Press release: March 11, 2010
Introducing the Halda Space Discovery
Classical high beat movement, advanced electronics and stylish design in a whole new watch concept tested in space. Following years of product development, the world is to be introduced to a new watch concept. It is cutting edge electronics and a high beat mechanical movement united in a unique design concept. An exclusive time piece that can only be described as functional and clever elegance.
The Halda Space Discovery is designed for the adventurous modern individual, who never compromises on quality of life, and who believes that life is about challenging the known limits and one’s own capability. It is a time piece for the classy explorer. Developed by a team of merited engineers, renowned watch makers and an astronaut, pioneering the use of exclusive materials in a watch, and tested in the most extreme of environments – space, the Halda Space Discovery is simply one of a kind.
The Halda Space Discovery
The Halda Space Discovery marks the introduction of a new generation of watches. The revolutionary watch concept is built on the unique Halda Docking System, a Time Platform with two interchangeable Time Modules ‐ a flexible solution that combines the best from the traditional art of watch making and revolutionary electric advancements. The Time Modules are; an advanced electronic Space Module and a Mechanical Module with an extremely high beat mechanical movement. They can be exchanged at the wearer’s will to assure the time piece serves as an appreciated and reliable companion, for anything from classy socializing to thrilling experiences.
The Halda Space Discovery has been developed according to a users’ brief from astronauts, and during the last stages of the product development process, the prototype was tested in space to ensure it really would work in the most extreme environment. It is produced in the limited edition of 128 individually numbered watches.
“Today’s watches need to be as flexible as its wearers, they need to match anything from stylish encounters to adventurous excursions without failing in terms of quality or functionality. We have developed the modern Halda to match just that, the new concept combines advanced construction techniques and cutting edge material wrapped up in a stylish and flexible package. As an appreciated time piece today cannot compromise with quality, the Halda Space Discovery has undergone real life testing in space as part of the production process, says Mikael Sandström, CEO, Halda Watch Co., and one of the engineers in the team behind the Halda Space Discovery.”
The Space Module
The Space Module in the Halda Space Discovery is developed based on insights from the only ones who know what it is like in space – the astronauts. It holds advanced functions like a 3‐axis accelerometer, a countdown based on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Countdown 101, as well as UTC/MET alarms and an Earth Timer. All designed to fit the need for space travel. At the final stage of the production process, the prototype was used in experiments carried out in the NASA Space Mission ST‐128 on board space shuttle Discovery during its journey to space in August of 2009. Following the results of the real life testing, the Halda Space Discovery was upgraded with things like a further fine tuned backlight function and an improved security lock for the wrist link.
The case of the Space Module is made of TECAMAX, a new material certified by NASA and proven to meet tough requirements for durability and precision. It is extraordinarily light with outstanding isolation capabilities and strength. It endures high temperatures and exposure to acid and chemicals. While in space, the crystal in the watch is domed Hesalite Crystal, a material that does not shatter into small pieces upon breaking like other crystals commonly used in watches. To avoid shattered glass is crucial in the zero gravity environment. On earth, the crystal of the electronic time module will be a domed Sapphire Crystal, as it better resists scratches than the Hesalite Crystal. Each Halda Space Discovery owner travelling to space will have the Sapphire Crystal exchanged for Hesalite Crystal.
The Mechanical Module
The Mechanical Module has a high performance New Old Stock (NOS) movement. The H1920‐SA is a modern development of the extreme fast beat movement first developed during the fine mechanics clockwork top era in the 1960s and 1970s. For the Halda Space Discovery, renowned watch maker Svend Andersen has modified, rhodium plated, calibrated and adjusted the classical movement to modern standard. The H1920‐SA operates at the unusual and high frequency of 5 HZ, or 36,000 bph (beats per hour). The movement has a power reserve of about 43 hrs.
The Time Platform
The Mechanical and the Space Modules fits comfortably on the wrist docked in to the Time Platform. The patent pending platform is made out of Stainless steel that makes the construction solid for many years of use. Following the experiences from space, the Time Platform has been upgraded from a double security lock system to a triple security one. The triple security Docking‐systemTM is based on a spring‐loaded security lock that ensures consequence in its’ three step system. It uses the terminology for the security system of the astronauts’ helmets – while in placed the selected Time Module is in “locked” position while free to lift off, the docking platform is set in “engaged” mode.
The Halda Space Discovery rests on the rich heritage of the Halda Watch Co. founded in 1887 by Henning Hammarlund in Svängsta in the south of Sweden. Hammarlund’s watches quickly became known around the world for their high quality fine mechanics and elegance. The mastering of fine mechanics that lay the foundation for the watch making in the Halda Watch Co. was later developed to be used in taximeters and typewriters. The motto of founding father Hammarlund rests with the company still until today:
“If you are determined to become the best, there is no room for compromise.”
The Halda Space Discovery is sold through the Halda Watch Co. and selected dealers. It has been honored with a placement in the Swedish pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai in the upcoming spring and summer for its’ manifestation of advanced and pioneering technical engineering and fine mechanics.
Further information & interviews
Primary press contact during the Basel Watch fair March 18th–25th, 2010
Ms. Monique Unterrassner / Tel: +41 79 251 22 61 / E-mail: munterrassner@bluewin.ch
For further information and interviews please contact:
Ms. Linda Andersson / Tel: +46 70 510 72 38 / E-mail: press@haldasweden.com
Reservations
To reserve a Halda Space Discovery Limited Edition, please contact:
Mr. Mikael Sandström, CEO Halda Watches Co.
E-mail: sandstrom@haldasweden.com
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PRM Launch – Halda Space Discovery 100311.pdf (152 kb)
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