Classic | White Gold
Here is an example of the Vianney Halter Classic, the watchmaker’s second release in his steampunk inspired Futur Antérieur range. Its white gold 36mm case is complemented by a silver dial with engraved details filled with black enamel paint, applied by hand. Freshly serviced and upgraded, the watch is powered by the Lemania-based self-winding calibre VH100 with the signature mystery rotor.
The Classic inherited a simplified variation of the innovative design of the Antiqua that was the result of Halter’s collaboration with Jeff Barnes, an American graphic designer with a longstanding interest in horology. The time-only watch, first seen in 2000, become one of the instalments in the Futur Antérieur collection that imagined a future of the sort Jules Verne and H. G. Wells envisioned in their works. Just 250 pieces were created in pink, yellow, and white gold.
This piece, forged from white gold, is a relatively early example of the line, and has recently been refreshed by the watchmaker. Designed and constructed in Halter’s Janvier SA workshop in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, it features a well-proportioned 36mm case that is similar to the one underpinning the Antiqua. However, as the name indicates, it successfully transplants the porthole inspiration in a classical, round case. The three-part case features a brushed, stepped bezel with 12 rivets that correspond to the Arabic chapter of hours. The polished lips on the bezel, both where it meets the midcase and the crystal, are a design element that is repeated on the dial to create an almost jewel-like effect. The lip on the recessed centre of the dial as well as the raised island featuring the watchmaker’s initials feature this embellishment. Similarly, the raised arced plaque with the brand mark also features polished bevels. These details compound to illuminate the dial when they catch the light, making for a stunning experience that is especially pronounced in this freshly serviced example. The fresh sapphire crystals from the service also help with this.
On the silver dial is an engraved chapter of sector-style minutes followed by one of Arabic numerals, both filled with black enamel paint applied by hand. The watchmaker's initials and the brand mark are also done in this same fashion. In earlier examples such as this one, this hand painting was much more evident in its execution than in later pieces, where such decoration was much more uniform. While the outer rim of the dial is finished in satiné circulaire, the inner dial features a frosted finish. The lustrous, heat blued hands offer sharp contrast and visual interest.
The midcase is flat and polished and features shrouded lugs that are 20mm apart. The watch comes with a wide-grained, brown alligator leather strap, secured by a signed white gold pin buckle.
It has a display caseback with a brushed rim on which are laser-engraved details such as the serial number, precious metal hallmarks, the watchmaker’s initials, and the country of origin. Visible through the sapphire crystal is the self-winding calibre VH100, based on the Lemania 8810, with its distinctive “mystery” sapphire winding rotor. As part of the service, the rotor bearing has been upgraded. The watchmaker’s mark is engraved on the mainplate that, like the other bridges, is adorned with Geneva striping.
This watch comes with its original box and instruction manual.
The Classic is perhaps one of the most accessible points into Halter’s avant-garde universe. This fresh and bright example, upgraded by the watchmaker himself, makes it a rare and attractive proposition for both seasoned collectors of Halter’s work as well as those just discovering its charms.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vianney Halter |
| Model: | Classic |
| Movement: | automatic caliber VH100 |
| Functions: | hours, minutes, central seconds |
| Features: | mysterious mass winding rotor, hand-made blue steel hands, display back |
| Case material: | white gold |
| Case diameter: | 36mm |
| Case thickness: |
10mm |
| Lug-to-lug: |
46.5mm |
| Crystal: | sapphire front & back |
| Strap: | navy alligator strap, Jean Rousseau tan alligator strap, Vianney Halter white gold pin buckle |
| Lug width: | 20 x 18mm |
| Year: | 2005 |
| Accompanying materials: | Vianney Halter outer paper box & inner wooden box, certificate of authenticity (signed, stamped & dated) |
Condition
This Vianney Halter Classic was recently serviced and upgraded by the manufacturer. The watch is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show very light signs of wear, with superficial marks only on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.
