Monday 14 October 2024

Vianney Halter - The Unique La Resonance

Mr. Vianney Halter was in Singapore attending the UltraLuxe event that just concluded at the Ngee Ann City tent. He came with many of his inventions and I am presenting the one that is somewhat special - the La Resonance.

What' so special about the La Resonance you might say... well, I believe this is the only resonance timepiece where their balance wheels are stacked one on top of the other rather than side by side.

While there are brands out there that make pieces with the resonance complication, none as I know make them in this manner. In fact, Vianney told me that he had this idea since 1996. But several significant events came first - the launch of the Deep Space Tourbillon then the Deep Space Resonance and now the La Resonance.

The Deep Space Tourbillon (pictured above) is a Triple Axis Tourbillon that was launched in 2013. Collectors and enthusiasts took notice as there are not many independent watchmakers who have the capability to make such a complication... One other fact - Vianney told me that for the prototype, he made the doomed sapphire glass himself. Apparently, there was no one at that time who made a doomed sapphire glass. He had to change his machinery and make the glass himself. Incredible!

Having launched the Deep Space Tourbillon, Vianney then went on the better himself by creating the Deep Space Resonance (pictured above). Not only did he developed the Triple Axis Tourbillon himself, he now incorporated a synchronised balance wheel too... Talk about impressive! Astonishing to say the least. Now back to the La Resonance...

What's so impressive you might say? Well, the case is made of titanium and so are the skeletonised bridges. The watch head alone weighs a hefty 36 grams without strap or buckle! No, I did not make a mistake it is really 36 grams.

As I have mentioned before, most resonance timepieces have both balance wheels side by side. But in the case of La Resonance, both balance wheels are stacked one on top of the other.

The side window at the 3 o'clock position clearly shows off the complication.

Some close up shots of the double balance wheel...

I initially though Vianney created the Deep Space Resonance first before adapting the concept to the La Resonance but actually, it is the other way around. According to Vianney, the inspriation of the concept of resonance came to him in 1996. Having done the Deep Space Resonance, he decided to embark on his initial design and incorporated his invention into the La Resonance - less the Triple Axis Toourbillon.

The La Resonance is a seriously spellbinding piece. So much to like about it and so little to complain about. For what it is, this is a unique resonance timepiece.

This is one amazing timepiece - from the complication to the weight of the piece, this piece is nothing short of breathtaking. Hope you like the coverage of this very unique resonance timepiece.

Friday 11 October 2024

Vianney Halter in Singapore - Antiqua Perpetual Calendar Platinum

Mr. Vianney Halter is in Singapore attending the UltraLuxe event that is currently ongoing between 9th and 13th October 2024 at the Ngee Ann City tent. He came with many of his inventions and in this post, I am showcasing the piece that launched his career - The Antiqua Perpetual Calendar.

IYKYK... The Antiqua Perpetual Calendar was the defining timepiece executed by Vianney Halter.

The timepiece is characterised by 4 "potholes"... One showing the time, one the month of the year plus leap year indication, one showing the day of the week and showing the date.

The main (largest) pothole is for telling time. In this case, this is a piece unique in platinum and with baguette diamonds and sapphires.

The other two smaller pothole windows showing the months and leap year in one and the days of the week in another.

Having seen the Antiqua Perpetual Calendar, I can say that it is wearable i.e. thin enough and small enough.

Photos don't do justice to the timepiece as it is made to look a lot larger than it really is.

On the back is the automatic movement featuring his signature magic (peripheral) rotor.

All said, this is a timepiece that can be worn by either man or woman and it will fit comfortably on the wrist.

Like I said, this is an opportunity to see the timepiece up close and personal. Head on down to UltraLuxe at Ngee Ann City to view it in person. You won't regret it.

Thursday 10 October 2024

Vianney Halter in Singapore - Deep Space Resonance

Mr. Vianney Halter is in Singapore attending the UltraLuxe event that is currently ongoing between 9th and 13th October 2024 at the Ngee Ann City tent. He came with many of his inventions and I am presenting the Deep Space Resonance another very technically amazing piece.

If you are reminded of the Deep Space Tourbillon, you are right to see the similarities.

Vianney took his triple axis Tourbillon and added another complication to it - he integrate two synchronized balance wheels to the Tourbillon. Impressive to say the least!

Here you can see the triple axis Tourbillon in different positions - it's even more mesmerising when you see it in metal. Believe me...

And now for the close up of the Tourbillon Cage which has more than 40 screws...

What a breathtaking piece! Featured here is the Prototype...

You may go to their website for more information about the Deep Space Resonance or better still, head down to Ngee Ann City before Vianney and Nicholas leaves Singapore.