ztirual
1269
Congrats Mark
A very nice watch.
As you know not my favorite dial configuration, both for its choice of surface finish and for choice of font for the digits, but a wonderful watch never-the-less. Just a question of taste, of personal preference. Watchmakers being able to do their own dial with their own rose engine are not legion. Kari has three of them, one for "circular" patterns and two for "linear" patterns. It is one of the things that Kari can offer and does best, others can't. The result is simply out of this world. Please do not get me wrong, I like your dial too, I feel that it has a very nice balance. The use of metal-ringed cartouche, a detail I am not frown upon in Kari's watches that can also be seen in most of his 28R's, is the nicest I have seen in any of Kari's watches. You are also absolutely right about that north-south balance. But I prefer his guillochés dials. Not the most complex or the most busy ones. I like them with simple patterns and especially with "piqûres" that give them an extra 3D effect and make them "breathe" so well. Those dials have altogether a simplicity and a density as well as a playfulness that I have never seen in any other watches. I wonder how bright your lacquered dial really is… If you do decide to order an additional, reserve, guilloché dial, you will need to think carefully. The effectsof guillochage vary not only as a consequence of chosen pattern(s), the color of the dial also plays a very important role. I have seen at Kari's the black version of your watch. Sadly I could not take a decent picture of it nor read the time on it (!) as it was reflecting almost as much light as a mirror… Sadly I did not see yours. The finishing of the movement of your watch is also the one I like best for the reasons that you explain so well.
All in all a bold and original choice.
May it tick many many happy hours.
Z'
This message has been edited by zed on 2015-11-02 00:42:38
Review: A review of the Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8
Gentlemen, As I promised when I posted my first pictures, here is the review of my Kari Voutilainen "Vingt-8" . INTRODUCTION As you know, I love the independent watchmaking world. Their watches are unique in design, style and their company's structure and...
Your watch is exquisite!
Your choice of dial and movement finish truly highlight the skill that Voutilainen utilizes in crafting his watches. I don't think you could have done better. And to see your photographs in this article-what a tease you had posted a month ago! These are b...
Great watchmaker indeed
Mike, thank you I appreciated your comments very much There are so many choices which are worth it in KV's workshop that it was difficult to choose. The last months confirmed my decision, even if I would have been happy with other possibilities too (and s...
Very much so
The reading enjoyment is great indeed - thank you so much for your meticulous review of the watch and its creation process! You got yourself a true stunner.
Thank you, it's my pleasure!
I think I have indeed come to gather with this piece many of the ingredients I like in watchmaking. I'm glad we can be able to find such work still today. Cheers, Mark
Not only is the result impressive
It is great that such fine skills are being kept alive (and kicking) for the collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy.
You're right and from what I could read and discuss,
it is not that easy to keep. Some watchmakers really try to share their knowledge in that field but the hard work and tenacity needed is not something that all the new watchmakers agree to perform. Hope they'll be able to pass on the torch! Cheers, Mark
A general problem
I see it in many industries. Possibly Gen Y will \'grow up\' like others before then, or maybe not. But I often see to much entitlement thinking and too little willingness for hard work...
It seems to be a general statement
Trends go one way and when they've gone too far they backswing the other way. I noticed the same trend as you did...
Instead of the morning papers..
with the usual depressing news about the world, I was put into a far better mood by perusing your review on the Vingt-8. This comes as no surprise to watch aficionados when such a beautiful watch is presented with enthusiasm and complimented with such sup...
Coming on the forum is indeed where we can find moments of pleasure
and I'm glad the review made you smile I share your opinion that when someone masters those skills that way it is a great maner to express artistery indeed. He has talent and I think taste. I particularly loved those bridges finishing and the way they are...
Congratulations on a piece of art work...
this is a whole new level of watch making at its best. I love the "Hand Made" wording instead of the widely used Swiss or Swiss Made, very intuitive and right on. Every piece is like piece unique and makes it so special. It will take quite a bit of courag...
Art work
I totally share your opinion on that matter, it is nice to be able to go deeper in watchmaking technics. The way bridges and moving elements were polished and decorated on the movement side was something very important in my choice. As you say, deciding t...
It is very interesting to read all the reasons of your choices, options and so on.
A bit like if you were in charge of the development of the watch. Which is, for a collector, the cherry on the cake. Great article! Best, Nicolas
My pleasure Nicolas! I thought it could help people to explore the distinctive features
of independent watchmaking and how much they love their profession. They don't have the means to advertise their work so it is a little help when we can You put it well indeed: it is a bit like being part of the team, in a way... Thank you very much for y...
A great review Mark!
Loving reading it and enjoying your photos! I hope I can get a watch from Kari one day. They are real pieces of art! Thanks for the review and sharing your watch with us. I can feel your pride and joy being the owner Cheers Robin
This is all I can wish you Robin
What KV does is really impressive and brings very much satisfaction in the watch journey as there aren't many watchmaker who provide such a work. Thank you for your very kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Cheers, Mark
A great review, a great watch and a great watchmaker...
