Independents
small-luxury-world presents Part II of their Baselworld 2013 coverage on Kari Voutilainen, focusing on the master watchmaker's unique pieces and philosophy. This article offers an intimate perspective on Voutilainen's approach to bespoke watchmaking, showcasing his exceptional finishing and the intricate details of his high complications.
The man behind the brand is a gentleman (in all its meaning),
a “super star” (not sure if he would
agree ;-) ), a master of complications
(including extra ordinary finishing)
… still one of the most
humble and serious person in the industry. Do we need
more introductions, probably not 
Watches on display :
A piece unique, a high complicated and special (or shall I
say private) one - on request of a
(matured, I guess) collector.
A view on the dial and the case gives a hint on the complications inside …
… but you need to see the back
before you see what makes it even more special – the engraving
by Eddy Jaquet.
Conclusion : A highly sophisticated piece, but it doesn´t sing to me.
V-8R
… with in-house designed movement (beating at 18.000 vph),
special Voutilainen escapement
(direct impulse escapement with two escapement
wheels) and power reserve indicator. The latter is
a Maltese cross system on
barrel, in order to limit power reserve to the optimal torque supplied during
49 hours (full power reserve is 65 hours).
The case is 39.00mm x 11.40mm, sapphire glass front and back
and those got antireflection treatment.
It is available in platinum, red or
white gold with matching tang buckle and is limited to 25 pieces worldwide.
Conclusion : A very interesting watch, but not my favorite one.
V-8
A “simple” beauty on the front …
… and a feast for the eyes on the back.
No further details needed, because all of you should know it already.
(If not, I can recommend our search function and you will find all
those “dirty” details ).
On the wrist (at least mine) it feels and looks very good.
Conclusion : In the past it could have been one of my personal favorites. Yes, in the past. More on this later …
Second time zone with 24h display, including a day & night indication.
The case, the numerals, the hands, the style of the night
& day indication … has been seen before
from KV (more or less) – except the
engraving on the dial.
Conclusion : Almost my favorite, because I
like the complication and the way it is shown. A very
sophisticated “travel
watch”, for the matured connoisseur. This one was a big surprise for me,
because I am not sure if I would have liked it a few years ago. Today I find it
awesome!
This was not the last surprise …
28 Sarasamon
“A symbiosis of Japanese tradition with the Swiss haute horlogerie
creation of Kari Voutilainen,
which represents an all-embracing mechanical and
visual work of art that unites the East and
West in perfect harmony.” (from KV brochure)
A bright green strap? A classic two hands watch, but with a dial far from being “simple”? Tawdry? …?
A crown known from KV, but not my favorite one – in general.
At least the to die for lugs and hands
are still there …
What the heck is going on? Did I expect to see something like this from KV? Do I like what I see? …?
Can´t hold it anymore. Yes, it almost blew me away.
Everything works perfectly together and I could
have appreciated it for hours,
days … or even longer. The moment I hold it in my hand and put it on
my wrist
afterwards … I was in love!
A dial which continuously changes and moves, like a small
living microcosms of light and color.
Simply awesome.
As an admirer for crafts from Asia (not to speak about Haute
Horlogerie ) I always
try to look behind.
Works of lacquer art from Japan caught my attention before
and I tried to do some research in one
of my books.
About 256 different technics are shown, but Saiei Makie and Somata zaiku is missing – unfortunately.
Instead I found ideas/inspiration for projects … Just so addictive,
just so great
Projects like this (especially on that level!) bring together
the best from East and West. I asked Kari
Voutilainen if he visited his partner,
Mr. T. Kitamura from Unryuan (one of the greatest lacquer studios
of Japan),
and he affirmed. The return visit is not fixed yet, but they already talked
about. I could
imagine that it could be quite interesting if both masters get
inspired by each other’s outstanding
work. … More to come? Hopefully!
Of course the back is far (very far) from being disappointing, no surprise here.
On the wrist?
Beautiful, superb … addictive …
Conclusion : In a perfect world I would start
my own project like this, immediately. Once more a
very inspiring or shall I
say addictive piece of art from Kari Voutilainen.
Congrats, to the people involved in that project and of course to the lucky owner!
Once more, impressive pieces from Kari Voutilainen on display and the time spent with him
(the gentleman, the master, the connoisseur ...) was a great pleasure.
Thanks for taking the time Kari and I am looking forward to our next appointment.
Oliver
I am on the verge of a custom piece from KV, and this report might just swing it in a certain way :)- Best, Horo
of each watch in your tantalizing observations and excellent photographs. Many thanks for a great read on a great watchmaker. Best to all, Tim
of a post :) Got me on the edge of seat till very end and then in tradition of greatest thriller writers you surprised me with your choice Thank you for great pictures and write up Best regards Damjan
I would have him work on a custom project or maybe get a decimal MR. Horo, you have to tell us of your project's progress over time!
... true spirit. Kari is an amazing individual. It is almost hard to understand how a man with such over-the-top talents stays so humble and grounded. When I spent some time with him in Basel, it was clear that Kari was the horologist all others looked to... and up to. He brought me over to the guy that makes watches out of wood. You could see that man's eyes well up because it was Kari admiring his work. He brought me over to Romain Gauthier's booth to get an overview of the Logical One. You co
Excellent report. Regards Tony
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