In a time when certain independent watchmakers are treated like rock stars, others remain under the radar meticulously perpetuating their crafts for a discerning clientele in the know. One such artisan is Beat Haldimann, based in the picturesque Swiss town of Thun; he has been making watches under his name for over two decades. Visiting his workshops no CNC machines will be found, he works only with his hands using the most traditional methods for a production of only a few pieces each year.

Haldimann’s original creations were complications such as repeaters, tourbillons simple or double with a resonance system. His approach was not only horological but also philosophical, with the creation of a watch with a central tourbillon with no hands (H3) and even a timepiece with a darkened crystal blocking the view on the hands, thus keeping time but not showing it (H9).

Introduced in 2002, the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon is perhaps Haldimann’s best-known model. Featured prominently at the center of the dial is a raised and exposed escapement equipped with a flying tourbillon in a lyre-shaped cage measuring an impressive 17.8mm in diameter - a nod to the large escapements used in historic pocket watches. The in-house, manually wound calibre H-Zen-A within provides a power reserve of 38 hours using three mainspring barrels. The overall aesthetic of the 39mm platinum case, dial, and hands are stunning - striking a balance between understated elegance and distinctive character. The platinum case provides a luxurious heft when worn, and the silver dial with hand-engraved numerals add a dash of contemporary energy to the whole. The hands, inspired by an 18th-century Haldimann Frères pocket watch, include a seconds indicator driven by the rotation of the flying tourbillon cage.

Offered by the family of the original owner and fresh to the market, the present tourbillon is only the 3rd ever H1 to grace an international auction room, highlighting the rarity and importance of this piece.