Limited to just 12 pieces, this Scriptura* is an eccentric yet subtle watch that demonstrates the breadth of watchmaker Vianney Halter's interests, as well as his dedication to his craft. Introducing historical, rather than futuristic elements, the watch also features the work of several collaborators. Further to this, despite their visual similarities, the watch is powered by the VH122, an entirely different movement from the VH100 found in the Classic, with no two parts the same.

This Scriptura is part of a very limited edition of just 12 pieces, and was introduced in 2022. A variation on Vianney Halter's Classic series, which in turn was a more minimalistic version of the first Antiqua watches created, the Scriptura continues this variation on a theme by introducing historical, rather than futuristic elements. Meanwhile, the dial and colour scheme of the watch was designed by Halter's daughter, Victoire Halter, with other elements of the watch also benefitting from collaborations with other artisans.

The hours are marked in an especially distinctive way, using 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 calligraphy of each character was done by Liang Yin, a calligraphy master and gallery owner based in Lausanne, with the actual engraving on the solid gold dial carried out by the Denmark-based Hannelore Lass.

The dial itself has an attractive bronzed tone in two shades. A lighter, brushed chapter ring with the indices and sits on the outermost section, with a deeper bronze colour found at the centre of the watch. This Scriptura also retains the style of the Classic's case, with polished gold bolts placed evenly around the bezel of the 38mm dial, and the case itself is a brushed titanium that offsets these gold and bronze highlights very nicely, also offering a softer touch in keeping with the antique theme of the watch.

Despite its similarity in aesthetics to the Classic, the Scriptura's VH 122 movement is entirely different from the VH 100 movement found in the Classic, and shares no part in common with the latter. In particular, the design of the escapement, bridges, and going train are the biggest differences between both calibres, although this automatic movement retains the “mystery” winding rotor, where the oscillating mass is hidden behind a peripheral ring, with no apparent link to the central rotor. This allows for a complete, uninterrupted view of the movement. The finishing found across the movement is understated, but beautifully done, with black polishing, brushing, and anglage seen throughout. A nod towards Halter's love for science fiction can be found in the stylised engraving around the rim of the movement, which reads "Longue Vie Et Prosperite" – which could be a reference to the popular Star Trek saying "Live Long and Prosper", while "long life" and "prosperity" is a commonly heard form of well-wishes in Chinese culture.

Manufactured entirely in-house at Halter's workshop in Sante-Croix, the VH122 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 these in more limited series of watches.

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. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear throughout, with extremely light superficial marks. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. The engravings on both the caseback and buckle are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

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