will try to check and revert.

Cheers,

TM

the H1's balance is very large and VERY cool!



Best,

Paul

that the balance in Haldemann's central tourbillon is 14mm. It certainly looks like it is.

Hi Chris, all,
to my knowledge the Zenith balance is slightly above 13.5, (13.7 or 13.8). Furthermore the caliber numbering used by Zenith is relatively logical - the first two digits normally refer to the diameter in "lignes"(describing the "full" numbers, no fractions). In case of cal. 135 for 13''' 1/4 lignes.
The additional number in most cases can be connected with the movement height. In case of cal 135 it's 5 mm.
This system of numbering calibers is consistent in Zenith's movement line.

The Haldimann H1 balance indeed is 14.14mm - quite impressive.
I know of only one similar sized (14''') movement with larger balance wheel, but this never entered production and only was made for observatory competitions - the Longines 30B.
And, of course this wasn't a tourbillon:-)

Best
Suitbert

UNDERSTATE something so important as that.



TM

nt

I saw one of the watches in the metal and don't recall any red numerals.

It's so low key, only long time PuristS of over 4 1/2 years are trained to see it.



Seriously, John is right. Afterall, it would be a VERY odd coincidence for those exact three numbers to be highlighted in reflection...

TM

must have been the lighting in the restaurant. Can someone explain to the newbie what the significance of 1, 7 and 8 is?

Thread is: http://www.network54.com/Forum/169624/thread/1108208690/



How about the medium long version? February 12 2005, 8:42 PM

Hi,

I finally gave in and actually went out and bought an external flash, so I could shoot photos in something other than early morning sunlight. (weird quirks I got, eh? ) Well, wouldn't you know...the darned thing won't work right. I know the flash and camera are talking to each other, and they were designed to work together, hot shoe designed for each other, but darned, the thing just won't flash!!!...aaarrrggghhhh! Gotta figure that out...

Okay, the medium version -

I have long been an egalitarian socialist by nature and philosophical leaning, but life enforced cynicism make me a meritocratic elitist in practice.

I've long wished for a utopian world where all can be accepted and respected for who and what they are; a collectivist, pluralistic world where everyone has a warm and welcome place. My first serious essay, complete with citations and bibliography, was written in the 9th grade about Scientific Utopianism. Unfortunately, life usually isn't like that.

P178 and ThePurist178 are homages to that ideal of pluralistic collectivism - the traditional well known Chinese numerical homophone is "168" - a path paved with prosperity. Egocentric, unilateral, self-centered.

A little known (not at all popular, because most have never heard of it or thought of it) numerical homophone in

Chinese is "178" - "together we prosper," or "we prosper together." "1-7" = together; "8" = prosper or prosperity ("1-6" = "a road" or "a path")

Well, in the candid and wise words of internet Saint Guy Verbist, when he first saw the domain name, his first thought was, "Loser - ya got there too late, it was already taken, so you tacked on some randomly generated number."

Even though he was completely off, his point about perception (consistent with Dave Knoll's in this thread) could not be denied.

So how to avoid the pitfall of the number in the domain name (which I still use for shorthand, by the way) while keeping the homage to pluralistic collectivism?

Voila! Instead of ThePurist, singular, I chose to use ThePuristS, plural, and capitalized the pluralizing S to emphasize the point.

Hope the answer wasn't too disappointing! I never implied it was profound or even interesting...



TM



.

a very short memory, and a very long one.

That brings back interesting memories; like life in general, even our little community changes, whether we want it to or not.

TM

.

I didn't notice it like Steve until Thomas told me that night. The 178 red numerals makes this watch even more special for any PuristS who's lucky enough to purchase one.

- Anthony

.

first four, inaugural pieces.

Which, to my knowledge, are still happily coveted by their owners and are not for sale.

Cheers,

TM

I recall that the Purists edition contained some cosmetic alterations that you suggested to Beat. I assume that the red numerals comprise one such alteration.

Curious as to what the other alterations are, and whether they are only available on the first four pieces or also on subsequent Purists versions? If the former, then is the engraving on the back the only distinguishing feature on piece 5 and subsequent pieces?

I know the watch has been discussed in the past, but I don't recall seeing details about the distinguishing features of the Purists.com edition from the "regular" H1. Apologies in advance if I missed it somewhere back up the river...


- Daniel

What makes ThePuristS Edition ThePuristS Edition are

a) the optical grade domed crystal
b) flatter bezel

both of which allow the side view of the tourbillon to be as unobstructed as possible.

The rear bezel engraving is nice, but superfluous.

All of the previous are part and parcel of all ThePuristS Edition #1 H1's

The special dial treatment of the first four pieces denote the special commitment and trust of the first four owners to this project, who committed sight unseen.

Hope this clarifies?

Those that have seen this piece in person - any comments on the substantiveness of the changes?

Cheers,

TM

a very substantive change indeed.

.

.

. . . in flagrante delicto. One is not merely looking at, but into, the rotating cage. Cordially, Art

...my first impression on seeing the special edition was that the watch seemed to be a tad more elegant and "softer" than I recalled, but I could not place my finger on it. The domed crystal (which seems breathtaking) and the thinner bezel would explain that.

Thanks, Thomas, for taking the time to explain. Add another to the "when-I-finally-hit-the-lotto" jackpot...*sigh*


- Daniel

.

I don't know why yet but so far I just liked the Haldimann and now with these new pictures, I want it!

The Omega is not bad either. I saw it once and found it really appealing.

Thanks for sharing.

I must admit that the Haldimann in these pics are just breathtaking!
In every detail from the doomed crystal to the lugs.
And this tourbillon is pure art.
I bow down before Haldimann.
Amazed
Doc

. . . both innately beautiful, yet different . . . similarly, the two central tourbilons have an almost mystical appeal to me. I'm not quite sure how to phrase this, but if the universe is 'the lathe of heaven' - a time machine - then the central tourbilon configuration evokes the 'music of the spheres', especially with the 'mystery hands' Omega uses. I don't get this ethereal sense with any other design. I've been entranced by the Omega, and now the Haldiman, for a long time, and acquiring one or the other will be the pinnacle of my watch collecting experience. Cordially, Art

Left out the "t" in PuristS



.

.

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and I am surprised how much difference the right keyboard and mouse can make!

Thanks,

TM

.

(NT)

nt

---

Chris
http://amateureconblog.blogspot.com/

nt

nice photo in the back on the latest issue of IWW -

I got my copy today....flipped open the back cover and saw yet another picture of the Omega central tourb!

Since you stopping me before I left the Daniel Roth dinner to view a fellow purists Omega, I have been truly intriegued by the central Tourb. The H1 is just gorgeous and the Omega oozes class.

Thanks for sharing with us and making us feel part of the "PuristS" watch.

Best regards,

asg

...I have always thought it to be the Blancpain 1735 Master of Complications.