Warranty
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
Description
Here is an example of the Vianney Halter Classic, the watchmaker’s second release in his steampunk inspired Futur Antérieur range. Its white gold 36mm case is complemented by a silver dial with engraved details filled with black enamel paint, applied by hand. Freshly serviced and upgraded, the watch is powered by the Lemania-based self-winding calibre VH100 with the signature mystery rotor.
The Classic inherited a simplified variation of the innovative design of the Antiqua that was the result of Halter’s collaboration with Jeff Barnes, an American graphic designer with a longstanding interest in horology. The time-only watch, first seen in 2000, become one of the instalments in the Futur Antérieur collection that imagined a future of the sort Jules Verne and H. G. Wells envisioned in their works. Just 250 pieces were created in pink, yellow, and white gold.
This piece, forged from white gold, is a relatively early example of the line, and has recently been refreshed by the watchmaker. Designed and constructed in Halter’s Janvier SA workshop in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, it features a well-proportioned 36mm case that is similar to the one underpinning the Antiqua. However, as the name indicates, it successfully transplants the porthole inspiration in a classical, round case. The three-part case features a brushed, stepped bezel with 12 rivets that correspond to the Arabic chapter of hours. The polished lips on the bezel, both where it meets the midcase and the crystal, are a design element that is repeated on the dial to create an almost jewel-like effect. The lip on the recessed centre of the dial as well as the raised island featuring the watchmaker’s initials feature this embellishment. Similarly, the raised arced plaque with the brand mark also features polished bevels. These details compound to illuminate the dial when they catch the light, making for a stunning experience that is especially pronounced in this freshly serviced example. The fresh sapphire crystals from the service also help with this.
On the silver dial is an engraved chapter of sector-style minutes followed by one of Arabic numerals, both filled with black enamel paint applied by hand. The watchmaker's initials and the brand mark are also done in this same fashion. In earlier examples such as this one, this hand painting was much more evident in its execution than in later pieces, where such decoration was much more uniform. While the outer rim of the dial is finished in satiné circulaire, the inner dial features a frosted finish. The lustrous, heat blued hands offer sharp contrast and visual interest.
The midcase is flat and polished and features shrouded lugs that are 20mm apart. The watch comes with a wide-grained, brown alligator leather strap, secured by a signed white gold pin buckle.
It has a display caseback with a brushed rim on which are laser-engraved details such as the serial number, precious metal hallmarks, the watchmaker’s initials, and the country of origin. Visible through the sapphire crystal is the self-winding calibre VH100, based on the Lemania 8810, with its distinctive “mystery” sapphire winding rotor. As part of the service, the rotor bearing has been upgraded. The watchmaker’s mark is engraved on the mainplate that, like the other bridges, is adorned with Geneva striping.
This watch comes with its original box and instruction manual.
The Classic is perhaps one of the most accessible points into Halter’s avant-garde universe. This fresh and bright example, upgraded by the watchmaker himself, makes it a rare and attractive proposition for both seasoned collectors of Halter’s work as well as those just discovering its charms.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vianney Halter |
| Model: | Classic |
| Movement: | automatic caliber VH100 |
| Functions: | hours, minutes, central seconds |
| Features: | mysterious mass winding rotor, hand-made blue steel hands, display back |
| Case material: | white gold |
| Case diameter: | 36mm |
| Case thickness: |
10mm |
| Lug-to-lug: |
46.5mm |
| Crystal: | sapphire front & back |
| Strap: | navy alligator strap, Jean Rousseau tan alligator strap, Vianney Halter white gold pin buckle |
| Lug width: | 20 x 18mm |
| Year: | 2005 |
| Accompanying materials: | Vianney Halter outer paper box & inner wooden box, certificate of authenticity (signed, stamped & dated) |
Condition
This Vianney Halter Classic was recently serviced and upgraded by the manufacturer. The watch is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show very light signs of wear, with superficial marks only on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.
Warranty
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
