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M-Scott recounts his journey to acquiring a Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8 in Titanium, a true 'grail' timepiece, perfectly timed with a PuristsPro Swiss GTG. This article captures the excitement of seeing a bespoke watch in production and the satisfaction of its final delivery. It highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and personal touches that define independent watchmaking.
Back in November 2016, I was fortunate to reserve #9/10 of the Kari Voutilainen Limited Edition of his Vingt-8 in Titanium thanks to the help of Mike S and Rob Weintraub at Manfredi Jewelers ( Kari's AD in the US). After much research and help from Rob, Mike S and other fellow watch collectors input, I finalized my selections for my "grail". A couple months later, I was lucky enough to get an invite to join the PuristsPro Swiss GTG. The timing was perfect. I would be concluding a family reunion trip in Europe on the first day of the Swiss GTG. A quick flight from Amsterdam to Geneva and I could combine the two trips. I couldn't believe my luck. I knew I would get a chance to see my grail timepiece in process at the tour of Kari's workshop. A personal highlight to an unbelievable itinerary arranged by Mike S and Mike H.
This was awaiting my arrival on the top floor of the atelier......
Although I was very nervous ( the guys in my tour group can confirm that) to see if I made the right choices (guilloche patterns, color, accent colors, etc.) I could not have been more pleased with what I saw on Kari's personal workbench. An everyday three handed watch loaded with the DNA of Kari Voutilainen with extremely good legibility. Simple yet classy.
The watch was nearly complete. Just a few adjustments, some case engravings, straps and final control monitoring from the Master and the project would be complete.
Fast forwarding to this morning, the watch was delivered!
A very nice watch box!
A closer look....
I love the blued balance bridge. Kari said this was the first time he had ever done that!
A mandatory wrist shot....
Even a closer look.....
Thank you again to Mike H and Mike S for arranging the GTG. I will be sure to post more photos with different strap combos as well. A perfect ending to a perfect Swiss Independent tour!
Cheers,
Mike
