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Lot Essay
Kari Voutilainen’s understanding of traditional high watchmaking is expressed through an uncompromising attention to every component of his watches, from their movements and cases to their meticulously handcrafted dials. The present Vingt-8 SC is an exceptional and unique example, combining a stainless steel case with a striking onyx dial and the technical sophistication for which the Finnish watchmaker has become renowned.
Introduced in 2011, the Vingt-8 has become one of Voutilainen’s defining creations and an important model in contemporary independent watchmaking. The present unique piece is distinguished by its handmade onyx dial, framed by a finely hand-guilloché surround. The depth and purity of the black stone contrast beautifully with the intricate engine-turned decoration, while the steel hands lend the composition a particularly restrained and elegant appearance. The hour markers are rendered as baton indexes, with the notable exception of 5 o’clock, represented by the Roman numeral ‘V’ in reference to the present owner having been born on the 5th. Further emphasising its bespoke nature, the initials of the present owner appear above 6 o’clock, discreetly incorporated into the dial. Its unique status is additionally confirmed by the inscription ‘Unique Piece’ on the caseback.
The entire conception, design, manufacture, finishing and assembly of the watch were undertaken within Voutilainen’s workshops. Its dial exemplifies one of the watchmaker’s most celebrated areas of expertise: traditional engine-turning performed on historic guilloché machines. Achieving the required precision and depth can demand several days of painstaking work, reflecting the artisanal approach that defines Voutilainen’s production.
Calibre 28 SC
Providing a power reserve of approximately 65 hours, the calibre 28 SC marked the first Voutilainen movement to incorporate central seconds. Its architecture is distinguished by rose gold wheels and a large 13.60 mm free-sprung balance fitted with a Breguet/Grossmann balance spring and rose gold inertia blocks.
At the heart of the movement is Voutilainen’s direct-impulse escapement, inspired by Breguet’s échappement naturel. Employing two escape wheels that deliver direct impulses to the balance, the system reduces the energy losses associated with a conventional Swiss lever escapement, contributing to greater efficiency and stability. Voutilainen was the first contemporary watchmaker to employ a two-wheel direct-impulse escapement in this particular configuration.
Kari Voutilainen
Born in Finland in 1962, Kari Voutilainen trained at the renowned watchmaking school of Tapiola before continuing his studies at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel in 1990. He subsequently spent nine years working at the atelier of Parmigiani, followed by several years teaching watchmaking at WOSTEP.
In 2002, Voutilainen established himself as an independent watchmaker in Môtiers, Switzerland. His dedication to traditional methods, exceptional hand-finishing and innovative movement construction has since established him as one of the leading figures of contemporary independent watchmaking.
Introduced in 2011, the Vingt-8 has become one of Voutilainen’s defining creations and an important model in contemporary independent watchmaking. The present unique piece is distinguished by its handmade onyx dial, framed by a finely hand-guilloché surround. The depth and purity of the black stone contrast beautifully with the intricate engine-turned decoration, while the steel hands lend the composition a particularly restrained and elegant appearance. The hour markers are rendered as baton indexes, with the notable exception of 5 o’clock, represented by the Roman numeral ‘V’ in reference to the present owner having been born on the 5th. Further emphasising its bespoke nature, the initials of the present owner appear above 6 o’clock, discreetly incorporated into the dial. Its unique status is additionally confirmed by the inscription ‘Unique Piece’ on the caseback.
The entire conception, design, manufacture, finishing and assembly of the watch were undertaken within Voutilainen’s workshops. Its dial exemplifies one of the watchmaker’s most celebrated areas of expertise: traditional engine-turning performed on historic guilloché machines. Achieving the required precision and depth can demand several days of painstaking work, reflecting the artisanal approach that defines Voutilainen’s production.
Calibre 28 SC
Providing a power reserve of approximately 65 hours, the calibre 28 SC marked the first Voutilainen movement to incorporate central seconds. Its architecture is distinguished by rose gold wheels and a large 13.60 mm free-sprung balance fitted with a Breguet/Grossmann balance spring and rose gold inertia blocks.
At the heart of the movement is Voutilainen’s direct-impulse escapement, inspired by Breguet’s échappement naturel. Employing two escape wheels that deliver direct impulses to the balance, the system reduces the energy losses associated with a conventional Swiss lever escapement, contributing to greater efficiency and stability. Voutilainen was the first contemporary watchmaker to employ a two-wheel direct-impulse escapement in this particular configuration.
Kari Voutilainen
Born in Finland in 1962, Kari Voutilainen trained at the renowned watchmaking school of Tapiola before continuing his studies at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel in 1990. He subsequently spent nine years working at the atelier of Parmigiani, followed by several years teaching watchmaking at WOSTEP.
In 2002, Voutilainen established himself as an independent watchmaker in Môtiers, Switzerland. His dedication to traditional methods, exceptional hand-finishing and innovative movement construction has since established him as one of the leading figures of contemporary independent watchmaking.