Independents

Been researching ineffectively because I can't find an up-to-date answer. Then again I can't get to Kari's website due to my office's super locked-down browser settings! I'm interested in a Voutilainen Vingt-8 (slightly customized dial). I don't mind wait... 

i think the best way (to most indie watchmakers) is reach them out directly.... as you couldn't access his website... the contact from the website Tel +41 32 861 4832 and Voutilainen @ voutilainen . ch Good luck for your timepiece ! Best, mahesh.,

I don't want to waste Kari's time because I'm not ready to pull the trigger immediately. Sneaking up on the idea of abandoning my long term plan (typical progression Rolex-Patek-Lange-Journe-Indie) by jumping straight to Kari. Appreciate the contact infor... 

Tell him what you have in mind, and an estimate date for your deposit.

I did end up sending Kari a note of interest to learn of the exact process, requirements, times, etc. Appreciate it!

Get a watch from him, let us know.

is very much still available and I believe the wait would be about 12 to 18 months. Lots of customisation available with different metal options from titanium to platinum. A great watch to have and one of my grails. Not sure about the USD price but the CH... 

Hmmm... from a dress watch perspective is it generally held that 11.5mm thickness looks less than elegant on a 37mm case?

For the record, one of the most sought after dress watches, the RW Smith Series 2, measures 38mm and has a height of 13 or 13.5mm!

...the only thing I consider sub-optimal in his wathes.

(Never mind me; I came here to find out the MSRP for a Vingt-8)

If not, just make sure you know that his 39mm wears like a 40.5mm and his 37mm will be like a 38.5mm. This is because of the dial and bezel. A dark dial will help make it smaller. The watch does not feel thick.

Good to know. (The appearance of a) 38.5mm is an ideal dress watch size for my wrist.

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CL, have you seen or tried on Kari's 37mm vs a 39mm?

it wears bigger than I like. I had tried briefly a 37mm Kari's piece (not sure which series was that) once. It feels correct for me but it doesn't wear small. My thought in my mind then, though briefly, it feels like a good size, especially with those lug... 

by wrapping my mouse cable (!) around my left wrist then straightened the cable along a 8.5" paper edge, and I would guess I'm about 7.25" or a little more. That's dead accurate. Thanks for the tip CL!

stick to the 39mm. This is an expensive purchase and if you ever have a change of heart many years later, you will find that the 39mm is easier to sell to a fellow collector. 35mm-37mm are usually nicer with vintage pieces.

I think that will be delayed with this current virus situation. So I was told about 12-18 months under normal circumstances. I’ve never owned a Kari watch so I am looking forward to it. Good luck!

Thank you for your valued input. May I ask about the ordering process? Also, did you configure your dial online? What led you to choose your case diameter (37 vs 39)? Was an initial down payment required? Sorry for the firehose - excited to find someone g... 

and with my habit of second guessing myself I was afraid of making a mistake. That is, not getting the one I would like best. There are so many beautiful ones. In the end I went with a model that I saw at SIHH and fell in love with. A red guilloche dial. ...  

I am sure you will love it. I ordered my vintg8 in 2019 SIHH and got it in 2020 february. It could be ready earlier but I asked for a spare dial too. In addition to e mail exchanges, we met 3, 4 times to discuss details and to make changes during this per...