SwissPrimeBrands Co., Ltd. has become the exclusive import agent for the Swiss watch brand "Haldimann" and has begun handling the brand. "Haldimann" watches can be seen in Japan at Takashimaya Watch Maison Tokyo Nihonbashi.
H1 Flying Central
"Haldimann" is a watch brand founded in 1991 by Beat Haldimann, a member of the Academie Independent Swiss Watchmakers (AHCI).
"If we used computer-controlled machines, we could reduce costs, but we don't use them because we might lose something. We choose to make them the way they are made 100 years ago."
Parts of the tourbillon of the H1 Flying Central
Haldimann's flagship model, the H1 Of the approximately 300 parts in the Flying Central, over 280, or more than 90%, are manufactured in-house. For example, the balance spring (Nivachron) is outsourced, but the material is also sourced and wound in-house. Each of these over 280 parts is handcrafted using traditional manufacturing machinery, also used for restoring antique clocks.
In addition to the beauty of the clock mechanism and the hand-finished parts, Haldimann watches evoke the Swiss watchmaking scene of centuries ago. Made by a team of approximately five watchmakers, including Beat Haldimann, the company produces 20-30 wristwatches and 2-3 wall clocks annually.
■ Features of Haldimann Watches
1. Central Tourbillon
The tourbillon was developed to eliminate the effects of gravity. Haldimann's signature watch, the H1 Flying Central, features a large tourbillon floating in the center of the dial. Its diameter is 17.8mm, more than half the movement's diameter of 31.58mm (14 lignes). The beryllium copper balance wheel with winding hairspring and regulating screws rotates slowly while ticking away time at a low beat (18,000 vibrations per hour), evoking a sense of tradition, yet its central location gives it an innovative impression. The "Haldimann shock-proof device" at the center of the tourbillon protects the complex mechanism from shocks.
Currently, several brands have released central tourbillons, but the distinctive features of the "H1 Flying Central" are its "handmade philosophy" and "structure born from long experience in restoring antique watches."
Tourbillon cage and a file called BIRD'S TONGUE
The tourbillon cage of the H1 Flying Central has a beautiful shape composed of delicate lines, and is made from a steel plate that is machined using BIRD'S The process of rounding off the edges of the facets with a file called a "bird's tongue" and polishing it with rosewood is all done by hand, taking two full days. It is also a "flying tourbillon" that is not fixed by a bridge, and requires even more delicate manual adjustment during assembly than a regular tourbillon. A distinctive feature of its structure is that it has three barrels. One (at 9 o'clock) is used to move the hour and minute hands, and the other two (at 7 and 11 o'clock) are for the tourbillon.
A close-up of the tip of the pallet fork of a Haldimann Swiss lever escapement, taken with a projector from the 1960s.
The escapement uses a "Haldimann Swiss lever escapement," a Swiss lever escapement with the arresting angle optimized for use in a tourbillon. Inspired by the escapement used in a pocket watch once made by the Haldimann family, it features a uniquely shaped pallet, with the pallet stones touching the side of the escape wheel.
The ticking sound reverberates in the large space surrounded by the crystal above the dial. This sound is modeled after that of the pocket watches of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the creator of the tourbillon. According to Beat Haldimann, "If Abraham-Louis Breguet were still alive today, he would definitely have placed the tourbillon in the center."
By placing the tourbillon in the center, the Breguet hour and minute hands have no base. The hour and minute hands, which appear to grow out of the tourbillon, emerge from small grooves on the dial near the outer edge of the tourbillon. A conical wheel (a gear similar to the umbrella on an umbrella wheel) is located under the dial and moves the hour and minute hands.
2. Haldimann Clocks Since 1642
A pocket watch once made by the Haldimann family. The design of the hands is similar to that of modern Haldimann clocks.
Today, Haldimann accepts repairs for all clocks made by the Haldimann family since 1642. Beat Haldimann himself has bought back and collected clocks made by the Haldimann family in the past. Today, Beat Haldimann creates Haldimann watches that, like the watches the Haldimann family once produced, place great importance on being able to be used for centuries. For example, he deliberately uses stainless steel for the dials and hands because it is a material that can be used for a long time. He also states that he will repair the watch as long as it exists, even if the owner changes. This attitude of Beat Haldimann will be passed down to his successor in the future.
