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 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
Copenhagen light taupe suede straps and corresponding, white-gold tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
