Vianney Halter Antiqua, Perpetual Calendar Cal. VH198, Rose Gold

The Antiqua was the first of the “Futur Anterieur” collection (introduced at Baselworld in 1998) having been designed and constructed entirely in the workshop of Janvier SA, in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. This rose-gold example comes as a full-set, with its original winding-box, Certificate of Authenticity and accompanying materials.

In the design, the Antiqua was developed to fully-display the ‘complete calendar’, with four separate, multi-level platinum dials. The upper-left dial displays the day (indicated by the first letters of each), jumping at midnight, whilst the current month indication (visible through the lower-left dial) makes use of the same principle. The time-display and date-window make up the right-side. Both the hand-engraved numerals and text on the dials 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 rose-gold case is comprised of 30 different component types (making up almost 100 pieces total), with no fewer than 104 machined-gold rivets throughout.

The Antiqua Perpetual 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 it was also redesigned 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. With this, the perpetual calendar complication and automatic-winding system are also completely redesigned (and produced at La Manufacture Janvier).

Visible though 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 Antiqua Perpetual comes on an original, hand-sewn brown alligator strap, with matching rose-gold, tang buckle.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Vianney Halter
Model:	Antiqua Perpetual Calendar
Movement:	mechanical automatic Cal. VH198
Functions:	perpetual calendar (leap year indicator, month, date, weekday), hours, minutes
Features:	display back, blue steel hands
Case:	36 mm 18-carat rose gold
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Bracelet:	brown alligator strap with rose gold VH tang buckle
Box & papers:	full-set: winding-box, papers, accessories

This rare, Vianney Halter Antiqua watch is in mint condition, and has perfect mechanical functionality. The watch is a full set, with winding box, papers and accompanying materials. It comes with a two-year mechanical warranty and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.