Vianney Halter is a household name, at the very least in the horological community. His name is synonymous with innovation, pioneering designs and passion. His timepieces are as endeared as they are adored, with each watch symbolising the artisan's singular approach to watchmaking. But his status quo as being one of the greats means that his timepieces are generally super difficult to obtain, not only because they are fairly expensive but because they are produced in such limited supply.
So, in the pursuit of accessibility, Vianney Halter sought to challenge himself to create a timepiece that carries all of the hallmark traits of his name, but at a price point that is still relatively approachable. Partnering with Louis Erard, one of the best watchmakers in this price segment, Vianney Halter, was able to create a watch that is very much a fitting tribute to his brand.
Enter the Le Régulateur, Louis Erard's second collaborative timepiece and perhaps its greatest yet. The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter is a supremely beautiful timepiece, executed to the utmost degree of perfection. Vianney Halter's trademark stylistic cues and design direction are evident throughout, including his signature blued steel fountain-pen-shaped hands and highly architecturally shaped and polished stainless steel case.
The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter's dial is magnificent, again portraying the talents of the master watchmaker. Split into two plates, with the upper plate in silver and featuring circular satin-finishing while the lower plate is in matte grey and features microbead-blasted silver counters. The dial also features black transfers and horizontal satin-finished appliques featuring the Louie Erard logo at 3 o'clock and the Vianney Halter logo at 9 o'clock.
Vianney Halter has extended his influence with the Le Régulateur by incorporating one of his inimitable hallmark designs, a crenellated crown, similar to that used in his Antiqua model. I particularly like the depth of the dial with its multi-leveled plates, along with the contrast of differing textures and the highly elaborate blued steel hands.
The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter is powered by the Sellita calibre SW266-1 which has a power reserve of about 38-hours. The automatic regulator has been decorated throughout and features an openworked oscillating weight with the Louis Erard symbol.
The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter is a return to basics, of sorts. Its design aligns itself with Vianney Halter's unique style which he calls "future past", meaning that how would 19th century watches have been if they had been created in the future. He was quoted saying: "I wanted to see if I was capable of reaching all those who love my watches but are not able to buy them. Louis Erard has allowed me to do that while staying true to myself."
Louis Erard has outdone itself once again, and working in partnership with the master craftsman Vianney Halter, they both have created a timepiece that is a fitting tribute to their own individual stylistic approaches, meshed together in harmony and balance.
The Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter is limited to only 178 pieces and is priced at 3,500CHF.