Based in the picturesque Swiss town of Thun, Beat Haldimann has been making watches under his name for the past 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).

In 2013 Haldimann took his no frills design philosophy to a new level by launching two pieces indicating hours and minutes (H11) and hours, minutes and offset seconds (H12). The movements featured a surprising hand frosted full plate with only the balance and balance bridge originally placed at the centre visible as well as the crown wheel, ratchet wheel and click.

The present example housed in a classic 39mm steel case features a gorgeous two tone blue grené dial with hand engraved numerals. The present watch has a unique feature as the tip of the hands feature luminous material upon request of the client (as opposed to hollow hands on the “regular” pieces).

Coming from the original owner the present timepiece is an ode to simplicity and craftsmanship from one of the most elusive independent watchmakers.

Please note that Haldimann offers a life long service for his watches.