HALDIMANN – H11 & H12 Steel Editions

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This year Switzerland based master watch maker Beat Haldimann presents new editions of his H11 and H12 wristwatches in steel, a metal never used before by Haldimann with a superb rich deep blue dial.  The H11 and H12 are available in Beat Haldimann’s preferred diameter of 39mm but are also available upon special order in a 42mm case.

The surprising sheen and grené effect of the dial is obtained by using a silver base on which the indexes and logo are first engraved and filled with lacquer. The frosted finish is then obtained by hand applying a silver powder on the dial, a daunting and painstaking task requiring skill, expertise and talent.

The hands found on the H11 and H12 are also hand finished and inspired by a pocket watch from Haldimann Frères from 1790.

First presented in 2013, the H11 (with no seconds hand) and H12 (with offset seconds hand) are both visually and technically stimulating.  The serene dial is a beautiful study in monochrome, turn the watch to reveal the movement and you will find a seductive technical challenge: the balance’s central location in the movement. Not only is this a visually arresting element but the technical feat of having centrally mounted hands.

The Haldimann Calibers H11 and H12 have been fully developed, finished and assembled by hand within the Haldimann workshops in Thun, all with the use of dexterous hands and no CNC machines.

Beating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and endowed with a 38-hour power reserve, the mechanical manual wind Calibre H11 drives displays of the hours and minutes and Caliber H12 drives displays of hours, minutes and offset seconds.

These two manufacture calibers also feature two of Haldimann’s innovations, a proprietary lever escapement enabling improved isochronism and consequently precision as well as Haldimann’s proprietary shock absorption system permitting the balance to adjust more rapidly following a shock.  All movements also feature hand finished frosted plates mirroring the finish of the dials.

Technical details
Models: H11 and H12 In Steel

Movements
Calibre H11
Mechanical hand-wound with 1 barrel
Functions: Central indication of hours and minutes with hands
Movement diameter: 31.58 mm (= 14-lignes)
Movement height: 3.70mm
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
Power reserve: 38h
Number of rubies: 19
Number of components: 161
Escapement: Haldimann modified Swiss lever escapement with Haldimann shock absorbing system
Finishing: Hand-frosted gilt finishing
 
Calibre H12
Mechanical hand-wound with 1 barrel
Functions: Central indication of hours and minutes and small seconds at 4 o’clock with hands
Movement diameter: 31.58 mm (= 14-lignes)
Movement height: 3.70mm
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
Power reserve: 38h
Number of rubies: 19
Number of components: 168
Escapement: Haldimann modified Swiss lever escapement with Haldimann shock absorbing system
Finishing: Hand-frosted gilt finishing

Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter: 39mm or 42mm on request
Thickness: 10.8mm
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
See-through back with sapphire crystal
Water resistance to 3 ATM

Dial
Solid 925 silver
Hand-frosted silver gilt finishing in midnight-blue (Baselworld 2017 novelty)
Engraved Roman numerals filled with one of the following colors: black, silver, gold, green, red 5N or blue
Handmade hands made of stainless steel

Strap
Hand-sewn, folded edges, alligator strap with Alligator lining. Size is 20/18 and available in black, brown, green, red or blue
Handmade pin buckle or folding clasp in stainless steel

Suggested retail prices in CHF excluding VAT
H11: CHF 30’000
H12: CHF 31’000