A highly regarded independent watchmaker, Kari Voutilainen is known for his painstaking craftsmanship. The brand takes great satisfaction in its unusually short production runs, producing less than 50 watches a year. The clock in question, though, surpasses even the customary rarity connected to Kari Voutilainen’s designs. This specific watch is a singular work of art that is unmatched. Today we are going to review the 2021 white gold Vingt-8 with its unique salmon dial—a one-of-a-kind piece masterfully produced.
History
Established in 2002, the Kari Voutilainen brand may be relatively young, but its visionary founder, Kari Voutilainen, has been immersed in the world of watchmaking for the majority of his life. A former professor at the WOSTEP School of Watchmaking, he is dedicated to crafting timepieces that are both accurate and aesthetically pleasing, renowned for their exceptional hand-finishing work. A cursory look at the dial and movement of any Voutilainen creation reveals a mastery of multiple exquisite hand-finishing techniques.
The exceptional Vingt-8 featured here is part of one of the brand’s iconic watch lines. Introduced in 2011 as the successor to the Observatoire, the original Vingt-8—translating to 28—marked a pivotal moment for the brand. It was the inaugural timepiece by Kari to house in-house movements, showcasing the groundbreaking caliber 28. This significant leap forward solidified the Kari Voutilainen name as a formidable force in the watchmaking realm. Today, his unparalleled finishing techniques and artisanal approach have established him as one of the foremost contemporary watchmakers, making unique creations like this one even more coveted.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Voutilainen
Model: Prototype Vingt-8 – Singular Creation
Movement: Manual-Winding
Functionalities: Time-Only – Hours, Minutes, Sub-seconds
Attributes: Exhibition Case Back, Sapphire front and back, Blue Hands, Engraved Dial
Case Composition: Platinum
Case Size: 39mm
Crystal: Sapphire on both front and back
Strap: Blue alligator leather strap with a tang buckle
Manufacturing Year: 2014
Design Details
The watch enthusiasts familiar with this brand will instantly recognize the classic features of the case and lug design, aligning seamlessly with Voutilainen’s distinctive aesthetic. The timeless round case and meticulously hand-welded teardrop lugs, though seemingly straightforward, exude a level of craftsmanship that speaks to the brand’s commitment to old-world artistry. Measuring a proportional 39mm in diameter, with the lugs spaced 20mm apart, these dimensions are likely to be embraced as favorites within the watch community. The well-balanced size ensures a comfortable fit on most wrists, while the lug width facilitates easy customization with various straps.
While the case and lugs command attention, as is typical with Kari’s creations, the dial emerges as the true star. The exceptional salmon-colored dial, crafted from sterling silver, boasts a captivating array of guilloché finishes. The minute track on the outside has a brushed finish with circular grains, and the layer in the middle is decorated with a hobnail guilloché that holds the numerals and hour markers. A stunning and complex rosette finish that flows from the center of the main dial like ripples on a pond is featured, while the little seconds subdial has circular brushing and crosshatch finishing at its core. This diverse palette of finishes gives the dial a dynamic, almost fiery appearance, unquestionably making it the standout feature of the watch.
The multi-part hands made of white gold and hand-assembled in Kari’s unique observatory style are further remarkable elements. The deep blue alligator leather band and the crisp, contemporary numerals add to the watch’s overall attractiveness. Striking a harmonious balance between classic and contemporary styling, this watch possesses a timeless quality that transcends fleeting fashion trends.
Inner Workings
Driving this exquisite timepiece is the caliber 28, a namesake inspired by the model itself. This manual-wound movement boasts a commendable 50-hour power reserve and distinguishes itself with a groundbreaking double wheel escapement—an unprecedented innovation in horology. The dual escapement wheels deliver a direct impulse to the balance through the impulse jewel, requiring significantly less energy compared to conventional escapements. This not only enhances the watch’s long-term reliability but also contributes to its remarkable accuracy. Beyond its mechanical ingenuity, the movement stands out for its exceptional finishing, setting a new standard in craftsmanship.
The meticulous attention to detail extends to the crown wheel, click spring, and click, all of which exhibit a flawless black polish. In a striking visual contrast, the bridges adopt a frosted finish reminiscent of classic pocket watches. This deliberate dichotomy serves to focus attention on individual components, allowing for a profound appreciation of each intricate piece. It’s a masterful technique that ensures the dedication and artistry invested in the timepiece do not go unnoticed.
Personality
This timepiece is designed for individuals who cherish a profound connection to the artistry of watchmaking. It caters to those who seek an artisanal watch, eschewing the allure of mass-produced hype. For the discerning owner who values the intimate sensation of possessing something meticulously crafted with care and thoughtful consideration, this watch is an embodiment of that desire. While other Kari Voutilainen creations offer a similar experience, the unparalleled intimacy reaches its zenith with a one-of-a-kind piece.
Final Thoughts
There’s a rising trend in the watch world to separate out from the crowd with more unusual options, especially in the current landscape when attention tends to focus on a few extremely popular timepieces. You probably agree with this if you’re one of the people that think highly of Kari Voutilainen’s craftsmanship. There are few watches that compare to this one in terms of distinctiveness and personality for people who value those qualities. A unique wristwatch is the pinnacle of standing out and being unique.