Independents

Baselworld 2012: Kari Voutilainen

 

As promised, please find my Kari Voutilainen report.

It would have been a pity to wait for more days because Kari proposed us two surprises this year:

- the use of caliber 28 in a smaller case (37mm)
- and its first Tourbillon watch

Let's start with the 2-Eight.

The 2-Eight is supposed to be a ladies' watch featuring caliber 28 which was unveiled at the beginning of 2011 with the Vingt-8. But believe me, this watch will be  very attractive also to male collectors!

In a few words, as you know, caliber 28 is an in-house movement with a low frequency (2,5hz), a large balance wheel (almost 14mm) with 4 counterweights, a spiral with two specific curves: Breguet overcoil for the external one, Grossmann curve for the internal one. Power reserve is 50 hours. But the main feature is visible below the balance wheel: there are two escapement wheels which give a direct impulse to the balance.

To sum up caliber 28 in a few words, it containts a lot of Kari's key ideas: stability with the low frequency and the large balance wheel, efficiency and optimization of the power use with the two espacement wheels.

The Vingt-8 was a 39mm watch. The 2-Eight is smaller with a 37mm case. Its thickness is roughly 9,5mm vs 11,5mm for the Vingt-8.

It is a very elegant watch thanks to its refined dial. You will notice that there is no second hand. The central part is made of MOP which gives the precious side. Of course, the 2-Eight is very faithful to Kari's style with the Breguet hands, the lugs, the applied figures. The purple strap enhances the feminine side but of course, it can be changed. The cabochon on the "oversized" crown is perfeclty integrated into the design for my taste even if some male collectors would prefer it without.

Winding the watch is pure pleasure, smooth and powerful at the same time. The owners of the Vingt-8 know what I'm talking about. Like with the Vingt-8, the view of the caliber is a true joy for the eyes, the thin and long bridge gives us the ability to  get a broad view on the regulating organ. The two escapement wheels are even visible on the background.

The figures are smaller than with the Vingt-8:

The hands are more beautiful than ever. The dial is pure and complex at the same time:

Caliber 28 has a 30mm diameter. So the use of a 37mm is perfect for it. Finishings are more than flawless, they enhance the beauty of the movement.

Ladies' watch? No problem for me to wear it!

But Kari Voutilainen prepared us another surprise. And what a surprise! His first Tourbillon watch! And as we can expect it with it, it was not a mere Tourbillon.

First of all, when you have a look on the dial, you can't guess it is a Tourbillon  watch: no opening  and no "Tourbillon word" on the dial. A true relief... and a pure private pleasure. This Tourbillon watch explores a new understatement dimension.

Again, focus is made on the regulating organ. The watch has a 40mm diameter and when you turn it over, you discover a movement with a quite unusual lay-out. Of course, dial side, it looks like a slightly larger "Observatoire" with an off-centered small second hand.

But now, look at this amazing Tourbillon: our eyes are immediatly attracted by the bridges and the size of the cage. But that's not enough: it features a detent escapement.

Yes, it is a Tourbillon, look at the change of the escapement position:

But, if you read the inscription on the back bezel, you will understand the sad truth: this watch is a Piece Unique... already sold as you can guess it. The watch has required 8 months of work and it is easily understandable the reason why when we look at the achievement.

I was very proud to be able to put it on my wrist, not sure to be able to do it again soon...

I would like to thank a lot Kari Voutilainen for his warm welcome during the Fair.

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