Independents

Greetings to all! I'm pleased to pass along these initial photos of my Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon, taken over the first few weeks of ownership. I'll be coming back at a future date with a full "wearing impressions" review, but all signs to date ...  

A Big Heartfelt Congrats on your new addition, looks amazing on your wrist :-) look forward to your next post where you can tell us more on how it functions and operates under real world conditions, thank you for sharing with us mere mortals LoooL :-) S

As always it's a treat for me to share with all of my fellow PuristS -- I appreciate your note, and hope that you are doing well. Best, Gary

One more great Watch in your great collection. When will you stop? Aaaah, never? ;) All the best. Nicolas

Well, not as long as I am working and getting paid, I guess! :) The photo with the three watches on wrists does require a bit of explaining. Two of us are indeed taking delivery of our new DSTs -- the third wrist in the image is that of Bertrand from Vian... 

Went for it, some others would do it too... I love this idea! All the best, Nicolas

nt

The DST is an amazing watch and your pics make it look even nicer! Enjoy and pls share more with us :) Cheers Robin

More photos coming along with my wearing impressions report -- stay tuned! Best, Gary

This may be THE # 1 example of kinetic sculpture for the wrist. Who else could pull off this design besides VH? The 3-D appearance of your photos is amazing. Your photographic talent and this subject are indeed complementary. By the way, that domed crysta... 

getting down to some of the important details, the finishing of these many tiny moving parts visible from all angles looks impeccable. What a combination here of macro and micro impact.

...in my humble opinion. I agree -- having seen some of these pieces out in the open at Vianney's atelier and now in the finished watch, they are really jewel-like. Best, Gary

...and that's Vianney! As you know, though, the original prototype was a good deal rougher than the final piece, so I will give myself a tiny bit of credit for taking the leap. Thanks for your remarks! Best, Gary

Well first and foremost for your guts factor: for being enthusiastic,fanatic but most of all,for supporting the independent world instead of dwelling in the big brands offerings and perceived security. Only behaviour like yours will ensure the survival of... 

You are extraordinarily kind, Mo! Your words mean a great deal to me given your prominent role in promoting the independents (and your willingness to put your money where your mouth is by buying top end pieces). Looking forward to your further thoughts an... 

A bit less classical than, say, a Ferrier -- but wonderfully made nonetheless! Best, Gary

...Amazing is the only word that can describe the watch ! First of all compliment for such a great watch, and to be one of the first owner ! Yes you can recognize the proto, the name at six o clock missing on yours, the color of the index and...... Well d... 

Thanks for your remarks! Bertrand came to San Francisco with our watches, which was great as they weren't quite finished when we visited Vianney in January of this year. Best, Gary

Having the pleasure of seeing and handling the proto, your ability to capture it photographically is something else. Well done, that is in of itself, quite a feat. Your unswerving support of Independent Watchmaking is admirable and your choice in this par... 

...that you first introduced me to Vianney! Your very kind words leave me pretty much speechless -- thank you for them, and for all that you do to promote independent watchmaking. Best, Gary

Very happy for you Gary! May I ask? Is there some form of customization in VH's production of the DST? I notice VH attention to detail even in the strap! I know every single piece is different in that it is hand made, but beside that? Again, Congrats on f... 

Except that, as you say, Vianney tends to introduce running changes through the production cycle. I saw some photos of watch 002, and the white highlights on the hands are different than on mine. Vianney also told me that I could (if I wished) have black ... 

Il wouldnt change anything anyway but it is nice to hear how Vianney works. Best regards

Your impeccable KV and now VH. WOW! But I am blown away by your photo skills. Also, I appreciate the color coordination for the pick up of ths beauty! Others have already posted above, the important comments on your post. I echo them. Thanks for sharing y... 

What other color could I wear for the delivery?!? Thanks for noticing. This piece adds to the big smile I have every time I go to the safe box and see what greets me! Best, Gary

Specially like the one with Dave the Minion It looks like he made it and is now proud of his work :) Great stuff Huge congrats thank you for sharing and it was sure worth for your post after hiatus ;) Sincerely Damjan

I do love the minions! My wife gave me that USB memory stick of Dave and it seemed to make perfect sense to pair him with this watch on Vianney's built-in display stand. Things have been very busy for me recently with some sadness in the family and other ... 

Now that's a wake up call on this Wednesday morning. These must be the first examples in the wild, or close to it I would imagine. The timepiece is a marvel, and looks quite good on the wrist as well. Would love to see one of these in the metal on day. Th... 

