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Vianney Halter Unveils the "Old Soul" Watch: A Collaborative Masterpiece
Vianney Halter, the renowned Swiss watchmaker known for his high-end, idiosyncratic timepieces, has unveiled a new collaboration with Massena LAB: the "Old Soul" watch. This unique piece, with its conventional shape and intricate details, marks a departure from Halter's usual steampunk-inspired designs.
The "Old Soul" watch pays homage to the rich history of horology. Dr. Jeffrey P. Hess, the leading authority on the history of horology, worked closely with Halter to develop this new model. The watch's design is influenced by 19th-century gauges and pocket watches, as evidenced by its "regulator" dial layout with separate registers for the hours and running seconds.
The dial of the "Old Soul" watch features a peripheral chapter ring in radially brushed rhodium, with an invisible disc and a blue hour pointer hand for the minute display. The minute track, reminiscent of a chemin de fer, adds a touch of vintage charm. The watch's crown, studded and adorned with Halter's beloved steampunk aesthetic, provides necessary grip.
The "Old Soul" watch boasts a mix of polished and brushed surfaces, adding depth and complexity to its design. The beautiful stepped lug design and concave bezel, reminiscent of watches from the '30s and '40s, complete the vintage aesthetic.
Halter's association with ultra-complicated timepieces began early in his career. He worked with Francois-Paul Journe on intricate watches and later moved on to create the Antiqua Perpetual, a unique perpetual calendar watch with a steampunk housing. His portfolio includes mystery clocks, monopusher chronographs, and minute repeaters. Halter's work has earned him three awards from the GPHG, the watchmaking Oscars.
In 2007, Halter worked with Harry Winston Rare Timepieces under Max Buessers' direction to develop the Opus 3 watch, considered an independent watchmaking classic. His collaboration with Massena LAB on the "Old Soul" watch continues his tradition of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
The "Old Soul" watch incorporates an actual vintage movement from a historical manufacture, further emphasising its connection to horology's past. This new collaboration between Vianney Halter and Massena LAB is a testament to the enduring allure of traditional watchmaking, combined with Halter's unique vision and craftsmanship.
