Vianney Halter and Massena LAB Launch the Old Soul Watch with Vintage Minerva Movement

The soul… This is what somehow defines independent watchmaking. Watches that have been designed and manufactured by individuals who have infused their soul into a timepiece that feels unique. On the topic of soul, design studio Massena LAB is presenting today its latest creation, a watch made with renowned and revered independent watchmaker Vianney Halter. Based on a large, vintage Minerva pocket watch movement, the duo has created a limited-edition wristwatch that merges “the otherworldly vision and technical mastery of Halter with William Massena’s encyclopedic knowledge of watch history,” to quote the makers, with an unusual display and classic steampunk inspiration. Let’s have a look at the Old Soul watch, which follows the Old School, a collaboration between the independent watchmaker Luca Soprana and Massena LAB.

The soul of this Vianney Halter and Massena LAB Old Soul watch starts with its movement. Not your classic off-the-shelf movement, but instead a solid bunch of new old stock Minerva 17’22 calibres that were discovered by Massena. First developed in the 1920s and used in pocket watches until 1942, we’re looking at a gigantic engine for a wristwatch, which measures over 39mm in diameter – which doesn’t mean the watch is as large as you’d imagine. These movements are as traditional as they can be, back then entirely handmade, well before the invention of CNC machining. The classic 17-jewel layout, with guitar-shaped central bridge, includes a slow-running 2.5Hz screwed balance with Breguet balance spring and a mainspring engraved with the Minerva signature, storing about 36 hours of power reserve. It is elegantly hand-finished with Cotes de Genève, anglage throughout its architecture, and black polishing.

But Vianney Halter and Massena LAB went further than just encasing this movement in a case and topping it with a dial. The movement is then modified to incorporate a transparent minute disc used to achieve the mystery dial complication. The display is actually a redefined regulator, with all three main indications split over the dial. Hours are shown on a subsidiary dial at three o’clock, seconds are displayed on the subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock, and minutes are tracked on the outer chapter ring, which is radially brushed and rhodium-plated, with the mystery transparent disc printed with a blue losange marker. All Arabic numerals have been rendered in Vianney Halter’s characteristic typeface and railroad tracks all around add to the vintage touch of this face.

Then comes the steampunk inspiration, clearly visible on top of the dial and a classic look for anything done by Vianney Halter in his early days as an indie watchmaker. Strong layering has been applied, with a three-dimensional stainless steel shield that rests atop the sapphire crystal. Engraved with concentric circles to complement its hourglass shape, the shield is dotted with stainless steel studs that further evoke Vianney Halter’s signature steampunk aesthetic. The signatures of Vianney Halter and Massena are printed on the interior side of the sapphire crystal rather than directly onto the dial itself.

As for the case, we must first applaud the designers and the case maker… Indeed, while having a 39.25mm movement inside, this Old Soul watch is “just” 42mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness, leaving almost no space around the movement for the actual case. Made of steel, the case features a polished concave bezel, paired with classic stepped lugs. The crown, which mirrors the same motif as on the dial shield, is dotted with functional studs – classic Halter, and easy to use with improved tactility for easier winding and time setting.

Part of a sub-collection named Old Masters that includes thematic collaborations with independent watchmakers, the Vianney Halter and Massena LAB Old Soul is released as a limited edition of 47 watches, which are available starting today – August 26, 2025 – by submitting an inquiry via the product page at MassenaLAB.com. It is priced at CHF 32,000 excl. VAT or CHF 37,000, including US customs duties.