Vianney Halter unveiled a new creation, the Deep Space Resonance. Still in a prototype phase, the model can already be ordered. Price is CHF 860,000
Vianney Halter, one of the most creative and talented watchmakers of our times, unveiled a new impressive creation, the Deep Space Resonance.
This picture and all pictures below are © Guy Lucas de Peslouan
Still in a prototype phase, this model introduces a new technical breakthrough at the heart of his renowned 3 axis tourbillon seen in the Deep Space Tourbillon.
In fact, Vianney heavily re-engineered the tourbillon cage in order to integrate two acoustically synchronized balance wheels that could take advantage of the resonance physical phenomenon (for more on resonance, you can read our article "In pursuit of precision: mechanical resonance and watches").
After several years of research on this subject and after trying multiple configurations for the coupling of the two balances, he eventually found one that allows acoustic resonance without relying on aerodynamics by placing the resonating oscillators at the center of the its Deep Space Tourbillon with the two spirals mounted opposite in front of each other.
The actual construction of the Deep Space Resonance Prototype took the entire year 2020 making it possible to check that the acoustic synchronization correctly functions when worn on the wrist.
Thanks to the three axis rotation, every detail on the structure is visible and meticulously refined and decorated by hand. Despite its complexity, the architecture of the mechanism was kept as simple as possible for the highest efficiency.
The axis structure is layered in concentric cages. The innermost cage holds the balances and weighs 0.6 grams for 162 parts. This cage rotates inside the traverse in 60 seconds. The traverse weighs 2.8 grams and rotates around its horizontal axis in 6 minutes. The traverse is mounted in the cradle that rotates on its vertical axis in 30 minutes. The whole 3 axis system counts 371 individual parts. The video below shows the fascinating spectacle of this technical feat in action.
This video is © The Horophile & Vianney Halter
The two balances beat at 21,600 vibrations per hour although they may actually vary a little. In fact, each balance will transmit its motion to the shared bridge which, in turn, will affects the other balance. This way, both balances will influence each other, and quickly and reliably reach a common frequency making the whole regulating system more accurate.
The hand-wound movement of the Deep Space Resonance Prototype has an autonomy of 65 hours.
In this prototype, the dial is inspired to a Vernier caliper. Hours and quarters can be read in the top aperture. At 6 o'clock, the bottom aperture indicates the supplemental minutes for each quarter: they can be read by finding where the marks make the best match.
For the final release, Vianney Halter expects to make the reading of the time easier thanks to a dial specifically designed to match the resonance principles. He also expects to significantly enhance the power reserve.
The watch is already available to order with an indicative delivery time of about 7 months. Due to the amount of work requested to complete a timepiece like this, Vianney Halter will be able to produce only two pieces per year. Although this is not a limited edition, its complex manufacturing process will naturally limit total production to a dozen units or so.
The price for the final piece of the Vianney Halter Deep Space Resonance Prototype is CHF 860,000, excluding taxes, shipping and insurances. vianney-halter.com
This is just sensational. I've never been so excited for a timepiece!
ReplyDeleteNot easy to read the time, though.
ReplyDeletePlease note that this is still a prototype and that for the final version Vianney Halter will introduce a different dial to make the reading of the time easier.
Delete