A visit to Beat Haldimann's workshop

Apr 22, 2008,09:41 AM
 

Hello all

I recently had the pleasure to visit Beat Haldimann's workshop together with a watch collector friend from California. Both the workshop and the watches made a lasting impression on me. So I thought I might share my memories with you:

Follow the Song of the Tourbillon

I hope you enjoy it! smile

Thanks, Valentin

This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2008-04-22 11:34:38


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A wonderful tale, Valentin . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 22nd, 2008-12:06
. . . and, if I may be excused for being a bit fanciful, Beat's atelier strikes me as a place of enchantment. The machinery from long ago that is capable of creating watches that retain the essence of the craft from the Golden age lends a special charm to... 

Art, thank you so much

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 22nd, 2008-21:39

many thanks...

 
 By: nickd : April 22nd, 2008-13:14
A very refreshing read. many thatnks for posting it (and I ahve a weakness for b&w photos). nick

Nick, thank you.

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 22nd, 2008-21:40

Thanks so much for the report, Valentin.

 
 By: Allen : April 22nd, 2008-15:03
Your beautiful pictures and writing bring back wonderful memories for me. The whole area of Thun and Merlingen seems to have this magical atmosphere. I will definitely have to visit again soon....  

Allen, lucky you!

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 22nd, 2008-21:46
Unless I'm mistaken I can recognise Beat's face in the glass plate of the table and that floor looks quite familiar to me, too... So, it seems that you know exactly what I wrote about, since you were as fortunate as to experience the "Haldimann effect" yo... 

Actually...

 
 By: Allen : April 23rd, 2008-08:50

Thanks Valentin

 
 By: SJX : April 23rd, 2008-07:31
Great report and outstanding photography. - SJX

Thank you, SJX

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 23rd, 2008-08:49

Thank you Valentin.....I'm in love.

 
 By: CL : April 23rd, 2008-09:54
I have been writing to Beat twice but get no reply and I guess they have no retailer too. If anyone hapens to know its retail price , case dimension of H1, please PM Me I must say this watch is very pure. My main concern is servicing.....can anyone help m... 

I think you captured the heart of H-1...

 
 By: hegdent : April 23rd, 2008-10:36
very well.I have been trying to photograph my watch but none of them seems to show the true beauty of the H-1. But then there is where the fun begins. Harish

Oh, Harish, I envy you

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 23rd, 2008-12:51
I would love to own an H1 and photograph it from every (un)thinkable angle. Maybe one day... Thanks, Valentin

It is truly a very special piece...

 
 By: ThomasM : April 23rd, 2008-16:10
Hi, Valentin, Harish, The H-1 is a very, very special piece, and has repeatedly made my favorite watch of all time list for many years running. Most who see it in person, including many industry veterans, have consistently used the term "pure" in decribin...  

Marvellous work Valentin...

 
 By: pplater : April 24th, 2008-22:51
... a piece of journalism - no, a fine piece of prose - worthy of its subject. Many thanks. Cheers, pplater.

Thanks Valentin for the great article...

 
 By: Kong : April 25th, 2008-12:56
Superb B&W pics ...very well layout too. Look forward to Beat sharing which design-detail of the pocket-watch inspires his next creation. (The spade-shaped hands??) Your B&W reminded me to re-'see' Kazuyuki Takahashi's book. Kong

Kong, thank you! You're very kind. Unfortunately, I'm not

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 25th, 2008-21:45
allowed to let you know whether your guess was right or not. I can only say that Beat's idea is indeed charming. As for the book you mentioned, I seem to have a knowledge gap and I hope it's not too embarrassing to ask: who's Kazuyuki Takahashi? Thanks ag... 

Hmmm....let me check...

 
 By: Kong : April 25th, 2008-23:23
K.Takahashi, he is the photographer that shot Daniel Roth & Philippe Dufour for the book - Les createurs du temps. Oh...shall wait to see Beat's new creation. Hey...you are a tall guy Kong

Thanks, Kong.

 
 By: Valentin Blank : April 26th, 2008-00:54

Thanks Valentin, that article is a work of art in itself.

 
 By: tony p : April 26th, 2008-05:13
Beautifully written and photographed, and you are obviously speaking from the heart. Cheers Tony P