Kari Voutilainen Observatoire

The Observatoire has attained a cult status among watch collectors because of the beautiful work and finishing of master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. If you are a follower of independent watches, you know that the finishing on this movement is as good as it gets anywhere. It is based on one of the most precise competition calibers ever made, the Peseux 260. More information is available at www.voutilainen.ch ml.

Kari Voutilainen won the Grand Prix d'Horogerie for the Observatoire in 2007, winning the category of Favorite Men's Watch. I was lucky enough to order an Observatoire before then, taking delivery in May 2009. I asked Kari to change only four components from the model that won the Grand Prix:

1) The numbers 4 and 8 are flipped from his original version, eliminating the dreaded so-called "radial flip"
2) A blued steel balance spring enhances movement visuals. The Observatoires either have a mundane greyish spring or vibrant blued steel (the difference lies in whether the temperature compensation occurs with the spring or balance wheel).
3) A Tourbillon-style balance cock better displays the gorgeous balance wheel and spring
4) An observatory certificate and test results from the Besancon Astronomical Observatory, in keeping with the watch's precision theme. Kari personally delivered and picked up the watch at the observatory, costing an additional 900 francs.

This has been a beloved watch, a favorite in my collection. I am now selling this piece due to some pricey new acquisitions, including a complicated Voutilainen watch.

This watch is 100% complete with box, original straps, and papers including Bulletin de l'Observatoire de Besançon. The case is 38mm wide and 10 mm thick. It is fitted with a Peseux movement with a free sprung Guillaume balance and a Grosman coiled balance spring. The condition is extremely good with no scratches visible to the naked eye. Under a loupe, there is a minor patina consistent with careful wearing of the watch. The deployant buckle shows some scratches on it.

I am a well-known collector and member of the key watch forums for more than 15 years. If you follow the Purists Independents forum, I am one of six members of GaryG's Northern California Club. The watch is located in San Francisco.

Price is: USD $68,000 + insured shipping
Payment by WIRE transfer ONLY