Whether you’re a fan of the Belle Époque or steampunk genre, Vianney Halter’s interpretation of the “Futur Anterieur” or “Future Past” (as he describes it) offers an innovative take on modern watchmaking. A futuristic combination of the work of Antide Janvier (astronomical clockmaker and role-model to ), an early submarine prototype and Vianney's creative imagination, the Classic is a display of pure craftsmanship. Unsurprising, once you know that Jules Verne was the inspiration behind the timepiece.
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 material, is fitted with a pink rose or salmon dial. It comes with its original box and papers.
The 18-carat 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 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 movement
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 re-designed 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 through 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 Classic comes on one of our light taupe suede straps and corresponding, white-gold tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vianney Halter |
| Model: | Classic |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic Cal. 8810 |
| Functions: | time-only (hours, minutes) |
| Features: | salmon dial, display back, blue steel hands |
| Case: | 36 mm 18-carat white gold |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Strap: | taupe suede strap and white-gold VH buckle |
| Lug/buckle width: | |
| Box & papers: | original box, papers |