3. Gaia Prize Winner
In 2009, he received the Gaia Prize from the International Watch Museum (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), which is considered the Nobel Prize of the watch world. The Gaia Award ceremony, which included information on the background of the watch's creation, was also broadcast in Japan. ("Invitation to World Heritage Sites: Travel25 Swiss Watch Valley" (NHK General TV, 2009))
■Models on display at Takashimaya Watch Maison Nihonbashi, Tokyo
H1 Flying Central
This is the flagship model. Featuring a revolutionary mechanism invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, with the tourbillon located in the center, this model aims to reproduce the ticking sound of Abraham-Louis Breguet's pocket watches.
Functions: Hours and minutes, 60-second flying tourbillon
Case: Platinum (case diameter 39mm), see-through back, water resistant to 30m
Dial: Stainless steel (frosted finish), engraved indexes
Dial color: Rhodium
Hands: Stainless steel
Movement: In-house manual winding movement Cal. H-Zen.A (triple barrels, 32 jewels, 18,000 vph, power reserve approximately 38 hours)
Notes: Central tourbillon, Haldimann shock protection, Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
Strap: Alligator strap
Price including tax: 24.2 million yen
H2 Flying Resonance
This model is an evolution of the central tourbillon, incorporating the concept of "resonance" discovered by Christiaan Huygens. The two tourbillons resonate together.
Functions: Hours and minutes, 60-second double flying tourbillon
Case: Platinum (case diameter 39mm), see-through back, water resistant to 30m
Dial: Stainless steel (frosted finish), engraved indexes
Dial color: Rhodium
Hands: Stainless steel
Movement: In-house manual winding movement Cal. H-Zen.B (triple barrels, 44 jewels, 18,000 vph, power reserve approximately 38 hours)
Notes: Central double tourbillon, Haldimann shock protection, Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
Strap: Alligator strap
Price including tax: 39,600,000 yen
H11 Central Balance Pure
A simple two- or three-hand watch that reflects the philosophy of handmade craftsmanship. The hour and minute hands are a reproduction of those used on pocket watches made by the Haldimann family in the 18th century.
Functions: Hour and minute display
Case: 18K rose gold (case diameter 39mm), see-through back, water resistant to 30m
Dial: Stainless steel (frosted finish), engraved indexes
Dial color: Rhodium
Hands: Stainless steel (gold plated)
Movement: In-house manual winding movement Cal. H-Zen.L (19 jewels, 21,600 vph, power reserve approximately 38 hours)
Notes: Haldimann shock resistant device, Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
Strap: Alligator strap
Price including tax: 8.8 million yen
■Beart Haldimann
Born in Switzerland in 1964. A member of the Academie Independent Watchmakers Switzerland (AHCI) and a Swiss nationally certified master craftsman. Received the Gaia Award in 2009. The Haldimann family has been involved in the watch industry for generations, dating back to 1642.
After graduating from the Solothurn Watchmaking School, Beat Haldimann joined ETA. He then worked in the restoration of antiques, and in 1991 founded his own brand, "Haldimann". He exhibited at Baselworld for the first time in 2001 (clocks). In 2003, he released his first wristwatch, the "H1".
International Clock Museum (MIH) Permanent Exhibit: H101 Resonance Classic
A pendulum clock with two pendulums. A resonance clock.
Clock Patent: Haldimann Escapement
Haldimann's unique escapement combines the simple structure of Graham's straight-line escapement (deadbeat) with the accuracy of the Strasser escapement.
■Haldiman Authorized Retailer Takashimaya Watch Maison Tokyo Nihonbashi
Takashimaya Watch Maison Tokyo Nihonbashi is located just a 5-minute walk from the Yaesu North Exit of JR Tokyo Station, making it a popular spot for watch fans from all over Japan. We carry a wide variety of watch brands, from world-renowned brands to rare brands.
