Swiss watch brand
Haldimann: Beat Haldimann's watches and their value
Haldimann is the workshop of Swiss independent watchmaker Beat Haldimann in Thun. It makes a very small number of watches by hand, best known for the H1 Flying Central Tourbillon.
- Founded
- 1991
- Founder(s)
- Beat Haldimann
- Headquarters
- Thun
- Owner / group
- Independent
Haldimann: origins and founding
Beat Haldimann founded his business, Haldimann Horology, in Thun in the Bernese Oberland in 1991. Before that he trained as a watch repairer and learned to restore antique and modern watches under a master watchmaker. His early work included restoration and clocks. The workshop is in an old villa above the river Aare, which is also his home.
Founders and family
Beat Haldimann was born in 1964 in Oberdiessbach in the Emmental region. According to the brand and auction house descriptions, his family's watchmaking tradition goes back to 1642. He works with a small team and is the face of the brand.
Haldimann history and milestones
- 1991: Haldimann Horology is founded in Thun.
- 2000: A clock with a free escapement of his own design.
- 2002: The H1 Flying Central Tourbillon is shown at the Basel fair and makes his name.
- 2005: The H2, with two balances that work in resonance, is released.
- 2008: The H8 is designed, a central tourbillon watch without hands.
- 2009: Beat Haldimann receives the Prix Gaïa in the craftsmanship-creation category.
Famous Haldimann models
- H1 Flying Central Tourbillon: A flying tourbillon in the center of the dial, with the hands mounted above it. Made in 39 mm and 42 mm cases, for example in platinum.
- H2 Resonance: Two balances that regulate each other through resonance.
- H8: A central tourbillon with no hands, a watch to look at rather than to read.
- H9: A version with an opaque black front that hides the tourbillon.
- H11/H12 "Central Balance": More recent models built around a central balance.
- H101: A twin-pendulum resonance clock.
Movements and technique
Haldimann is known for doing things the old way: parts are made and finished by hand, and the workshop works without CNC machines. Its specialities are central tourbillons and resonance. Haldimann holds a patent on a detached spring impulse escapement used in its clocks. Output is roughly 20 to 30 pieces a year.
Haldimann today
Haldimann is an independent workshop in Thun and belongs to the highest level of independent watchmaking.
Haldimann prices on the pre-owned market
Haldimann watches come up for sale very rarely. At Phillips in Hong Kong in May 2026, an H11 "Central Balance" in pink gold from around 2020 sold for HK$1,968,500, well above its estimate of HK$400,000–800,000. The H1 is the best-known model. Early pieces, precious metals, a complete set with certificate and box, and unpolished cases all add to value.
How to recognise a genuine Haldimann
With so few watches made, provenance is everything. A genuine piece should come with its certificate, and the workshop in Thun can confirm a watch. Be aware that early H1 watches had "H1" at 12 o'clock while later ones dropped it, so small differences are not automatically a warning sign. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch covers the general checks.
What is your Haldimann worth?
If you own a Haldimann, send photos of the watch and its papers for a free watch value estimate. For estates or insurance, a written watch appraisal gives you a signed document.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Haldimann watches made?
Haldimann watches are made by hand in Beat Haldimann's workshop in Thun, Switzerland, where he founded the business in 1991.
How many Haldimann watches are made per year?
Only around 20 to 30 pieces a year, which is why they rarely appear on the market.
What is the Haldimann H1?
The H1 is a flying central tourbillon: the tourbillon sits in the middle of the dial, with the hands mounted above it. It was first shown in 2002.
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