With a self-titled style of “Future Past”, Vianney Halter’s watches are heavily influenced by timepieces from history but also his love for science-fiction – imagine what futuristic designs might have looked like in the 19th Century, and you’re entering Vianney Halter’s realm. I absolutely love his work, and am absolutely delighted to have been able to ask about his career, his inspirations and some of his recent works.
In Conversation with Vianney Halter
Vianney Halter, photo - Vianney Halter
WA: To begin with, why don’t you tell us about your journey from Paris to Sainte-Croix?
VH: I used to work as a watchmaker (as an employee, then on my own) to restore antique clocks and watches in Paris, during a bit less than 10 years.
At the end of the 80’s, I was fed up with Paris and its hectic life. I wanted to find another place to live and to explore another side of horology/watchmaking.
I took the opportunity to work in Switzerland with Denis Flageollet and François-Paul Journe. Working on contemporary pieces and mechanisms was a new adventure to me.
WA: What was it like to work with the likes of François-Paul Journe and Denis Flageollet at Techniques Horlogères Appliquées?
VH: Denis Flageollet was my direct technical supervisor, and it was very exciting to work with him. I have been entrusted with very stimulating projects, which opened the doors of a new fulfilling world.
To work at François-Paul Journe’s company reminded me how it was crucial for me to remain independent.
WA: Over your time working as an independent, you made pieces for the likes of Franck Muller, Breguet and Audemars Piguet before finally presenting a watch with your own name on in 1998. How did it feel to see your own name on your work for the first time?
VH: When I introduced the Antiqua in 1998 – the first watch bearing my name – my target was to showcase my skills and the quality level I was able to attain. I did this to get some work as subcontractor.
Since all the components, from the casing to the complication, were made by me, I used this watch to prove my ability as a complete watchmaker.
Therefore, I had no specific feeling seeing my name on my work at that moment.
The surprise came from the enthusiasm my work generated. It led me away from being a subcontractor, and towards embracing the independent creator route.
Looking back, I would never have imagined that a “Vianney Halter” universe would have spread all around the world! Although this was not the original target, today I’m glad to be definitely free in my creativity.
Vianney Halter's Antiqua, photo - Vianney Halter
WA: What was the best piece of advice that you were given when you started out as an independent, and what was the most important lesson you’ve learned?
VH: When I started as an independent in Switzerland, I got no advice from anybody. I made my own field experience. My target was to do my best to accommodate my customers’ requests.
I understood that the quality of my works was my best bet, and that was the best way to get the trust of my customers.
The lesson I got from that is that quality is the sine qua non condition for the longevity of my career as an independent watch maker.
WA: When I first encountered your designs, I remember thinking how wonderfully different they were from other watches I had seen. What would you say are the biggest influences that have inspired your work?
VH: My influences originate from many different fields. While working as an antique watchmaker, I came across stunning timepieces, built over various periods. Some of them were ticking treasures of ingenuity, self-expression, and know-how. As a consequence, one of my biggest inspirations comes from all that have been built during the 19th century, or what I like to call the “golden age” of horology.
Also, I am fascinated by the technological development that occurred during this period: i.e. metallic bridges, the Eiffel tower, the Grand Palais in Paris… all these are iconic constructions.
On another level, science fiction is part of my life since my childhood, and influences me a lot. It makes me dream of a fantastic future, and my imagination mixes it with my historical references about the Industrial Revolution period. My personal creativity results from this mix.
WA: How does the creative process work for you – do you have a certain method or do ideas just come to you?
VH: I have no specific creative process or method. By listening my mood, what surrounds me, my encounters and my life experiences, things naturally come into being.
WA: You started 2021 with a bang by releasing your incredible Deep Space Resonance prototype. What does it mean to you personally to have realised a dream you started working towards 25 years ago?
VH: It is a great relief to eventually achieve it and see that it works the way I had planned. It was a huge work, and doubts remained regarding its feasibility during the whole process. In the end, this piece demonstrated that my original idea was the good one.
That proves that dedication pays off when the goal is genuine -contrary to a mercantile one.
Vianney Halter Resonance, photo - Vianney Halter © Guy Lucas de Peslouan
WA: You have worked with many very talented people over the years, including recently when you collaborated with Louis Erard. How did this collaboration come about? If you could choose any watchmakers from history to collaborate with today, who would you pick and why?
VH: This collaboration came about very organically, when encountering Manuel Emch. Working with the Louis Erard team was definitely a great human experience. Beyond the horological piece, this collaboration turned out to be a well-intentioned and smooth sharing of skills.
I would have loved to work with a watch maker such as Antide Janvier. His way of working and his philosophy are close to my own values. Indeed, he never created to please or to respond to what people expected. He has always been totally free. Freedom, independence…. these values are dear to me. Learning from him would be an exceptional adventure !
WA: If you could share one piece of wisdom with an aspiring young watchmaker, what would it be?
VH: I would remind him/her that the most important is not the destination, but the journey!
I mean that an aspiring young watchmaker must focus on making watches, to listen to his passion, and not all the marketing speeches from the so-called “luxury industry”. If he does so, he can only emerge victorious.
WA: What is next for Vianney Halter?
VH: Time will tell!
WA: Merci beaucoup, Vianney!
VH: Thank you!
To learn more about Vianney Halter, please visit VianneyHalter.com
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