3-1-8 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027
TEL: 03-3211-4111
Business Hours: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Click here for company press release details
H1 Flying Central"Haldimann" is a watch brand founded in 1991 by Beat Haldimann, a member of the Academie Independent Swiss Watchmakers (AHCI).
"If we used computer-controlled machines, we could reduce costs, but we don't use them because we might lose something. We choose to make them the way they are made 100 years ago."
Parts of the tourbillon of the H1 Flying CentralHaldimann's flagship model, the H1 Of the approximately 300 parts in the Flying Central, over 280, or more than 90%, are manufactured in-house. For example, the balance spring (Nivachron) is outsourced, but the material is also sourced and wound in-house. Each of these over 280 parts is handcrafted using traditional manufacturing machinery, also used for restoring antique clocks.
In addition to the beauty of the clock mechanism and the hand-finished parts, Haldimann watches evoke the Swiss watchmaking scene of centuries ago. Made by a team of approximately five watchmakers, including Beat Haldimann, the company produces 20-30 wristwatches and 2-3 wall clocks annually.
■ Features of Haldimann Watches
1. Central Tourbillon
The tourbillon was developed to eliminate the effects of gravity. Haldimann's signature watch, the H1 Flying Central, features a large tourbillon floating in the center of the dial. Its diameter is 17.8mm, more than half the movement's diameter of 31.58mm (14 lignes). The beryllium copper balance wheel with winding hairspring and regulating screws rotates slowly while ticking away time at a low beat (18,000 vibrations per hour), evoking a sense of tradition, yet its central location gives it an innovative impression. The "Haldimann shock-proof device" at the center of the tourbillon protects the complex mechanism from shocks.
Currently, several brands have released central tourbillons, but the distinctive features of the "H1 Flying Central" are its "handmade philosophy" and "structure born from long experience in restoring antique watches."
Tourbillon cage and a file called BIRD'S TONGUEThe tourbillon cage of the H1 Flying Central has a beautiful shape composed of delicate lines, and is made from a steel plate that is machined using BIRD'S The process of rounding off the edges of the facets with a file called a "bird's tongue" and polishing it with rosewood is all done by hand, taking two full days. It is also a "flying tourbillon" that is not fixed by a bridge, and requires even more delicate manual adjustment during assembly than a regular tourbillon. A distinctive feature of its structure is that it has three barrels. One (at 9 o'clock) is used to move the hour and minute hands, and the other two (at 7 and 11 o'clock) are for the tourbillon.
A close-up of the tip of the pallet fork of a Haldimann Swiss lever escapement, taken with a projector from the 1960s. The escapement uses a "Haldimann Swiss lever escapement," a Swiss lever escapement with the arresting angle optimized for use in a tourbillon. Inspired by the escapement used in a pocket watch once made by the Haldimann family, it features a uniquely shaped pallet, with the pallet stones touching the side of the escape wheel.
The ticking sound reverberates in the large space surrounded by the crystal above the dial. This sound is modeled after that of the pocket watches of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the creator of the tourbillon. According to Beat Haldimann, "If Abraham-Louis Breguet were still alive today, he would definitely have placed the tourbillon in the center."
By placing the tourbillon in the center, the Breguet hour and minute hands have no base. The hour and minute hands, which appear to grow out of the tourbillon, emerge from small grooves on the dial near the outer edge of the tourbillon. A conical wheel (a gear similar to the umbrella on an umbrella wheel) is located under the dial and moves the hour and minute hands.
2. Haldimann Clocks Since 1642
A pocket watch once made by the Haldimann family. The design of the hands is similar to that of modern Haldimann clocks. Today, Haldimann accepts repairs for all clocks made by the Haldimann family since 1642. Beat Haldimann himself has bought back and collected clocks made by the Haldimann family in the past. Today, Beat Haldimann creates Haldimann watches that, like the watches the Haldimann family once produced, place great importance on being able to be used for centuries. For example, he deliberately uses stainless steel for the dials and hands because it is a material that can be used for a long time. He also states that he will repair the watch as long as it exists, even if the owner changes. This attitude of Beat Haldimann will be passed down to his successor in the future.
