Independents

In a previous post , I have given the basic information about the new Kari Voutilainen KV21 Tonneau . But here are new live photos of an absolutely gorgeous grey dial / platinum case example , which I like much better than the "burgundy" dial example disp...  

This is the frustration with any piece 😔

but since I'm not in the race, it doesn't bother me... ;-) And I love the watchmaking! Best, Emmanuel

Best, Emmanuel

Front and back. I am more of a white metal person as I don't like to attract attention but over the years I have tried many Pt models and came to the realization that they often look too cold for my liking. WG is better but often tarnishes so it leaves me... 

customizable, so you could choose your white metal! Best, Emmanuel

These are painfully beautiful pictures of a very nice watch: Beautiful combination of tonneau shape, movement, dramatic chromatic combination including even strap. Agreed also that the new combo is even nicer than the burgundy one. Apparently it will be r... 

Best, Emmanuel

plus, critical insights are important opportunities for learning. Is your point about the front or back of the watch?

But here goes, the first thing I noticed.... This is the second KV piece I noticed issue(s) with, so two pieces does not mean it's systemic, and could be individual cases where we don't know the exact circumstances and service history. ...  

Dot indexes are clearly reflected on the bezel. I might be wrong of course, and if so, it's a shame. But both aesthetically and horologically, this is the kind of watchmaking I love. And given the price range, if quality isn't there, I imagine collectors ...  

I wish the picture was of a higher resolution though ...  

but I personally refuse to draw conclusions based only on photos and, for me, hand-made watchmaking cannot be and doesn't need to be perfect. The only thing I can say is that I prefer to suspend judgment until I have more conclusive evidence.

Imho the photos are 'misleading' due to lighting / angle and product angle versus lens/image sensor. Also, black / mirror polish can be visually 'deceiving' in photography, like a carnival funhouse. Being the giving, trusted man with a kit of photography ... 

Looking forward to seeing your photos ! 😇🤩

in this clip from an image on Hodinkee absent your markups it's clear that those are reflections ...  

but despite my efforts, I cannot guess what you have in mind...

We need more of these

Best, Emmanuel

Best, Emmanuel

And the grey dial with all that gorgeous texture, offset with the green strap? Perfection.

Best, Emmanuel

Understated, yet subtly sophisticated in its own way. Best, Emmanuel

Circular dial pattern, circular movement, tonneau case 🤷‍♂️ not my style. Individually, each of these aspects are spectacular. Love the guilloche, the dial colors. The movements is a stunner, I forgot how large these balance are, too. I’d probably go a di... 

even if I personally like this design quite a bit. It's a matter of taste, mostly.

But the quality is mighty high.

Salman has pointed out some imperfections (see above), but I have doubts about them. Anyway, hand made watchmaking cannot be 100% sharp and perfect. Best, Emmanuel

The Dial www.watchprosite.com And the movement www.watchprosite.com / The pictures were of a better quality.

I might be underestimating the problem. Having never seen a KV in person, I'm finding it hard to form a clear opinion. But I'll definitely keep the issues you've pointed out in mind. Thanks.

and I can find imperfections in any watch, whether it is handmade or industrial mass produced. I can choose to highlight them in every thread, or choose not to. But that's not the whole point of this forum, isn't it? Enthusiasts tend to profess their love... 

it seems that, like Roger W. Smith, Kari Voutilainen inspires both very high expectations and very harsh criticism. As you know, I don't share this view, because, whatever the potential minor flaws of some pieces, I have a very deep respect for these watc... 

NT

Best, Emmanuel

I think eliminating the smooth flat dial ring with the VOUTILAINEN name would be a start. Maybe then I would appreciate the Rolex-logo center guilloche a bit more. Personally, I like the way the rear looks aesthetically, but should we not be criticizing t... 

KV's style has always been a bit elaborate and opulent. It works for me, here, but I definitely understand why you have reservations. Concerning the round movement, my personal feeling is that it is so beautiful and it fills such a large part of the caseb... 

I would happily own this watch, if it were within my means, with just the minor dial tweaks. Question for you my Friend - is there a meaning or reason behind the oddly shaped "3" marker? I have always felt it does not match the other KV dial numerals. I a... 

this Arabic 3. All I can say is that the choice of a modern font for the Arabic numerals of the Vingt-8 and now the Tonneau, contrasting with the very traditional technique of guillochage and the observatory hands, seems deliberate to me. The goal seems t... 

Which was splendidly on display when he spoke at HSNY on Monday. It's amazing to hear him express profound respect for the various artisans that make his work possible And the fruits of their laborers But was a bit sad to hear him say that he's grown tire... 

Not that I can afford any of his watches, but I really appreciate his watchmaking. As you say, kudos to him and cheers to the lucky owners, past, present and future. Best, Emmanuel

He is not doing this to raise the prices of future LE watches.

And really love everything about it. Remember from the WPS trip to Kari (many, many moons ago) that he said that most customers are too conservative and only order the most standard guilloche options. So this one is really cool to have been executed 👍🏻😊 ... 

I would love to add a KV at some point when possible but with a round case and signature drop lugs

as you say, and I fully understand your preference. Best, Emmanuel

I’ve really come to love KVs design language. It looks extremely “classical” and conservative but it’s actually completely unique at the same time. You don’t get it confused with any other watch and it doesn’t need a logo. With that said, when I had a pie... 

I hope you end up getting one someday. Best, Emmanuel