Winter Charm

On a cold Friday night, Sydney watch collectors descended on Fix St James for what was going to be a remarkable night of food, wine and watches. Bertrand Bourgeois of Manufacture Janvier was visiting Sydney and we were very fortunate to be introduced to the whimsical world of Vianney Halter.

I was one of the first to arrive and couldn’t wait to cast my eyes on what to this day remain some of the most original watch designs.

Our expectations were surpassed as the watches where unveiled one by one. As Vianney mentioned in the film ‘Timepiece’, “when you look at a watch you open a window into another world”.
A very special Janvier with equation of time and lunar cycle complication, one of only twelve. It was a privilege to be able to see this watch.

I was first made aware of Vianney Halter’s ‘Antiqua’ browsing through an auction catalogue and it definitely is a relic of the future.

The level of subtle detail is astonishing from a craftsman that openly admits that because his creations are made entirely by hand they are full of imperfections.

The designs may not have broad appeal but for the very fact that they stir such emotion supports the idea of a soul like quality to the product. It was a true privilege to be part of such a unique and very personal event.