A new technical device is coming back to earth from outer space
The Vianney Halter Deep Space Resonance (DSR) Prototype is a unique, sci-fi-inspired haute horlogerie watch featuring a 46mm titanium case, an in-house manual-wind movement (VH 113), a 3-axis tourbillon with two resonating balance wheels (21,600 vph), 65-hour power reserve, and a complex Vernier caliper-style time display, all designed to test acoustic synchronization, with production versions offering better legibility and delivery starting in 2021
Key Specifications
Case: Grade 5 Titanium, 46mm diameter, 20mm height, with a massive domed sapphire crystal (40.6mm x 10mm).
Movement: In-house manual-wind Calibre VH 113, comprising 371 parts.
Tourbillon: A 3-axis system:
Inner cage (balances): 60-second rotation.
Middle "traverse" (horizontal axis): 6-minute rotation.
Outer "cradle" (vertical axis): 30-minute rotation.
Resonance System: Two coaxial balance wheels that find resonance and beat in sync (in-phase or anti-phase) through a shared bridge, a key technical breakthrough for stability.
Power Reserve: 65 hours.
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph) (3Hz).
Dial/Display: A Vernier caliper-inspired design with upper aperture for hours/quarters and a lower aperture for minutes, noted as being difficult to read on the prototype but improved in production models.
Production: Prototype built in 2020; production models (DSR) began delivery in Summer 2021, with limited production (around 2/year).
Design & Functionality
Acoustic Resonance: The two balances influence each other through their shared structure, synchronizing their oscillations for greater accuracy, a concept explored by Vianney Halter.
Artistry: Features 42 polished pillars, a sci-fi aesthetic, and is hand-finished to high standards.
Distinguishing Features: Crenellated crown and unique lugs, similar to the Deep Space Tourbillon.
Vianney reingeneered the cage of his emblematic 3 axis tourbillon in order to integrate two acoustically synchronized balance wheels. A technical challenge and unheard mechanical prowess.
This creation is a tribute to undulatory physics, galaxy-shaking events and our Universe’s very fundamental mechanisms. After multiple years in research and development, creative phases and external influences, Vianney shows a unique system that accurately depicts a true physical phenomenon.
The Deep Space Resonance Prototype immense works took over the entirety of 2020.
Vianney built it to check that the acoustic synchronization correctly functions when worn on the wrist. Thanks to the three axis rotation, every detail on the structure is visible. The complexity of the mechanism is highlighted by a unique and light architectural construction. The 42 polished curved pillars that hold the bridges are a testimony to Achille Benoît’s beautiful 1839 marine chronometer. Every part of the mechanism is traditionally decorated and refined by hand for a breathtaking effect. Despite the apparent complexity, the technological architecture was kept at the most simple and efficient. Nothing is superfluous.
The axis structure is layered in concentric cages: The innermost cage holds the balances and weighs 0.6 grams for 162 parts. This cage rotates inside the traverse in 60 seconds. The traverse weighs 2.8 grams and rotates around it’s horizontal axis in 6 minutes. The traverse is mounted in the cradle, that rotates on it’s vertical axis in 30 minutes. The whole 3 axis system counts 371 individual parts.
The balances are nominally 21‘600 vph but in reality they vary a little. Each balance will transmit its motion to the shared bridge which will in turn affect the other balance. This way, both balances will influence each other, and quickly and reliably reach a common frequency. In turn, this makes the whole regulating system more accurate.
The Deep Space Resonance Prototype is a manually wound, 65h power reserve watch. The balances start to resonate as soon as the energy is sufficient to set the balances in motion, and stay synchronized until all motion stops. The balances will synchronize and oscillate at the same time, but not necessarily in the same direction at the same time. This will define the resonance mode. The mode depends on the position the balances were occupying when they started beating, and will keep this mode until the end of the power reserve. The next time the watch is wound, the balances may start beating in a different mode, and will offer a new view to the resonance phenomenon.
The dial was developed as a no-nonsense tool, and directly inspired by the Vernier calliper. The Hours and Quarters can be read in the top aperture. At the bottom aperture one can read the supplemental minutes by finding where the marks match the best.
In the meantime, please enjoy this first wrist worn acoustic resonance. The beauty of the mirror construction, architectural symmetry, light reflections and finishing contrasts give an magical sense to the mechanical ballet. As in mirages, you will be entranced by the shimmering of wheels and pillars. There will be no up, no down, left or right. You will be lost in the resonance as in the middle of the cosmos.
