Gary G
3734
Very interesting observations!
Thanks for your forthright comments here -- while I am a big admirer and devoted customer of Kari's, I by no means adore every single implementation of his vision -- but that's somewhat par for the course, I suspect.
I do agree with you that Kari is perhaps accommodating to a fault from time to time -- but having seen in person the unique repeater and two time zone watches in this report, I can say that I found both captivating. And, the lacquer dialed watch that Oliver likes so much also looks splendid to me, at least in photos.
At the end of the day perhaps it's a bit of different strokes for different folks. I wore my Observatoire last night for the first time in a while, and at dinner when I saw it peeking out from under my cuff in the evening light, it literally took my breath away. Happily, more and more of the pieces in my collection have that effect (or something like it on a more modest scale) -- but I completely understand and admire that you know your own tastes well enough to say "no" when others are shouting "yes!"
Best,
Gary G
Part II - Kari Voutilainen at Baselworld 2013
This is part II, related to this: / 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 ...
Thanks for a great report!!
I am on the verge of a custom piece from KV, and this report might just swing it in a certain way :)- Best, Horo
Horo, I would be proud ...
if I would have "inspired" your next piece :-) Good luck! Oliver
Great article Oliver, you proceeded to the soul
of each watch in your tantalizing observations and excellent photographs. Many thanks for a great read on a great watchmaker. Best to all, Tim
Thriller
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
... together with ...
popcorn and beer? I am happy that you liked it my friend! Oliver
Always good to see Kari's watches. in another universe...
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!
Many thanks, Oliver. You captured the master's...
... 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...
I searched through my archives...
... and found these two shots from a show they did in Los Angeles about 6 or 7 years ago. Luke clearly puts forth a different kind of effort when Beck's close by. Jeff Beck - Billboard Live Sunset Strip Steve Lukather - Billboard Live Sunset Strip - Scott...
Oliver, ...
what shall I say - I am in total agreement with your predilection for the Sarasamon piece and all I can say: it has to be like this - the dial, the case, the hands and the strap. Who would have thought that such a dial would fit so well to a Voutilainen w...
You have an excellent taste, my friend :-)
I would love to go to the lacquer master with Kari :-) Great report, Oliver! Ken
... and you are living in one of the most ...
dangerous places in the world. Whenever I visit you, I have to take good care about my bankaccount ... :-) Thanks, my friend! Oliver
Yeah, I am defying the "danger" everyday...
... and I will try to protect you from it, too :-) Ken
I don't 'get' Kari anymore
I was a worshipping fan up til a year or so ago. I made a dream come true and owned an Observatoire. Then I sold it. Strangely, I never fell in love with that watch. But I could never say it lacked passion or breathtaking attention to detail. However, it ...
Mostel, you have some interesting thoughts ...
and with some I can agree. "collectors whims" I don´t like them all and even discussed it with Kari, several times. But when it comes to taste, who can judge? Would you mind to share more of your thoughts regarding your piece? What went wrong? The first w...
Very interesting observations!
Thanks for your forthright comments here -- while I am a big admirer and devoted customer of Kari's, I by no means adore every single implementation of his vision -- but that's somewhat par for the course, I suspect. I do agree with you that Kari is perha...
Interesting Mostel
I am curious as to why you did not gel with the watch.... I normally fall head over heels for a watch before I own it, then fall more in love with it when it is on the wrist or feel like I have been married to it for years (ie. I have to wear it but not n...
Is masochism really such a bad thing?
Mostel, Thank you for your thought provoking question. First, I have to declare my unbiased position as I do not own a Voutilainen watch. I've seen a fair number and, of course, the Voutilainen PuristS' 10th edition for our 10th anniversary that I deliver...
A real purists watch maker...
would be either Rolex or Patek Philippe - with their take-it-or-leave-it approach... We watch enthusiasts are a really strange crowd. We appreciate independent watchmakers because of the 'personal experience', the individual touch and the 'intimate proces...
Let's remember M.Breguet
Some of the historical horological treasures came into existence because M.Breguet chose to produce bespoke watches for Napoleon, Mary Antoinette without the funding from these "collectors", the concept and the watches would never have been realized. I b...
Patek...
Have done unique pieces too for important clients. No idea on Rolex as not a brand I follow... Cheers Andrew
My thoughts...
I appreciate very much the replies to my comment. I was not imagining it would be so provocative, quite honestly. Well, to get to my response: The Observatoire itself could probably not be a finer watch, in any way. I would never speak a word of that sort...
Mostel,rest assured
That your words came across loud and clear, sometimes it happens, the live experience( not only live, but when you put your money towards a certain watch) is the only way to realise if the two of you are meant together or not...... A bit like a relationsh...
some very thoughtful personal words
well who can argue with someones feelings for a specific watch! I love these passionate stories. Best regards, Dirk
Mostel, threads like this make me...
... so happy. Reading your assessment brings a huge smile across my face. You nailed every point with precision. As a collector who is currently in the process of custom spec discussions with the master himself, I can and will say that not all of KV 's pi...