Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon GMT Milano Edition

Another prestigious collaboration brings together GMT Great Masters of Time and one of the most influential contemporary masters, Beat Haldimann. In his small family run manufacture just a stone’s throw from Lake Thun, beat creates works of horological art that are expressions of mechanical perfection and aesthetic elegance at the highest levels. A vision shared with GMT Great Masters of Time that led to the creation of the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon GMT Milano Edition a special edition of 5 pieces of one of Beat Haldimann’s iconic watches and a symbol of his philosophy of time.

Haldimann and the new concept of time

There is a small watchmaking manufactory in Switzerland, a hidden gem of craftsmanship overlooking the mouth of the River Aare, where it flows into Lake Thun. Founded in 1642, it has since remained the pride and heritage of a single family, the one from which it takes its name: Haldimann. Since 1991 Beat Haldimann has continued a family tradition of excellence, producing extraordinary timepieces using machinery that operates without the aid of computers, guided solely by the hand of the master watchmaker. A manufactory in the truest sense of the word, where Beat has passed on his expertise and passion to his daughter Iris and son Niklaus, who now work alongside him and will ensure the company’s future.

Haldimann’s collections are a tribute to fine watchmaking. Some were created to measure time such as the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon, the H2 Flying Resonance and the H11 Central Balance whilst for others, time is an idea, a sensation that goes beyond measurement. In the H8 Flying Sculpture the central tourbillon is freed from the task of indicating the time and twirls with natural grace above the dark, handless dial. The H9 Reduction expresses the art of omission: a provocation, a black hole on the wrist where time continues to be measured but not displayed, hidden behind an opaque glass.

Shared Philosophy: The Special Edition for GMT

A watchmaking philosophy that aligns perfectly with GMT’s vision, which has always been committed to seeking out and promoting independent brands of the highest horological calibre, placing quality, excellence and an original, personal concept of timekeeping at the heart of their work. A shared vision that led Haldimann to create a special edition of the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon dedicated to the Milanese retailer: the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon GMT Milano Edition A traditional watch, yet one that immediately draws the eye to its heart: the central flying tourbillon with three barrels. Its lyre shaped cage, Haldimann’s signature aesthetic, rotates ceaselessly with a hypnotic motion which, thanks to the tourbillon’s generous dimensions, steals the show at the centre of the dial.

For the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon GMT Milano Edition, Beat Haldimann has made a significant departure from his stylistic credo, replacing the Roman numeral hour markers (which he uses in all his creations) with western Arabic numerals, specially designed with his daughter Iris. The central hour and minute hands, bl ack and with heart shaped tips, glide across the grené finished dial, rendered in the 4N gold hue characteristic of the limited editions of the GMT

At the heart of the watch lies the hand wound ZEN H1 calibre, featuring a central 60 second flying tourbillon, a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, a Glucydur balance wheel, and a balance spring with a Phill ips type end curve and Haldimann pivots. Through the sapphire crystal case back of the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon the mainplate reveals only the three barrels and, through a small central aperture, part of the gear train. Like the dial, the mainplate is also grené finished in 4N GMT gold.

In this special edition, the classic polished case of the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon is crafted from platinum and measures 39 mm in diameter and 10.8 mm in thickness. The oversized onion shaped crown, with its pronounced knurling, lends the watch a classic aesthetic. Apart from the dial colour, the only other element recalling the collaboration with GMT is the word ‘ engraved on the caseback. Nothing else. A choice by Beat Haldimann, an understatement in keepin g with the philosophy of the Swiss master watchmaker. The H1 Flying Central Tourbillon GMT Milano Edition is completed by a hand stitched black alligator strap with a platinum pin buckle.

From Thun to Milan

Over the centuries,” explains master watchmaker Beat Haldimann, “a Haldimann philosophy has developed that seeks new encounters with time and challenges traditional ways of thinking. The style and individuality of our creations are rooted in our values and our long tradition. We want to work at the li mits of human capability. We can only do this as a manufactory in the true sense of the word, with machines and tools that assist the hand. Computer controlled machines would prevent us from meeting this requirement.”

Ever since we met the Haldimann family, there has been an immediate understanding,” echoes Jacopo Corvo. “We too are a family that has been working in the world of watchmaking for generations, albeit, of course, for far fewer years. We both understand the importance of this legacy and, in a sense, this unites us. For the Corvo family, as for the Haldimann family, watchmaking is not just a business: their work and ours are built on very solid human values. That is why it is very important for us to create projects with partners who share a similar vision to ours.”

The time we spent with Beat was very meaningful for us, because although we arrived in Thun with a good understanding of his work, we could never have imagined returning home with a deeper appreciation of his vision. From the moment he welcomed us into his home, his kindness and warm hospitality made us feel part of the family, and even just a small glimpse into his life allowed us to quickly understand how his human values are reflected in his work. Enjoying the slow pace of life by the river, surrounded by mountains and immersed in a routine of patient work, repeated rituals and genuine moments, has shed light on the importance of Haldimann’s mission. Quietly keeping craftsmanship and knowledge alive for future generations may seem almost impossible in today’s industrialised world, but Beat had the courage to take on this challenge and, even more so, to pass it on as his legacy, giving his children Iris and Niklaus the time, tools and experience to carry the Haldimann name into the f uture. As a family, we are proud to have worked with them over the past few years, contributing in a small way to the brand’s history; we are now inspired to promote the human side of watchmaking around the world, presenting the extraordinary timepiece that this collaboration has brought to life,” concludes Mattia Corvo Santini.

Technical specifications

Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon GMT Milano Edition

Limited edition of 5 pieces

Case

• Material: Platinum
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Crystal: sapphire, domed, with anti reflective coating on both sides

Dial and hands

• 4N gold finish, GMT, black western Arabic numeral hour markers

Movement

• Hand-wound ZEN H1 calibre with 60 second flying central tourbillon
• Haldimann Swiss lever escapement
• Movement diameter: 31.58 mm
• Tourbillon diameter: 17.30 mm
• Number of parts approx. 310
• Number of jewels: 32
• Power reserve of 38 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
• Balance spring with Phillips end curve and Haldimann pivots

Functions/Indications

• Hours and minutes
• Flying central tourbillon

Strap and buckle

• Hand stitched black alligator with platinum pin buckle

MSRP: Price on request

For more information, please visit gmtitalia.com