pplater
5432
Only the mildest overstatement, Tony...
...when you say "It's true that no two Observatoires are exactly alike", as there would appear to have been at least two or three manufactured to the same spec as the piece which features on KV's website (if various owners' scans and posts are anything to go by), but undoubtedly the greatest number differ from each other in some small (different hairspring) or not so small ( the 'Jordao' watch; Clang's SS case; the 'Stealthatoire') way.
It would be just too delicious for words to see all of the combinations in one post, or one book, or at a gathering of the custodians!! Presumably Kari is keeping track of the specs to which each piece is manufactured. Do you happen to know if that is so?
Maybe a 'roll call' is in order! ;-)
Cheers,
pplater.
Tour of Independence 2009 in Singapore
Each year retailer The Hour Glass organises a Tour of Independence event in Singapore attended by various independent watchmakers. This year Kari Voutilainen and Romain Gauthier were in town. Both also created piece unique watches for L'Atelier, the high ...
Part I: Cocktails
Prior to dinner guests met the watchmakers inside L'Atelier. Many saw the piece unique watches for the first time during the cocktails and reactions were diverse. But what matters was that all four of the piece unique watches were already sold by that tim...
Part II: Dinner
Dinner followed one level up at Taste Paradise. Coincidentally I attended another dinner at the same restaurant a week earlier and I was seated in the same spot at the same table....
Part III: Some of the watches present that evening
A plethora of watches were seen on the wrists of guests. Naturally many independent watchmakers were represented including De Bethune and even the new Urwerk CC1....
Amazing watches on display
Thanks for reporting on this event, and for the beautiful pictures that accompanied your text, SJX. Not only did the guests have amazing watches on their wrists, but the special piece uniques from Kari Voutilainen and Romain Gauthier are simply breathtaki...
White brother
That is a long time ago I saw the Yellow brother of the Minerva Collection 1858 Cal 13-20. The White brother says hello...
Part IV: Kari Voutilainen Observatoire Piece Unique
This Observatoire is in rose gold with a copper dial. The movement has been engraved but is still finished to the usual high standard. This is a stunning watch. Kari Voutilainen manages to create watches that are different, yet aesthetically pleasing. Bot...
I sometimes wonder if, by making so many variations of the Observatoire
that, perhaps, it dilutes the model? Not sure... Too many faces of this one??? No 'true' version, so to speak? Just a thought..... I do not like all the decoration.....
Another view...
It also has the effect of creating "limited editions within a limited edition", or numerous 'pieces unique' of a similar theme (for those to whom such things matter). Your point is (as always) worthy of consideration and a valid view, but on balance the h...
That is indeed an issue
When I first interview Kari for a local newspaper back in 2006 when he first announced the Observatoire, he mentioned something in the order of 5 or 8 pieces for the watch. Now it's probably at 40 or so? That bothers me, but the amazing quality and fine a...
Kari has confirmed verbally to me that he will not make any more Observatoires.
He certainly has other plans which he is busy bringing to fruition right now. The total number of Observatoires is "less than 40". My guess is somewhere between 35 and 40. It's true that no two Observatoires are exactly alike. The amazing thing is that, n...
Only the mildest overstatement, Tony...
...when you say "It's true that no two Observatoires are exactly alike", as there would appear to have been at least two or three manufactured to the same spec as the piece which features on KV's website (if various owners' scans and posts are anything to...
Pplater
Thanks for a great counterpoint. I certainly can't be 'against' the watch world being richer for the diversity of Kari's many dials and hands... I guess if I were King, I would limit the designs. Maybe it's the conservative in me, but if a watchmaker is w...
Your point is still a good one...
...and it seems that we may yet be in 'furious agreement'. Taking Kari Voutilainen first: he does not come across as one who might be willing to 'do anything' with his watch designs. Not having asked him that question, it may be an incorrect assumption, b...
Absolutely stunning execution.
I love the movement engraving too, it adds another dimension to the watch. Excellent all round. Thanks for sharing, Cheers, Tim
Part V: Kari Voutilainen Chronometer 27 Piece Unique
When I first saw this watch my immediate thought was that this would make a perfect ladies' watch. The engraved centre portion and colour combination of the rose gold case and ivory dial give this a very different look and feel from other Chronometer 27 w...
I want it!
Dang -- the RG with light face makes this an entirely different watch for me -- really striking! Great photos, by the way -- thanks for going to all of the work. They're good enough that it's clear that both of the Kari watches need to return to his ateli...
Part VI: Romain Gauthier Piece Unique
Romain delivered two piece unique watches to L'Atelier, one in rose gold and the other in white gold. Both are identical save for the case metal. The watch pictured below is incomplete, additional movement decoration and finishing remains to be done. This...
Gob-smacking, utterly gorgeous watches.
Of course I am biased towards Kari, as a prior client of his. But I must say that these engraved Peseux and Longines movements are entire symphonies of horological and decorative artistry. Congratulations to the new owners! I am also a big fan of Romain G...
I don't think it is new
I was made to understand the piece unique is identical to his current watches except for the dial so I assume that is not a new feature. - SJX
I do not agree
I don't believe the buyer has higher taste than you, but certainly he's more stylish than you . You came in boring pants and regular shirt? Bah, when I was your age I was glittering in the loudest Moschino and Versace stylocen@jkt
**This**...
...from the man with the Leopard Daytona!!!!! ;-) ;-) ;-) Cheers, pplater.
Great post, SJX....
...and thanks. You guys up there have all the fun! Cheers, pplater.
Goooooooddddddd,
this man's work really speaks to me, the classicism, the personal touches that are very subtle, the exquisite detail work.... the serenity of the whole...... Gauthier!!!
Amazing watches
I find myself mesmerized more by Kari's "simple" designs than any other, from independent or major house. And I wish you had not shown me those engraved movements......... ). Wow! As I understand Observatoire deliveries will be finished this year. Congrat...
I think Gauthier has a chance to be among the ethereal Greats
I feel like we are watching a 'boy wonder' whose 'mature' works will be among the world's most treasured.
Sir, do let me know the next watch you're considering...
I'll make the decision easier by taking some photos of it. - SJX
I think the DeBethune DBS
although not featured here will serve as just temptation for you next month! ;-)
SJX, thanks for sharing the evening with us.
Some wonderful work on display there. Best, Jed
SJX, thank you for showing us your very beautiful............
Photographs of those stunning watches. Like PPlatter said you have all the fun. I would love to go to one of these smashing occasions. I love reading this type of report.
A new small detail I also notice on the Chronometre 27
is the use of "proprietary" scews on the dial side--on the WG versions I belive these were blued slot head screws.
Wow awesome coverage report SJX
and love your pictures. Your macros pics sure do the watches justice! Cheers, Anthony
Wonderful work
Thank you for these pictures. I've appreciated to see watches that I allready saw on bad pictures, so no possibility to appreciate the real work made by these artists ! Great, thank's again. Deniz