Vianney Halter launched the Classic in 2000, having been designed and constructed entirely in the workshop of Janvier SA, in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. Only 250 pieces were made, cased in pink, yellow and white-gold. This example (of the latter), is fitted with a unique silver dial, bearing hand-engraved Urdu numerals, only seen in this piece. It comes with its original box, as well as an accompanying letter from Vianney, attesting to its unique qualities (dated 2019).
The white-gold case measures 36mm, featuring 12 machined-gold rivets for the hour markers, inspired by the portholes of Captain Nemo’s Nautilus. The multileveled case is elegantly finished, with frosted and polished surfaces. Both the hand-engraved, unique Urdu numerals and text on the dial are filled with black enamel - which never fades, unlike printed dials. A further level of depth is added in the form of hand-finished, curved, blued-steel hands.
The Classic is powered by the Cal. VH198 (based on the Lemania 8810). This VH198 movement not only displays finishing of the highest quality, with hand-decorated components, but was also redesigned by Vianney Halter. Whilst the VH198 shares many of the same impressive mechanical elements as the Cal. 8810 (balance-wheel, anchor, escape-wheel and gear wheels), the unique bridges and baseplate are designed by Vianney.
Visible though the sapphire display back, the VH198 calibre is fitted with a patented ”mysterious mass” winding rotor. Using this system, the oscillating mass is hidden behind a peripheral ring, with no apparent link to the central rotor. This allows for a complete, uninterrupted view of the movement. The self-winding VH198 calibre oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 A/h, with a power-reserve of 35 hours.
This Unique Piece Classic was recently serviced by Vianney and comes on one of our grained blue calfskin straps. It’s also supplied with its original, hand-sewn dark blue alligator strap and corresponding, white-gold tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vianney Halter |
| Model: | Classic (Piece-Unique) |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic Cal. 8810 |
| Functions: | hours, minutes |
| Features: | unique piece, display back, blue steel hands |
| Case: | 36 mm 18-carat white gold |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | blue grained-calfskin strap; navy blue alligator strap with white-gold VH tang buckle |
| Box & papers: | original box, accompanying letter from Vianney Halter |