3. Gaia Prize Winner
In 2009, he received the Gaia Prize from the International Watch Museum (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), which is considered the Nobel Prize of the watch world. The Gaia Award ceremony, which included information on the background of the watch's creation, was also broadcast in Japan. ("Invitation to World Heritage Sites: Travel25 Swiss Watch Valley" (NHK General TV, 2009))
■Models on display at Takashimaya Watch Maison Nihonbashi, Tokyo
H1 Flying Central
This is the flagship model. Featuring a revolutionary mechanism invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, with the tourbillon located in the center, this model aims to reproduce the ticking sound of Abraham-Louis Breguet's pocket watches.
Functions: Hours and minutes, 60-second flying tourbillon
Case: Platinum (case diameter 39mm), see-through back, water resistant to 30m
Dial: Stainless steel (frosted finish), engraved indexes
Dial color: Rhodium
Hands: Stainless steel
Movement: In-house manual winding movement Cal. H-Zen.A (triple barrels, 32 jewels, 18,000 vph, power reserve approximately 38 hours)
Notes: Central tourbillon, Haldimann shock protection, Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
Strap: Alligator strap
Price including tax: 24.2 million yen
H2 Flying Resonance
This model is an evolution of the central tourbillon, incorporating the concept of "resonance" discovered by Christiaan Huygens. The two tourbillons resonate together.
Functions: Hours and minutes, 60-second double flying tourbillon
Case: Platinum (case diameter 39mm), see-through back, water resistant to 30m
Dial: Stainless steel (frosted finish), engraved indexes
Dial color: Rhodium
Hands: Stainless steel
Movement: In-house manual winding movement Cal. H-Zen.B (triple barrels, 44 jewels, 18,000 vph, power reserve approximately 38 hours)
Notes: Central double tourbillon, Haldimann shock protection, Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
Strap: Alligator strap
Price including tax: 39,600,000 yen
H11 Central Balance Pure
A simple two- or three-hand watch that reflects the philosophy of handmade craftsmanship. The hour and minute hands are a reproduction of those used on pocket watches made by the Haldimann family in the 18th century.
Functions: Hour and minute display
Case: 18K rose gold (case diameter 39mm), see-through back, water resistant to 30m
Dial: Stainless steel (frosted finish), engraved indexes
Dial color: Rhodium
Hands: Stainless steel (gold plated)
Movement: In-house manual winding movement Cal. H-Zen.L (19 jewels, 21,600 vph, power reserve approximately 38 hours)
Notes: Haldimann shock resistant device, Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
Strap: Alligator strap
Price including tax: 8.8 million yen
■Beart Haldimann
Born in Switzerland in 1964. A member of the Academie Independent Watchmakers Switzerland (AHCI) and a Swiss nationally certified master craftsman. Received the Gaia Award in 2009. The Haldimann family has been involved in the watch industry for generations, dating back to 1642.
After graduating from the Solothurn Watchmaking School, Beat Haldimann joined ETA. He then worked in the restoration of antiques, and in 1991 founded his own brand, "Haldimann". He exhibited at Baselworld for the first time in 2001 (clocks). In 2003, he released his first wristwatch, the "H1".
International Clock Museum (MIH) Permanent Exhibit: H101 Resonance Classic
A pendulum clock with two pendulums. A resonance clock.
Clock Patent: Haldimann Escapement
Haldimann's unique escapement combines the simple structure of Graham's straight-line escapement (deadbeat) with the accuracy of the Strasser escapement.
■Haldiman Authorized Retailer Takashimaya Watch Maison Tokyo Nihonbashi
Takashimaya Watch Maison Tokyo Nihonbashi is located just a 5-minute walk from the Yaesu North Exit of JR Tokyo Station, making it a popular spot for watch fans from all over Japan. We carry a wide variety of watch brands, from world-renowned brands to rare brands.
3-1-8 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027
TEL: 03-3211-4111
Business Hours: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Click here for company press release details
The press releases featured in this article have been provided by PR TIMES, Inc. and are reproduced verbatim. FASHION HEADLINE does not endorse the products or services featured, nor does it guarantee the content of the press releases. For inquiries regarding the content of this article, please contact PR TIMES Inc. directly (https://prtimes.jp/).