The light weight of the Ti case and the way the straps come straight down from the sides of the case make this watch more wearable than many! I am really enjoying wearing it around -- anyone who suggests that it is "unwearable" needs to try one on. These ... 

really beautiful. Will have to post another comment, as this is just great! I've been really waiting for live pix of this watch! Congrats to you and your friends who own this piece, may it bring lots of happiness and good memories! S

This piece is already providing great memories -- from the moment I saw the prototype late at night at the San Francisco airport with Bertrand, to seeing the watch being made in January at Vianney's, to taking delivery with a close buddy who also received... 

nt

For both the watch and your perfect pictures.... how also in the Masthead. It is great to see your continued support of the independents. Don

I do love the Independents! This is another great piece, and I'm also looking forward to seeing what you have "up your sleeve" next. Best, Gary

... simply amazing. You have captured this incredible piece in ways that would make Annie Leibovitz blush. Absolutely stunning. Thanks so much for sharing. All the best, - Scott

That said, keep it coming! :) Continued practice and good teaching make all of the difference when it comes to shooting these beauties. Best, Gary

Thanks for sharing with us. Enjoy it. vte :)

...a lot! Thanks for the kind words. Best, Gary

...astonishing calibre, just wow! i'm going to read something more online, thanks for sharing all these amazing pirctures... regards, chris

Lots to learn about this master of horology -- and great pieces, from the Classic to this most recent watch, to drool over. Best, Gary

NT

May take me a bit of time to concoct a fuller report, but stay tuned... Best, Gary

And for Vianney's matured design phase...you must have 3 more..classic, antiqua and the cabestan. Do not forget, the blood of the cabestan is from Vianney. The deepspace with the cabestan vertical winch...that is a mighty pair.

I agree on your view of landmark pieces from Vianney -- I already have the Antiqua and Deep Space in hand, and would love a Cabestan as it also has links to Eric Coudray, another horological hero of mine. What about a Janvier? Best, Gary

Igot to know Vianney in 2006, I wrote and photographed Vianney and Dufour for a book, which was later bought and presented in parts over both the web, TV and many magazines especially in Europe and Japan. Because I wrote like a mad person, true. But here ... 

It's great to have two of Vianney's creations, and even better to know the man personally. I absolutely agree with you that he is an artist, in the true sense that he creates to please himself and that his creations are absolute expressions of his authent... 

What a BEAUTIFUL piece of Horological in my wildest dreams could I procure such a marvelous then I can live vicariously thru this post. CONGRATS :-)

Sharing here is one of the great joys of this hobby for me -- and believe me, there are many more watches of other PuristS I'd love to see in person than will ever have a place in my watch box! Keep pursuing that dream! I started very modestly in collecti... 

One must always appreciate the intricacies of a tourbillion movement, just curious as to the watch of such timepiece.

I very much appreciate your message, and your kind words on my photographs. Best, Gary

Wow, such a cool looking watch. Great pics too. Congrats. Regards, ED-209

I'm enjoying this one very much indeed -- and it is getting a lot of wrist time, too! Appreciate your note -- thanks again. Best, Gary

Big congratulations indeed it is an absolute masterpiece and your photos are as excellent as always. Cheers Andrew

You've seen the prototype, but in my view the production watches are a full level above in terms of refinement and finishing. Hope to show it to you in January if not sooner! Best, Gary

This is stunning! Congrats!

nt

It's a dream watch! A masterpiece! There will be only a handful of lucky people wearing this watch and you are one of them! Regards, Constantin

I do feel very fortunate indeed that I have the opportunity to own a watch that few others will be lucky enough to place in their collections -- and hope that by sharing it here I can spread the pleasure to my fellow enthusiasts! Best, Gary

What an acquisition! Would be hugely eager to hear your thoughts in a few months time. Your last picture of 3 wrists of DST is just EPIC! Tx again for sharing.

...is one that I don't expect to see replicated very often! Thanks for your kind words -- and stay tuned for more impressions. Best, Gary

looks magnificent.. is there a video of its running? love the "space dome" effect and its definately wearable... huge congrats Gary!!

As for videos, if you search online you will see that a number of videos exist, including one from Vianney himself. Makes for great watching! Best, Gary

thanks for the vicarious pleasure .. great photos and what a piece - right on so many levels including the Star Trek association! I hope you will enjoy it to the max - something tells me you will! Best Andreas

Thanks, Andreas -- I'm having a lot of fun with this watch, and when all else fails it is mesmerizing to watch the tourbillon cages do their thing and tumble away. Best, Gary

I will keep an eye out for SoCal GTGs as it would be great to see you and the gang again sometime soon. Best, Gary

the quality of the photos are out from this world . Faisal

I do enjoy getting watches into the light tent! Having lots of fun with my new camera and it's great to be able to share with you here. Best, Gary

watch i believe i have ever seen from one of, if not the, most interesting, friendly and talented independent watchmakers off all time. Sublime photos!

I am wearing it a lot! It is a treat for me to be one of the early owners -- and it was wonderful to be invited on the adventure by Vianney when the watch was still an early prototype. Best, Gary

Needless to say the DST is mesmerizing in all angles, you photographic skills is no less captivating!. I thought they are CGs, with that Minion! I've only seen the prototype and good to know that the finish on the final pieces is even more impeccable. bes... 

...and I could not resist putting the minion with the watch for a photo! Thanks for your kind message. Best, Gary

What an amazing watch you got. Please keep us informed about it. GEO

Please stay tuned for further reports on my wearing impressions! Best, Gary

...and the prototype in the background is on the wrist of Bertrand, from Vianney's organization. Thanks for your note! Best, Gary

Fantastic acquisition, Gary ! Well done Rob

I really appreciate your taking the time to drop a note on this. Hope all is well with you! Best, Gary

Great piece! Did have the opportunity to try it on flesh once in Singapore and it is an excellent looking piece.. Ovi