Independents

Hello all

I recently had the pleasure to visit Beat Haldimann's workshop together with a watch collector friend from California. Both the workshop and the watches made a lasting impression on me. So I thought I might share my memories with you:

Follow the Song of the Tourbillon

I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks, Valentin

This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2008-04-22 11:34:38

. . . and, if I may be excused for being a bit fanciful, Beat's atelier strikes me as a place of enchantment. The machinery from long ago that is capable of creating watches that retain the essence of the craft from the Golden age lends a special charm to the enterprise . . . most cordially, Art

Enchantment and charm are indeed two perfect ways of describing the special atmosphere that surrounds the visitor of Beat's workshop. I have rarely seen a place where things and people suit each other so well.

Thanks, Valentin

A very refreshing read.  many thatnks for posting it (and I ahve a weakness for b&w photos).

nick

I'm pleased to hear that you liked both the pictures and the read.

Valentin

Your beautiful pictures and writing bring back wonderful memories for me.  The whole area of Thun and Merlingen seems to have this magical atmosphere.  I will definitely have to visit again soon.

Unless I'm mistaken I can recognise Beat's face in the glass plate of the table and that floor looks quite familiar to me, too... So, it seems that you know exactly what I wrote about, since you were as fortunate as to experience the "Haldimann effect" yourself.

The H1 in your picture is such a beauty! I can't get enough of it.

I'm glad you enjoyed my article.

Thanks, Valentin

I didn't notice the reflection at first.    It's not Beat...it's someone else that we both know!

clear... Thanks for the hint. I still seem to be under Beat's spell and take every vague face for his' and every blurred watch for a H1.

Thanks, Valentin

.

Great report and outstanding photography.

- SJX

I'm glad my report stood the proof of your experienced eyes.

Thanks, Valentin

I have been writing to Beat twice but get no reply and I guess they have no retailer too.
If anyone hapens to know its retail price , case dimension of H1, please PM Me
I must say this watch is very pure.
My main concern is servicing.....can anyone help me overcome gthis factor?
Thanks alot.
Lovesss*CL

he will most certainly respond.

[Email address suppressed for privacy].ch

Harish

with the details you requested.

I'm glad you enjoyed the read. The H1 is an unbelievably pure watch!

Thanks, Valentin

very well.I have been trying to photograph my watch but none of them seems to show the true beauty of the H-1.

But then there is where the fun begins.

Harish

I would love to own an H1 and photograph it from every (un)thinkable angle.

Maybe one day...

Thanks, Valentin

Hi, Valentin, Harish,

The H-1 is a very, very special piece, and has repeatedly made my favorite watch of all time list for many years running.

Most who see it in person, including many industry veterans, have consistently used the term "pure" in decribing the watch - the purest expression of the tourbillon; a pure design.

There are two versions - the original design, with a higher bezel, and flat crystal, and a PuristS' Edition, with a lower, flatter bezel and domed optical grade crystal.

Beat and I worked together on the ideas for the PuristS' Edition because as I lived with a prototype of the original design, it struck me that the purity, the sheer beauty, of the raised, central tourbillon should be showcased, and the unique view of the side of the tourbillon cage in poetic motion, previously only seen through contrived cut outs in the case band, or obscured completely by the dial, should be presented in its full glory. Hence the idea for the flatter bezel and domed, optical grade crystal.

So glad you were able to visit Mr. Haldimann, Harish, Valentin. His atelier is truly magical, and memories of my time spent there have warmed up sometimes very cold times...Cheers,

TM

 

 

Indeed the special edition of the H1 for ThePuristS is gorgeous. And the idea of showcasing the tourbillon like this is brilliant.

All the fortunate fellows in your first image must have reached something like the final destination in their life as watch aficionados. Too bad, I can't count myself in (yet).

Thanks, Valentin

brings out the true beauty of H-1.

After reading your post I feel even more fortunate to own such a special piece.

Harish

... a piece of journalism - no, a fine piece of prose - worthy of its subject.  Many thanks.

 

Cheers,

pplater.

.

Superb B&W pics ...very well layout too.

Look forward to Beat sharing which design-detail of the pocket-watch inspires his next creation.
(The spade-shaped hands??)

Your B&W reminded me to re-'see' Kazuyuki Takahashi's book.

Kong

allowed to let you know whether your guess was right or not. I can only say that Beat's idea is indeed charming.

As for the book you mentioned, I seem to have a knowledge gap and I hope it's not too embarrassing to ask: who's Kazuyuki Takahashi?

Thanks again, Valentin

K.Takahashi, he is the photographer that shot Daniel Roth & Philippe Dufour for the book - Les createurs du temps.

Oh...shall wait to see Beat's new creation.
Hey...you are a tall guy
Kong

I couldn't find the book on Amazon. I will try to have a look at it in one of the watchmaking libraries here in Switzerland.

Thanks, Valentin

nt

.

Beautifully written and photographed, and you are obviously speaking from the heart.

Cheers
Tony P