The Antiqua was the first of the “Futur Anterieur” collection (introduced at Baselworld in 1998) having been designed and constructed entirely in the workshop of Janvier SA, in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. This rose-gold example comes as a full-set, with its original winding-box, Certificate of Authenticity and accompanying materials.
In the design, the Antiqua was developed to fully-display the ‘complete calendar’, with four separate, multi-level platinum dials. The upper-left dial displays the day (indicated by the first letters of each), jumping at midnight, whilst the current month indication (visible through the lower-left dial) makes use of the same principle. The time-display and date-window make up the right-side. Both the hand-engraved numerals and text on the dials are filled with black enamel - which never fades, unlike printed dials. A further level of depth is added in the form of hand-finished, curved, blued-steel hands. The rose-gold case is comprised of 30 different component types (making up almost 100 pieces total), with no fewer than 104 machined-gold rivets throughout.
The Antiqua Perpetual is powered by the Cal. VH198 (based on the Lemania 8810). This VH198 movement not only displays finishing of the highest quality, with hand-decorated components, but it was also redesigned by Vianney Halter. Whilst the VH198 shares many of the same impressive mechanical elements as the Cal. 8810 (balance-wheel, anchor, escape-wheel and gear wheels), the unique bridges and baseplate are designed by Vianney. With this, the perpetual calendar complication and automatic-winding system are also completely redesigned (and produced at La Manufacture Janvier).
Visible though the sapphire display back, the VH198 calibre is fitted with a patented ”mysterious mass” winding rotor. Using this system, 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 self-winding VH198 calibre oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 A/h, with a power-reserve of 35 hours.
This Antiqua Perpetual comes on an original, hand-sewn brown alligator strap, with matching rose-gold, tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vianney Halter |
| Model: | Antiqua Perpetual Calendar |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic Cal. VH198 |
| Functions: | perpetual calendar (leap year indicator, month, date, weekday), hours, minutes |
| Features: | display back, blue steel hands |
| Case: | 36 mm 18-carat rose gold |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | brown alligator strap with rose gold VH tang buckle |
| Box & papers: | full-set: winding-box, papers, accessories |
