Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon in platinum

Up for grabs is a Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon in platinum.

Introduced in 2002, the H1 was Beat Haldimann’s first wristwatch under his own name and remains one of the most unconventional tourbillons ever produced. Rather than displaying the tourbillon through a small aperture, Haldimann built the entire movement around a centrally mounted flying tourbillon, making it the visual and mechanical centerpiece of the watch. Inspired by Alfred Helwig’s flying tourbillon and the design philosophy of Carl Moritz Grossmann, the H1 bridges traditional Saxon watchmaking with modern independent engineering.

Housed in a 39mm platinum case, the watch features a restrained frosted rhodium dial that gives little indication of the complexity beneath. At its center is a 16.8mm flying tourbillon, among the largest ever fitted to a conventionally sized wristwatch. Its lyre-shaped cage serves as the running seconds display while the Breguet-style hour and minute hands sweep directly above it.

Powering the watch is the manually wound in-house caliber H-Zen-A. Because a flying tourbillon requires substantially more energy than a conventional design, Haldimann equipped the movement with three mainspring barrels—two dedicated to the tourbillon and a third driving the motion works. Every component is hand-finished using traditional machinery, without CNC manufacturing, reflecting Haldimann’s commitment to artisanal watchmaking.

The case remains in excellent overall condition with only light signs of wear consistent with careful use. The frosted dial is free from imperfections, while the hallmarks and engravings remain sharp and well defined.

The watch is fitted with its original black Haldimann alligator strap and platinum Haldimann tang buckle.

Complete with its Haldimann inner and outer presentation boxes, signed Certificate of Guarantee, and product booklet.

There is no evidence of servicing or polishing on the watch, and I would offer to cover the cost of servicing by Haldimann to the new owner if sent it to them within the first year of ownership.