Voutilainen Vingt-8 ISO Complication

Mark in Paris · 2017-01-15T11:25:22Z

Explore the Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8 ISO, a unique complication with a mobile minute ring. Discover its poetic display and collector insights.

Mark in Paris

WPS member · Independents forum

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Mark in Paris introduces Kari Voutilainen's Vingt-8 "ISO," a new complication unveiled at SIHH 2017 that redefines time display. This article delves into the innovative mechanism where the minute ring moves with the hour hand, challenging conventional legibility and offering a unique interaction with time.

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The watchmaker has just unveiled a new and original complication in his Vingt-8 model.

You can see on the picture below that there is a mobile minute ring. The ring will move at the same speed than the hour hand. Hence, the minute hand will have to adapt its pace to show the right time.

Here is what Kari Voutilainen says:

"The watch bears an original display of hours and minutes. At the top of each hour, the minute hand overlaps the hour hand, regardless of the time. On every half hour, the minute and hours hands are opposite. The circle of minutes turns at the same rate as the hour hand for easy reading. The angle between the hour hand and the minute hand remains the same regardless of the time. The position of the hour and minute hands, with respect to the other is always the same according to the minutes, whatever the hour is."

A very clever other way of displaying time. And what is surprising is that it still looks very legible that way.

Best, Mark

More on KV's website: http://www.voutilainen.ch/item/vingt-8-iso/

Key Points from the Discussion

The minute hand's rotation speed is 65 minutes per hour, aligning with the hour hand at each full hour, which requires an adjustment from standard analog reading but creates a unique, personal connection to the watch.
The Vingt-8 "ISO" is described as a 'poetic complication' that questions our relationship with time reading, requiring initial effort but offering a subtle, charming experience, especially with its enamel dial and hidden lettering.
The author agrees that watchmaking appreciation extends beyond usefulness and legibility, highlighting the value of original and wonderfully executed displays like the Vingt-8 "ISO."
A collector who commissioned an ISO finds the display more intuitive than traditional layouts, appreciating the alignment of hour and minute hands on the hour and supporting independent watchmakers' innovation.
Some express skepticism, viewing the unconventional display as 'daft' and questioning its necessity when other brands offer more radical departures from traditional layouts.
The watchmaker's extensive collection for a small brand suggests that such innovative displays are a way to introduce diversity without constant, entirely new research.

The Discussion

AnthonyTsai

Jan 15, 2017

Am I reading this correct? So the outer minute ring moves counterclockwise

and you just read the minutes from the 12 o'clock position of the minute ring? - AT

iadxb

Jan 15, 2017

The outer ring moves clockwise at the same speed as the hour hand

While the minute hand is adjusted to move 8.33% faster than normal so in one hour it rotates 390° and catches up to the hour hand. A curious way to display time, perhaps, but not quite a 'complication' in any sense of the word...

AnthonyTsai

Jan 15, 2017

Ah ok. So the time on the watch in the picture is 9:25 instead of the usual 9:13? [nt]

anonymous09

Jan 15, 2017

The minutes rings can’t move clockwise, not based on those images. It has to be counter-clockwise.

Mark in Paris

Jan 15, 2017

If the minute ring follows the hour hand, then it has to be clock wise

hence, the "60" will remain on the hour hand side. But I'll wait for more explanations maybe from someone who will be able to meet KV.

anonymous09

Jan 15, 2017

Ah…the minutes ring is slaved to the hour hand, so the 60 minute mark is always at the tip of it.

The clockwise explanation makes more sense now, with that being the case. Still think it’s a daft thing to do on a conventional layout, just to be different. If you’re aiming for different, then Urwerk, MCT, and Pierre DeRoche have covered that base. Undoubtedly though, because it’s KV, there’ll be people who think it’s the next best thing since sliced bread – if it makes them happy, then maybe (for them) it is.

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