93rd Auction

2016/5/14

Lot 308

Beat Haldimann, Swiss, H1 - "Flying Central", Movement No. 12, Case No. 12, Cal. H-ZEN-A, Ref. H1.05.01.05.31.11, 39 mm, circa 2004
A gentleman's nearly as new, rare wristwatch with flying tourbillon regulator on the dial - retail price today is about EUR 200.000 - with original box, brochures and certificate
Case: 18k rose gold, glazed movement. Dial: silver. Movm.: full plate movement, 3 barrels,, Glucydur screw balance.
"The Haldimann H1 is a wristwatch that breaks with every tradition and is yet more traditional than the sum of its predecessors.
Creating a wristwatch with a tourbillon is a wonderful task. One with a flying tourbillon is a challenge in itself. If, however, the flying tourbillon is to be as large as that of a 16-ligne pocket watch, things get a little more complicated. It becomes extremely tricky when the oversized, flying tourbillon is to turn in the centre, or rather just above the dial, without the watch increasing in size. From the constructive point of view it is tricky, but from the aesthetic point of view unbelievably attractive."
Admittedly – this is a quote from the Haldimann book but it sheds some light on the motivation behind the genius of Beat Haldimann and makes us acknowledge the full scope of what this watch is about. When we take our first glance at it, even hold it – we probably never notice anything out of the ordinary, the watch is neither larger nor higher than others. Of course the extremely fine tourbillon cage is spectacular! The fact that it sits in the position of the arbor that carries the hands probably only startles us once we take a closer look. The restrained dial with the Roman numerals is sophisticated and the glazed back shows us the three barrels which give the tourbillon a power reserve of at least 38 hours.

Sold

estimated
65.00080.000 €
Price realized
62.000 €