Vianney Halter La Résonance Prototype

A unique titanium double balance wristwatch prototype

Manufacturer: Vianney Halter Year: 2022 Movement No: Movement engraved "Prototype" Model Name: La Résonance "Prototype" Material: Titanium Calibre: Manual, cal. VH22, 50 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Vianney Halter pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Dial and buckle signedVianney Halter’s world is populated with 19th century machines, science fiction paraphernalia and an overall general childish curiosity for everything. After having stunned the horological world with his steampunk creations in the late 1990s with the Antiqua, the Trio or the Classique (please see lot 46) he completely changed his aesthetics with the creation of his Deep Space Tourbillon and Tourbillon Resonance that showed his inspiration from Sci-Fi. His latest creation, the La Résonance, has all the philosophy of Halter in one piece and aesthetically closer to his earlier Steampunk inspired works. Presented at Watches and Wonders in April 2022, La Resonance is Halter’s take on the resonance phenomenon originally devised by Antide Janvier (in clocks) and Breguet (in pocket watches) whereby the timepiece features two balances in close proximity to create the resonance effect and beat in opposition, naturally evening out each other’s discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy. Halter’s La Résonance features two balances stacked one upon another and incorporates a differential that directs power from a pair of mainsprings to each of the separate gear trains. The balances are mounted on a shared balance bridge while the hairsprings share a common stud holder to maximize energy transmission and strengthen the coupling force. Another tour de force is the movement’s construction that does not feature a single plate but is constructed with bridges and large wheels reminiscent of the clocks of the 18th century, in fact the gears in La Resonance are held in place by 13 titanium bridges and 30 pillars. This construction also made the finishing of each component quite painstaking, as according to Halter there was over 3 linear meters of bridges and components to hand finish individually. To provide an unobstructed view into the movement the front and back bezels are as thin as possible and the crown has been moved to the left side of the case and the right side has been opened as to offer the wearer the possibility to admire the two balances beating in synchronicity. Another incredible feat is the weight of the watch, that measures a mere 35 grams (without the strap). We are delighted and proud to offer not only the very first La Résonance to come to the market but the original prototype presented to collectors and the press.