AP John Shaeffer Star Wheel vs. Kari Voutilainen Observatoire
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AP John Shaeffer Star Wheel vs. Kari Voutilainen Observatoire

By quattro · May 23, 2026 · 34 replies
quattro
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
34 replies1422 views15 photos
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Emmanuel, known as quattro, presents a captivating comparison between two highly distinct yet equally appealing timepieces from the collection of @doobooloo. His post invites the community to weigh in on the Audemars Piguet John Shaeffer Star Wheel Minute Repeater and the Kari Voutilainen Observatoire, prompting a discussion that delves into the nuances of haute horlogerie and personal preference. This exploration highlights how collectors perceive value beyond complications, considering factors like aesthetic warmth and unique character.

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Two very different watches, but both extremely appealing:

  • Audemars Piguet John Shaeffer Star Wheel Minute Repeater, ref. 25798TI - Number 2/3 - 34 x 40 mm titanium case - Manual-winding caliber 2865G
  • Kari Voutilainen Observatoire - Unique Piece - No. 26072 - 38 x 10.5 mm pink gold case - Manual-winding movement based on a Peseux 260 ebauche

These two watches are part of the magnificent collection of @doobooloo, whose photos I borrowed for this thread.

Personally, even though I love the AP, which has the advantage of being a minute repeater, the Voutilainen speaks to me more: the movement, the case, the dial, everything....

What about you?

Best, Emmanuel































credit: @doobooloo

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The Discussion
BR
Bruno.M1
May 23, 2026
I'm not a Voutilainen fan

I know ... strange and I even can't explain it. Well I do like them but I don't think I would ever buy one ( IF I could afford one) Could probably name 50 watches I would love more Now the AP, also a no go Sublime watch but from a time when watches for men has the size of a ladies watch. the 40mm you mention is probably lugs included cause the Voutilainen is 38 and it looks A LOT smaller

QU
quattro
May 23, 2026
Both are also out of my reach financially,

but I respond to Voutilainen's watchmaking, whereas I find the metallic dial of the AP too cold. So, not a size problem for me, rather a lack of warmth and "soul" (too big a word of course).

MD
mdg
May 23, 2026
I'm not either...not sure why but I think some of his dial designs are 'clunky.'

HO
hoseachandra
May 23, 2026
AP for me. Not something you see every day. Especially from AP

QU
quattro
May 23, 2026
Very true and it's a great AP, for sure.

Best, Emmanuel

CO
Concord
May 23, 2026
Very different watches, the look , complications, metal

but as much as i like KV here i go with AP. You almost got me on KV Emmanuel. Best, Ashot

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