Mike H
[AHCI Moderator]
11053
A visit to Vianney Halter’s atelier in Sainte-Croix
Obviously I could not be on holiday near Pontarlier without visiting Vianney Halter in his workshop.
His workshop is actually much more than a watchmaker’s workshop, it is a real Ali Baba’s cave full of treasures. There are incredible church old clock movements and so much more... really fascinating 😳
But of course there is always beautiful watches to be seen also even if none of them is actually available (the ones I could see are either sold and ready to be shipped, or only temporary present for service...).
The Antiqua was his first creation launched in 1998, an amazing piece inspired by Jules Vernes and H.G. Wells designed as an embodiment of the spirit of the marine chronometers. The informations of this original perpetual calendar are split between 4 riveted portholes...
In 2013 Vianney Halter presented his latest timekeeping device, the Deep Space Tourbillon with a huge central 3 axis tourbillon surrounded by the display of time under an amazing sapphire dome...
In 2018 came the stunning Anniversary model for celebrating the 20 years of the brand. It is a tribute to the earlier Classic, a porthole offering a glimpse into Vianney’s watchmaker’s world...
At the occasion of this visit I could discover an interesting module, most probably a work in progress movement on which Vianney is working. I could not identify clearly the details but my strong feeling is that it could give us a clue about his next creation. Maybe a resonance movement ?... We’ll have to wait to know more 😉
A visit to Vianney Halter’s atelier in Sainte-Croix
Obviously I could not be on holiday near Pontarlier without visiting Vianney Halter in his workshop. His workshop is actually much more than a watchmaker’s workshop, it is a real Ali Baba’s cave full of treasures. There are incredible church old clock mov...
Collecting mainly
But quite a number of them are in working condition and he could fix any of them if he had the time (watchmaker's paradox )
That is so cool! I would imagine he could finish those clock movements and would look so nice in an office with a glass case!
Wish I was able to visit that side of the world often. Looks so neat there! Thank you for posting
Lucky
The best thing for a watch nut, is to live in Switzerland or it’s backyard. I do.
You are so right but that would be a biiiig glass case...
...and you would need a biiiig office But if you have the space it would be so great
Thanks Mike for the wonderful post and photos!
I hope to be able to try on the Anniversary watch one day.
Indeed a very cool and beautiful piece...
I was lucky to be able to try one on my wrist (not this time but at the occasion of my last trip) and I loved it...
Actually 2 very different timekeepers
In my eyes Antiqua has now become a very rare timeless classic piece. The Deep Space Tourbillon is probably more an outstanding stunning timekeeper that could come from a science fiction novel.
impressive...'a' collector watchmaker ;-)
i like the prototype he is working on...hopefully to meet him in person one day ! Best, mahesh.,
Next time he comes, we'll organize something
but due to Covid situation it will unfortunately not be tomorrow The new complication / movement he is working on seems indeed very very interesting...
I remember my visit with you a few years ago and see nothing is changed from then .
Its always amazing and fun to visit these incredible indie watchmakers. I really hope i can do that tour all over again at some point and visit all the amazing people. Thanks for this post my friend
I do not know him personally
just followed on YT,very nice guy and i really like the DS.
You have no idea to which extent you are right
Indeed an extremely nice and friendly person on top of being a gifted watchmaker
What a magic world !.. Guess, I would need a lot of explanations to what is what.. Thx, Mike for taking us along
.. of the wonders of VH ! Best, hs
Always with pleasure my friend
If you are particularly interested or intrigued by one particular piece, do not hesitate to ask, I shall forward the question directly to Vianney
Thanks for your kind words
Actually it is always a pleasure to visit these great Indies watchmakers in Switzerland and share the outcome here
I wonder if he could make me a “car clock”
out of all the transmissions, starters, generators and car parts I have “collected” in my garage. I’ll bet he could and would ... actually I could do it but I don’t “have the time” Best to Vianney Cazalea
Awesome post Mike. I had a chance to see and try on the Deep Space Tourbillon in Geneva and it did not disappoint. Amazing concept and actually wore comfortably although huge 😉👍
I took many photos and videos if anyone is interested 🙂