November 6, 2025
The introduction of the Haim Annum marks a noteworthy technical advancement within the microbrand watch sector. While many brands rely on off-the-shelf movements, the Annum is built around a customized caliber that incorporates a complete calendar and moonphase complication. This analysis will deconstruct the engineering, specifications, and material choices that define this ambitious timepiece.
Case Architecture and Specifications
The Annum is housed in a 316L stainless steel case with a diameter of 38mm and a thickness of 12mm. The lug-to-lug measurement is a compact 45mm, providing a balanced profile suitable for a range of wrist sizes. The lugs themselves are a modern interpretation of the vintage “Cornes de Vache” (cow horn) style, set 20mm apart. The case features a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, indicating attention to finishing detail. Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal enhanced with five layers of anti-reflective coating to maximize legibility. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, appropriate for a dress-style complication watch.
Caliber HWC-2 Mechanical Breakdown
At the heart of the Annum is the Caliber HWC-2. This automatic movement uses the robust and reliable Miyota 9000 series as its foundation but is significantly modified with a custom-developed module. This module adds the complete calendar (day, date, month) and moonphase functions, controlled via a quartet of case-side push-pieces. The base architecture operates at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz), offering a smooth sweep of the seconds hand, and provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The customization elevates a standard workhorse caliber into a far more complex and functional mechanism.
Advanced Materials and Engineering Finesse
Beyond the core mechanics, the Caliber HWC-2 showcases several material and aesthetic upgrades visible through its display caseback. The movement plates are decorated with radially-oriented Geneva stripes, complemented by blued screws and gold filigree on the balance cock. A key engineering innovation is the oscillating weight. Instead of a standard rotor, Haim has implemented a gold-plated tungsten weight attached via a transparent disc. This design creates the visual effect of a peripheral rotor, providing an unobstructed view of the movement’s intricate finishing while maintaining efficient winding.
In conclusion, the Haim Annum presents a compelling technical package. The integration of a custom complication module onto a proven base, combined with thoughtful case design and innovative material applications like the tungsten rotor system, demonstrates a high level of engineering and craftsmanship for its market segment.
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