Kari Voutilainen Observatory Platinum — WatchProSite Forum Digest

alex · 2007-12-16T06:12:01Z

See exclusive scans of the Kari Voutilainen Observatory watch in platinum, a unique piece showcasing exceptional finishing and independent watchmaking artistry.

alex

WPS member · Independents forum

38 replies16385 views0 photos

Alex shares exclusive scans of the only Kari Voutilainen Observatory watch crafted in platinum, a piece unique at the time of its posting. This rare glimpse into an independent watchmaking masterpiece offers collectors a detailed look at Voutilainen's exceptional finishing and design philosophy. The post serves as a testament to the artistry and exclusivity found in high-horology independents.

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The owner of this watch who recently recieved his Observatory by Kari Voutilainen asked me to post these scans on his behalf. This is to date the only version in platinum

Hope you enjoy the photos

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added to Editor's Pick

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2007-12-16 09:32:27

Key Points from the Discussion

The movement's layout, specifically the lowered escape wheel cock, is designed to allow for a slightly smaller escape wheel diameter with a shorter pallet/lever, rather than solely for a larger balance wheel.
Kari Voutilainen's watches, particularly the Observatory Chronometer calibre, are considered outstanding and comparable only to Philippe Dufour's marvels in current production, with appealing and unique classical designs.
The blued parts of Voutilainen's hands are heat blued and then friction-fit onto white gold bases, a testament to the elaborate craftsmanship involved.
The 'tourbillon-style' balance cock on some Observatoire models is a one-off request to enhance visibility of the balance and Grossman curve, and Kari Voutilainen offers various customization options for the Observatoire series.
The finishing on the Voutilainen Observatory watch is described as unparalleled, even to an untrained eye, highlighting its shocking beauty and making it an instant classic.
The sharing of such a rare, piece unique in platinum embodies the spirit of the collector community, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate a masterpiece that might otherwise remain hidden.

The Discussion

ei8htohms

Dec 16, 2007

awesome piece, question about the balance bridge

Hi Alex, That's a beautiful piece, thanks so much for posting it and thanks of course also to the owner. Do you know what the deal is with the balance bridge? At least one other Observatoire I've seen had the very thin, tourbillon-style balance cock which amply displayed the Grossman inner curve of the hairspring. I thought at the time that it was a standard feature of this series, but seeing this piece I'm not sure what the story is. Do you know? Thanks! _john

alex

Dec 16, 2007

Hi John, As far as I know the finishing of the movement including the

shape of the balance cock were executed to the clients taste and certain of these watches were made with a balance cock similar to the one in Kari(s chronograph.

gompie

Dec 16, 2007

Awesome pics

And WHAT a nice watch. Just perfect. Thx a lot for sharing. (do you members know if originally the escape wheel bridge was BELOW the balance rim? Or has it been modified? The size of the balance is really rather nice)

SteveG

Dec 16, 2007

AFAIK, based on two other examples, this is a

standard feature of the 260, and presumably for the reason you suggest, it allows a much larger balance:

Mostel

Dec 16, 2007

Looooooooooove it

That is without question the best version of that watch. You run out of superlatives with Voutilanen! I'd just like to note that I had the opportunity to buy a pt version of this watch about 6 months ago or so, which makes me wonder if there may be more than one pt. out there?

tony p

Dec 25, 2007

There will be at least one more.

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