Picked up the Kaen from Kari last week...my grail watch
Boom! For you WIS out there, this watch needs no introduction, but for the rest of you…This is the watch that rocked SIHH and Baselworld 2016 when it was unveiled. The Voutilainen Vingt-8 Kaen (Flame). PIECE UNIQUE.
One of the greatest lacquer studios of Japan, Unryuan, under the guidance of Mr. Tatsuo Kitamura, create works of lacquer art that stand at the pinnacle of Japanese tradition, bringing a craft that has existed for hundreds of years into the present, exemplifying the passion to preserve the soul, spirit, and identity of traditional Japanese culture as expressed in the Edo period. This superlative work engages us immediately on a physical level and one can only stand in awe at the commitment, patience, and dedication required to create these works of art. The work of art shown here, using the techniques of lacquering which takes thousands of hours of work to complete the dial and bridges. The materials for its creation: Kinpun (gold dust), Jyunkin-itakane (gold leaf), Yakou-gai (shell of great green turban), and Awabi-gai (abalone shell from New Zealand), which took five people three weeks to sort through in order to select the best examples of color and quality.
Since ancient times, “Hojyu”, a sacred ball-shape gem has been said to have the power to purge (keep off) evil spirits and to fulfill a wish.
The vermilion-lacquered second with gold describes a Hojyu with an auspicious omen motif and generate the energy (the power) into the time by representing a flame.
The distinguished wheel with a traditional Raden pattern converts the diffusion of energetic particle spreading on the bridge into an ordered power to provide the watch.
This symbiosis of Japanese tradition with the Swiss haute horlogerie creations of Kari Voutilainen represents an all-embracing mechanical and visual work of art that unites the East and West in perfect harmony.
The studio Unryuan only produces unique pieces and Mr. Kitamura never repeats his own drawings. This work is a unique example that he has done so far.
His art is considered at the highest level in the world.
Thank you! I was strongly believing I saw it for sale some months ago in a shop. Watchexchange, if my memory serves me well... [nt]
You are correct.
Aaah, thanks again, for my memory. Superb piece of Art. As for Kari V, well, he is the Devil for us, watch lovers with his irresistible temptations. [nt]
Thank you for sharing these pictures Nicolas.
That is the price of real exclusivity, my friend. But we can always try to work on a KV GTG on our own...Please add some Observatory pics, please! [nt]
Hard enough to organize a meeting with you, my firend...
More pics
Observatoire
Chronometre 27
Vingt 8
Superb, this KV 27 is superb. I was lucky to see it once in the flesh, and it is still vivid in my memory. Feel free to post more pictures! [nt]
A new home in the North East of US.
I remember first seeing one of these from SteveH's video reviews, and being completely blown away by the movement...