Independents

The latest creation by Kari Voutilainen is a tonneau -shaped time only manual winding timepiece. The case measures 35 x 39.50 x 11.66 mm and the watch is powered by calibre KV21 featuring a direct impulse escapement with two escape wheels . Other specific...  

to get a real sense of how it looks and feels.

...but with few exceptions, there's just something 'off' about the aesthetic that I can't quite place...

because I’ve never seen one in real life yet and I keep wondering how I would feel in front of one of them.

...and there are certain things that drive me crazy (the Roman numerals for one) and the lugs. The dials are technically nice, but seem too busy. It's like he's trying too hard.

...but I don't like the blue in the hands, and the movement should be shaped, as we all know : ) His movements are lovely so he has that going for him...

And this is a very cool specimen - wish I was in the market these days 😊🤷🏻‍♂️

I'll have to wait to handle one myself to pass judgment.

Why didn't he do a case-shaped movement? I always like it when watchmakers make the movement the same shape as the case and feel that if they didn't do it.....but he is a legend and an amazing watch maker regardless!!

Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

Really like the look of this. The reality is I'm not going to have one, but Im glad that it's being made. I know we don't talk prices - but it's interesting that the differential based on case metal is almost insignificant. Buy what you like & enjoy it. I... 

Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

Even if the round calibre echoes the round chapter ring on the dial side. Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

I personally prefer to wait until I can see it in real life (if it ever happens) to pass judgment. Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

On the dial side, the use of the round minute ring created quite some blank space at the corners which bugs me a little. If the hour markers are arranged around the dial edge, it probably will look more “balanced” (lack of a better word)- to my eyes..just... 

But the more I look at this watch, the more I get the impression that he wanted to make, front and back, a play between the tonneau and round shape. Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

I was never a fan of his hands, but the dials and movements are always on point

I really have to manage to one KV in real life someday. Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

Not too sure of the dial but I'm sure being Voutilainen, the dial can be customized.

And I also have some doubts concerning the dial. But the watchmaking and finishing is very first class of course. Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

However the square one looks so good imho

And would it be the one you would choose? Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

But hard to beat the round case and teardrop lugs imo

the only thing I’m sure of is that I find these watches interesting and the movements are always very impressive. But it’s hard for me to tell which case shape I would prefer.

Best, Emmanuel

A few things that don't sit right. Maybe see it someday in the metal...

Best, Emmanuel

NT

Guilloche is so dynamic in real lighting conditions and the scale and proportions of KV design doesn't translate well online imho. For me the watches present smaller than they look online and that changes the way the hands, markers, and dial feel in conte... 

see one in real life someday! Best, Emmanuel