This is one of the very few example of the Vianney Halter Scriptura*. It features a lightweight 38mm titanium case with gold rivets and a dial with hand-engraved chapters inspired by the Chinese sexagenary cycle designed by a calligraphy master. It is eccentric yet subtle and speaks to watch the watchmaker's varied interests and the transparency with which he collaborates with artisans to further his core craft. It is powered by the self-winding calibre VH122 with a mystery rotor inscribed with the motto Longue Vie Et Prosperite, a reference to Halters longstanding proclivity for Star Trek.

The Scriptura was first introduced in 2022. Created in a series of just 12 pieces, it is a variation on Vianney Halter's Classic, which itself was a pared back iteration of the first Antiqua watches. The Scriptura continues in this path, relying on historical, rather than the retro-futurism that typifies so much of Halters work.

Immediately apparent are the distinctive hours, that use the Chinese sexagenary cycle, one of the earliest methods of recording time. While the original cycle consists of 60 terms, they are condensed here to correspond with the twelve hours of the day, with each hour being represented by one of the Twelve Earthly Branches. As Halter notes, the use of these were more for aesthetic and symbolic reasons, rather than an accurate depiction of Ancient Chinese time-telling methods. The characters are the work of Liang Yin, a calligraphy master and gallery owner based in Lausanne. Based on his designs, the numerals have been engraved on to engraved on the solid gold chapter by the Denmark-based Hannelore Lass. The engraved hour and minutes chapters are then finished in black.

The dial and colourway are the work of Halter's daughter, Victoire Halter. The difference in finishes create different tones of bronze on the dial. The central portion wears a frosted finish that appears darker. It is surrounded by a lighter, brushed chapter ring. The alpha-style hands are also achieved in the same shade of black as the hours and the sector-style minutes track, tying the time-telling aspects together visually.

This Scriptura retains the proportions and details of the Classic's case, with 12 polished gold rivets on the circular brushed titanium bezel. The case, which measures 38mm across features a polished midcase and a frosted exhibition caseback held in place by eight screws. The riveted detail extends to the crown. The half-hooded lugs are 20mm apart and feature a strap secured by a signed, titanium double deplyant clasp. Overall, the titanium of the case beautifully balances the aureate tones of the gold rivets and dial.

The Scriptura is powered by the calibre VH 122 that is entirely different from the VH 100 found in the Classic. This difference is evident in the architecture of the VH 122s escapement, bridges, and going train, although this automatic movement retains the mystery winding rotor the oscillating mass is hidden behind a peripheral ring, with no apparent link to the central rotor. This allows for an uninterrupted view of the movement.

The finishing found across the movement is fine but understated, with black polishing, brushing, and anglage seen throughout. A nod towards Halter's love for science fiction can be found in the stylised engraving on the winding rotor which reads "Longue Vie Et Prosperite". This is equally a reference to the popular Star Trek saying, "Live Long and Prosper" as it is to common well wishes in Chinese culture such as "long life" and "prosperity".

Manufactured in-house at Halter's workshop in Sante-Croix, the VH 122 has also been used in other watches from Halter's oeuvre, such as the Art Deco Metropolis, the Anniversary, and the Classic Liberty, continuing the theme of using the movement in more limited series of watches.

This Scriptura comes with its outer and inner boxes as well as warranty paperwork. It is a rare blend of lightweight elegance imbued with the classicality that gold brings. It is solidly within Halters aesthetic universe while showcasing his worldliness and his willingness to collaborate with artisans who can stretch his vision of watchmaking.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Vianney Halter Scriptura will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Vianney Halter Scriptura is in excellent overall condition and shows virtually no signs of wear throughout. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.