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Curtis for David Lou
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VdJ 2003 - Day Two (a.m.) - Beat Haldimann

It was an early morning for us, day two. We were traveling about two hours north of our VdJ home base by car to visit with Beat Haldimann at his Thun atelier. For the uninitiated, Beat Haldimann is a watchmaker in the tradition of all great watchmakers, i.e., he is a horologists. Like Harrison, Mudge, Janvier, Breguet, Daniels and Pratt, (To name only a few) Beat Haldimann doesn?t limit his skills to watches alone, nor does he limited himself with the tried and tested. Haldimann Horology is an all encompassing atelier - restoration of antique pieces, making original clocks and watches and developing new, innovative horological ideas such as his free pendulum - Haldimann Escapement - and his ?central flying tourbillon.?

Beat Haldimann is one of nicest people you will ever meet and the fact that he doesn?t speak English is of little concern when visiting him at the Basel Fair where conversation is limited by the madness of the Fair and hand gestures and watchmaking language can carry the conversation. But, for a visit that will be in excess of 2 hours (pushing three), a translator was imperative. Fortunately we had a connection, master watchmaker Thomas Prescher?s home and atelier is but an hour away in Twann and he volunteered his skills as a translator to the tour and met us at Haldimann Horology.

Arriving at Beat?s around 10:00 a.m. we were greeted warmly at the front door by Beat and Thomas and lead to the garden. Haldimann Horology is in a turn of the century villa, which acts as home and workshop and the garden was a lovely place for introductions and some casual conversation. The outside of Haldimann Horology is impressive, but the inside is...WOW! The environment is, dare I say, romantic? Maybe that is not the right word, but with the beautiful wood floors, moldings, built-ins, fireplace, chandeliers, french doors and curtains... anyway! There are three large rooms which make up the atelier. An office/design studio, a workshop for watches and a workshop for clocks, with a full compliment of watchmaking and engineering tools. The work is supported by an extensive library shelved in the corridor. A very nice setup indeed.

Thanks to the combination of Beat?s openness and Thomas Prescher?s translation we were able to have two hours of lively conversation. There was so much said, but what I really like is the fact that he continues with restorations and pursues watches and clocks with equal passion. He showed us one of his Double Regulators, which are based on the work of Janvier and Breguet, which was on test and to be delivered to a Swiss museum (La Chaux de Fonds, I think). It should be noted that AHCI candidate, Stephan Gagneux, worked closely with Beat on this project and presented his own double regulator at Basel this year. Of course, we were treated to some quality time with his Central Flying Tourbillon wristwatch and to see how he makes and finishes various components. Ah, and I should not forget to mention Beat?s assistant, Florian. He is a graduate of the 4 year Swiss watchmaking school in Solothurn (the school is now located in Grenchen) and, fortunately for us, speaks excellent English due to a one year student exchange in America.

After 2 hours or so of questions, answers, looking and drooling, Beat, Thomas and Florian joined us for lunch. The restaurant was a 5 to 10 minute walk from his atelier along the beautiful Aare river. We had a delicious Italian lunch near the river where we passed wine and watches around the table. A nice walk back to Haldimann Horology and the visit was over. It was now around 1:00 p.m. and we needed to be in Biel/Bienne for our next visit at 2:00 p.m., so after a round of hand shakes and thank you's from the group, we followed Thomas Prescher to our next visit an hour away.

Enjoy the pictures!

Click Here for another thread regarding Beat Haldimann, which includes a link to his website.

Please stay tuned for VdJ 2003 - Day Two (p.m.) - Urban Jurgensen & Sonner.

Cheers,

Curtis

*Unsigned pictures were provided by Beat Haldimann.