SteveG
1529
VH's take on the classic 3-hand watch
(thanks for the great writeup and pictures!)
is to me every bit as inventive and endearing as his more immediately distinctive watches, when considering the
restrictions within which he chose to design. There is no mistaking the style and quality of his work, yet he uses a
simple (if slightly and beautifully modified) and excellent movement, and the resulting watch is indeed "classic",
including suitability as a dress watch.
I agree with you regarding the hands:
For those who wish for a larger version, please consider the proportions which are realized at this 36mm size.
Something would have to give if the diameter is increased, For example, either the dial, hands, and case would
have to be enlarged slightly, or the relationships will be lost (consider the Larger Lange One...). Similarly the profile,
a watch with the same proportions but larger would be thicker as well, is this likely an improvement? 
Although we have all gotten used to seeing larger watches, even "dress" watches, even into recent
history 36mm is already a large dress watch, especially with all that is going on within the VH Classic!
Great write-up Patrick
Do you know how many of each of the 5 combinations were produced?
Hi Arthur, unfortunately I don't but...
in terms of production rarity according to metal 1) Yellow gold (less than 30 I believe) 2) White gold 3) Rose gold Again the numbers need to be verified with VH. cheers PAt
hi Arthur, unconfirmed production numbers below
115pcs in RG, 34pcs in YG & 101pcs in WG. cheers PAt
Thanks Patrick
I'm trying to find out how many of the WG/PG rivet and PG/WG rivets were produced as well. No biggy but just curious. Thanks.
VH Classic production figures are .....
YG - 33 RG - 115 WG - 102 Brass prototype - 2 dial variations -see below my reply to Patrick best, Horo
Or a collector's perspective
I have one of those combinations that Vianney himself was unsure about - whether or not it would "work". It does - and I am wearing it right now. Apologies for the lack of a photo and for not providing a contribution to your quest for information. The han...
Which combo amerix? Would love to see some pics.
Agree the hands are not just the attractions. all of it is. :) cheers PAt
perhaps the most unusual feature
is the use of YG rivets in the greyish brushed WG case and crown. The part of the dial face with the numerals and indices is of a lighter hue than most red or rosè gold that have a higher copper content (here R2 or R3?) that could easily be mistaken for u...
I know what you mean Amerix. I am still in awe when I look at it at different time of the
day when the lighting is different as well. From Striking golden to a light copper hue. The metallurgy part that I am seeing is that patina is forming around the rivet and case contact. This is a keeper for me. cheers PAt
You got the hands just right in those pictures !
That is Masthead material... up it goes! Don
thanks for the write up. I love the Classique only wish he would
relaunch a larger version!
I don;t know
but I hope not. I think a larger size would take away in that the proportions may not be as as nice as won't be as classic :-) as the original. Besides, I think (hope) Vianny has enough watch making creativity and integrity in him to try and create someth...
he definitely has the creativity and talent but considering that the Trio is at
CHF 100k and the Antiqua at around CHF 170k (not judging the price considering the amount of handwork) he is way out of what many of his fans can afford and a time only piece with a more contemporary case dimensions (38mm-40mm) vs the actual 36mm would in...
I suppose that is possible
if he wants to but I think that cheapens teh original classic and cheapens Vianney. That's a marketing ploy and I thin if independent go down this route, it takes away from the charm of independents and for SOME (not all, just some) independett collectors...
Be patient ! Something is ...
... on its way ! Not allowed to say anything about it, however I am sure you gonna be breathtaken. Stay tuned and check Vianney's FB page ! Clues about this should be spread away there soon (perhaps have already been ;-) ! ). Cheers.
Modify the lugs?
Yes please! I think the riveted portholes would look amazing with screwed lugs somewhere between the PP Officer models and PSM's.
plus one on the size inflation to 38mm
if only he can find the challenge and energy and motivation to do it. and i agree that there could be a change in lug design to reflect inflated case size....would be uber cool. go on Alex - talk to the man and convince him!!! :)- best, Horo
Beautiful-
And a statement at its time and the beginning of a new era for horology. For me THE model that ignite creativity along with Richard Mille RM001. an important watch imho Francois
I missed the boat on this wonderful piece
Was too busy focusing on Panerai & IWC in those days that I glanced passed this. Still till this day, I'm filled with some regret of not getting this. Alas, the antiqua is still available and guess will be channeling my energy towards this...
I realize "Classic" is quite strange for this watch
at least in the watches we are used to seeing nowadays. Thanks you for this reminder, I haven't been looking closely looking at them yet. Cheers, Mark
Strange ?
In fact, it seems to me that when we see watches defined as "Classic", they are of a quite different shape and design. Often round, with a softer line break etc. That's why I could find strange, but I can understand why we could say "classic" about VH's w...
I see, it's really not the typical PP or breguet type of look instead.
But with it's design it certainly has become an iconic classic of its own. cheers PAt
One of the iconic pieces in the world of independent....
horology. Vianney Halter, PSM and others were in what I tend to view as the second wave of independents (after S. Andersen and his peers), and in many ways brought the AHCI into the public light. It seems the classic was, for many, their first taste of in...
self explanatory...
fantastic write up. and qualified writing in that you have owned the Classic for a period of time now. I had mine for couple of years now, though i hardly wear it, its a keeper. I attached VH production figures below. Best, Horo ...
So my wifey's
Classic with its Salmon dial should be under "dial color not recorded : 29" I presume. Thanks.
Thanks Kev. Finally part of the mystery is solved.
I would be very curious who has the 2 prototypes in Brass. cheers PAt
VH's take on the classic 3-hand watch
(thanks for the great writeup and pictures!) is to me every bit as inventive and endearing as his more immediately distinctive watches, when considering the restrictions within which he chose to design. There is no mistaking the style and quality of his w...
hi Steve!
Great to see you here. Bernard and you have provided me with much guidance that lead to this acquisition. and million thanks for that! I really don't know if ever Vianney decides to relook at the classic, would he think of just enlarging everything in pro...
A well informed position on size increase Steve
and one I fully agree with. Besides, if you want to do something different, DO something different.
Hi SteveG
I remember reading your excellent review on the VH Classic years ago and thank you for that, however regarding the case size, I must say for a 36mm it does wear and feels more like a 33mm, and I blame it on the metal extension from the case to the strap. ...
Great Post Patrick
I love the Classic, I've owned 3 over the years but the bottom line sad fact is that I don't have the wrist to wear this watch, it looks weird on my wrist, same thing with the Antiqua I owned plus the fact my female co-worker made fun of me :-) for wearin...
hi Salman great to see you here.
VH prices are going up and up but akin to prices for art pieces? sha... you shd have sold you classics to me! cheers PAt