Vianney Halter and Massena LAB Launch ‘The Old Soul’ Watch with Vintage Minerva Movement

In a world where watchmaking often follows predictable paths, the collaboration between independent watchmaking luminary Vianney Halter and the innovative design studio Massena LAB stands as a testament to creative courage.

Their creation, the Old Soul, is not merely a timepiece; it is a profound dialogue between a celebrated past and a visionary present, blending the soulful mechanics of a vintage Minerva movement with the audacious, steampunk-inspired aesthetic of Vianney Halter.

A Heartbeat from a Bygone Era
The true spirit of the Old Soul resides within its heart: a vintage Minerva 17’22 caliber. Sourced as “new old stock,” this hand-wound movement hails from the 1920s, a golden age of pocket watch craftsmanship.

The choice of this specific movement is a narrative in itself—it’s a tribute to a legacy of meticulous engineering. Measuring over 39mm in diameter, the movement is a canvas of haute horlogerie finishing, showcasing broad, graceful bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève, beautifully executed anglage, and the captivating mirror-like sheen of black polishing.

It retains its original Minerva signature, a silent nod to its storied past, and beats at a leisurely 18,000 vibrations per hour, offering a 36-hour power reserve.

A Masterpiece of Mystifying Display
Halter’s genius shines in how he has re-contextualized this antique caliber for the modern wrist.

The Old Soul forgoes a traditional display for a captivating regulator-style mystery dial.

The hours are relegated to a subdial at 3 o’clock, with the seconds ticking away at 9 o’clock.

The minutes, however, are indicated by a blued arrow hand that seems to float magically on a rotating, transparent sapphire disc. This innovative “mystery” complication—a first for a vintage Minerva movement—is a hallmark of Halter’s playful and masterful approach to time display.

The Architecture of Time
The visual identity of the Old Soul is a direct reflection of Vianney Halter’s early work, rich with his signature “rivet” and industrial motifs. The dial is a three-dimensional sculpture, featuring a stainless steel shield and custom Arabic numerals that rise from its surface, creating a layered and tactile experience.

These design elements, along with the studded, oversized crown, imbue the watch with a distinct steampunk character.

The 42mm stainless steel case, while robust, is refined with a blend of polished and brushed finishes.

Its design includes a concave bezel and stepped lugs that give the watch a strong presence on the wrist while echoing classic forms. A powerful philosophical statement is engraved between the lugs:

“Time is the Fire in which we burn,” a poetic reference to the works of Delmore Schwartz, immortalized in Star Trek Generations. This quote elevates the watch from a simple time-telling device to a contemplation of mortality and the enduring legacy of craftsmanship.

With a limited edition of just 47 pieces, the Old Soul is a truly exclusive creation.

Priced at CHF 32,000 (excluding VAT) or CHF 37,000 (including US customs duties), it is a rare opportunity to own a piece that bridges two distinct eras of horological excellence.

It is more than a watch; it is a collaboration that honors the past while pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the wrist.