Inside Kari Voutilainen's Workshop

Gary G · 2012-01-27T12:53:03Z

Explore Kari Voutilainen's workshop with Gary G, featuring insights into his chronographs, decimal repeaters, and the meticulous finishing process of his independent watchmaking.

Gary G

WPS member · Independents forum

23 replies3855 views21 photos

Gary G offers an exclusive look inside Kari Voutilainen's workshop, providing a rare glimpse into the independent watchmaker's meticulous process. His photo essay captures the blend of traditional tools and modern machinery, highlighting the artistry and passion that define Voutilainen's creations. This post is a valuable resource for understanding the dedication behind high-horology independent watchmaking.

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Our visit last week with Kari started with dinner the evening before, at a brasserie in Lausanne. On display: a Voutilainen Chronograph, property of a Gentleman Purist:

Morning already! The drive over to Motiers complete, we were first treated to the sight of several boxes containing vintage repeater ebauches. Hard to believe that sometime in the future, this will be converted into one of Kari's masterpiece decimal repeaters:

An example of one of the boxes containing plates, bridges, and lots of other parts

Speaking of spare parts, here are the contents of one tiny envelope:

One of the great things about visiting with Kari is that he always seems to have some interesting artifacts to show -- and his deep passion for horology and the traditions of the past is very clear.

Now to the present! Down in the lower level, a variety of parts made on the CNC machines and lathe:

This pinion is really tiny -- believe me

Kari was wearing this Vingt-8. I like this more subtle manifestation of the watch quite a bit -- and the blued hands with silver circles are really cool as well. You can see an identical WIP dial to the right

Stainless steel hands being made for a special series for a retailer. Again, the difference between the unfinished and finished parts is astounding

Upstairs, a Vingt-8 movement being assembled. Love that perlage and striping! The anglage ain't so bad, either

Here's part of a selection of machine tools that Kari bought (along with the machines) when a local manufacturer closed its doors -- otherwise these traditional tools would have headed for the scrap heap

Finally, some watches nearing completion! I won't show the dial sides, but they are gorgeous as well. First, a decimal repeater -- you would not believe how pure this finishing looks in person -- photos can't do it justice

A restoration project: a student watch

Finally, Colin's unique tourbillon as posted recently by him (this is my photo).

There was more going on, but we were asked not to take photos or discuss details. I can, however, say that there is more to come, so stay tuned!

Best,

Gary G

Key Points from the Discussion

Visiting Kari's workshop is a unique experience, offering insights into the creation of his stunning watches, particularly the Vingt-8 during assembly, where the finishing truly shines.
The workshop is a watchmaker's paradise, showcasing raw repeater ebauches and a collection of rescued traditional machine tools, which complement the modern CNC machines.
Kari Voutilainen's finishing continues to improve, reaching a level of quality that is difficult to capture in photographs and must be experienced in person.
A visit to Kari's workshop consistently offers a variety of in-progress projects and a valuable lesson in horological history.
The finishing on the repeater and tourbillon pieces seen during the visit was exceptionally high quality.
The author withheld images of certain dial sides and unique pieces, including an interesting ebauche and his own upcoming watch, as they were either destined for Basel or under a vow of silence.

The Discussion

ztirual

Jan 27, 2012

Fabulous watches and nice insight,

After Geneve, putting your last 3 post together, for me it is just too many good things at the same time. I'm saving you post for later. Meden agan. Ztirual

Gary G

Jan 30, 2012

Thanks so much!

I hope that you enjoyed the post when you returned to it -- it is a joy for me to be able to experience these visits and to be able to share them with you here on PuristS. Best, Gary G

Allen

Jan 27, 2012

That decimal repeater movement is just unbelievably beautiful

Thank for the wonderful summary of the visit.

Gary G

Jan 30, 2012

Agree, Allen

Kari's finishing keeps getting better and better! I wish that I could take a photo that would capture the quality of the work -- just one of those things that one has to hold in one's mind's eye, I suppose. Best, Gary

flamenco

Jan 27, 2012

STUFF of Dreams

Great insights, great photos. I always look forward to your posts! Keep em coming Gary !

Gary G

Jan 30, 2012

Thank you!

I will definitely keep 'em coming as time permits over the coming week -- for now I need to get back to work to afford watches! Best, Gary

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