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.

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.

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.

Vianney Halter in Singapore - Art Deco Metropolis

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 first one - the Art Deco Metropolis fashioned after the very successful Classic.

Encased in titanium with 12 rose gold studs around the case, the Art Deco Metropolis reminds us of the hugely popular Classic.

While the timepiece looks large, it is actually comparable to the Classic...

This is the Art Deco Metropolis next to 2 Classics

For those who want to see the watch, do head down to the UltraLuxe event before it ends. In the meantime, do enjoy the picture essay of the Art Deco Metropolis and discover the amazing finishing of the timepiece.

And the magic rotor on the automatic movement...

A lovely package especially with the blue dial and the art deco numerals - nice touch!

Stay tuned for more coverage of the different timepieces Vianney brought with him. There are the Deep Space Tourbillon and Deep Space Resonnance - seeing is believing as these are two very special timepieces.

Watches I Have Come Across - Vianney Halter Goldpfeil Jumping Hours Moonphase

Throughout my watch collecting journey, I have been blessed to have come across many timepieces and I intend to document them in this photo essay. These are timepieces I don't own but have been fortunate to be able to see, feel, touch and photograph them. This time, I feature the Vianney Halter Goldpfeil Moonphase Jumping Hours, property of a Mr. Andy Chua.

Goldpfeil was founded in 1856 in Offenbach, Germany, by Mr. Ludwig Krumm who focused on making luxury leather goods for the British, European and later global market. In 2001, together with 7 members of the “Académie Horlogère des Créteurs Indépendants” (AHCI) Goldpfeil commissioned a series of timepieces and one of it by Vianney Halter is the Jumping Hour Moonphase. The name Goldpfeil was inspired by a train that Mr. Krumm had travelled on while in UK. So impressed by the level of service on the "Golden Arrow", Mr. Krumm decided to translate that to German and Goldpfeil was born.

The Goldpfeil project included watchmakers like Antoine Preziuso, Bernard Lederer, Felix Baumgartner, Frank Jutzi, Svend Andersen, Vianney Halter and Vincent Calabrese. But here, I feature the timepiece from Vianney Halter.

The 40mm by 29mm white gold case showcases the jumping hour on the top left aperture, moonphase on the top right and the hours/seconds right at the centre.

The jumping hour display (above)...

The moonphase (above) which features an unsual display. Instead of a moonphase disc Vianney decided to do something different - using symbols instead. But what is interesting to note is that the moonphase is adjusted via the crown - no pushers here.

Then there is the minute and second hands - the minute hand modelling after the Goldpfeil symbol.

The case is unlike anything Vianney Halter has done. Compare this to the Classic...

The watch comes with an automatic movement. But the view is from the front.

What is also amazing is the case work... the hand hammered decoration gives the watch an exceptional look. Just wondering if this were hand made or machine made.

A really good looking timepiece I must say. Congrats to Andy, the owner of this awesome timepiece.

The other jumping hour complication in the Goldfeil series is from Vincent Calabrese (above). Both the VH and VC are excellent examples of what independent watchmakers can do. And AHCI has definitely come a long way, thanks to the vision and passion of many such masters like Vincent Calabrese and Vianney Halter. Unfortunately, the brand Goldpfeil no longer exists having gone into receivership in 2008.