Furthermore, the watchmaker has a fantastic christian name! I considered Kari's watches for a long time. I love the design and I love the workmanship. But one can't own all of them. Unfortunately. For a long time I considered two main routes: Either to ge...
Finland has talent :)
You're indeed the two only Kari I know! We all have our priorities and guidelines and your trip among watches is a very beautiful one. Maybe in the future you'll feel like trying the experience, who knows. As for the routes you're talking about, there are...
When I was young, a long time ago,
Kari wasn't too uncommon name. In my first class in the elementary school we were seven. In Finland Kari is a bit like Mark in English speaking countries... There was a time when I had "samples" of all so called top brands: ALS, AP, Blancpain, Breguet, Ca...
I had a lough when I read "victim"
Anyway, you have a very special link to Patek ingredients and how they approach the watchmaking world. We all try to reach these watches (same brand or not) which may satisfy our desire. There are so many creterion involved in this alchemy. Money is hard ...
Big Congrats Mark...
and a wonderful and very informative review of a very special watch that deserved no less, wear her in health and happiness S
Thank you Salman!
I know you like independent watchmakers too and am glad you enjoyed it. I tried to make it as thourough as possible as I think there are many aspects which are interesting but difficult to see just from a small experience or pictures. Have a nice week! Ch...
Pure and exquisite; an excellent read Mark
Thank you first and foremost in sharing this beautiful KV with us, each piece has a unique feel, and yours is absolutely beautiful. The laquer on the dial is so pure, hats off to you on the choice! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this with my morning coffee,...
I'm glad you enjoyed it Colton
I know you like looking at different directions in watchmaking and am glad you appreciated my review. Indeed, they are all unique, the fact we "participate" to the project adds to the customization and appropriation of the watch. I love lacquered dial and...
Hands
I think they may not be everyone's taste but yes, they are quite unique and I love them too Thank you Joe for your compliments. Cheers, Mark
Different curves
First, thank you for your words Ron, it is a very nice compliment coming from you considering your knowledge and experience. As for the two different curves, I don't know as I didn't notice another one when I studied this one. Maybe it exists (I would be ...
I really should have congratulated your first on your new watch. In an ideal world...
I would have another watch of Ksri's
I'm hit by 28
Dear Mark Thank you for your time for sharing an absolutely impressive review with us. A well written report with lots of details and know how in it, which is accompanied with excellent pictures. Really appreciated. An important piece in the watch world! ...
Important piece
I share your opinion Kolosstt about KV's work. And, yes, I think that even if the front side is simpler and nicely designed, the main interest lies on the movement side: the finishing and contrasts between polished, sandblasted and perlées surfaces are ma...
What a seminal review & great pictorial !.. Thx for letting us, the readers participate in your reasoning & the whole "inner process" to eventually arrive..
.. at your Master, your watch & through your passionate journey. Your selected piece is a splendid marvel, a superb timepiece.. The grand master Kari Voutilainen has created something sublime, but also very personal for you.. Continue to wear her in the B...
It was indeed a passionate journey hs
I discovered the brand maybe 4 years ago and came slowly to this watch. It is as you say gathering many incredible elements of high-end watchmaking. It is a pleasure to share this experience with purists like you. Thank you so much for your very kind word...
Beautifully written post
for beautifully executed masterpiece One can feel love, pride and respect reading your great post Once more congrats and thank you for taking time to make reference post about Vingt-8 Cheers D
It is a pleasure to do it for you guys
I have indeed a lot of respect for his work and courage. I'm very happy to share it here with people who also like independents watchmakers. Thanks a lot for your compliment Damjan, I appreciate very much! Cheers, Mark
White passion
Thank you and congratulations Mark! Your passion has given your watch an authentic soul, the long and researched path you've pursued has given it a crystalline perfection. I find your Vingt-8 simply beautiful, I love its cleanliness, I think your choices ...
It is a real pleasure to read about you thoughts
We seem to share a commun appeal for KV's work Elio I take a very long time to make my decision before buying a watch, this gives time to study and understand it I guess. The cleanness it something I wanted to see in this watch, that's why I went for Arab...
Congrats Mark
A very nice watch. As you know not my favorite dial configuration, both for its choice of surface finish and for choice of font for the digits, but a wonderful watch never-the-less. Just a question of taste, of personal preference. Watchmakers being able ...
Thank you Z'
We indeed discussed about the dial and I still plan to have your dial design as an alternative sometime in the future. It is a very nice combination of guilloché and modern look. As you said, between the colors and all the available patterns, it is going ...
wow!
Congratulations on this piece Mark! One has to handle a KV to understand what it is. I had the pleasure of doing this for the first time this weekend in London and was able to enjoy the company one on one with the man himself for a good hour. What a gentl...
Indeed there is a significant difference between pictures and handling it
I saw the man and discussed with him for the first time last year in Paris and he is very open to discussing about technics, mechanical choices etc... So much to understand and to learn. I wish you can take the plunge one day indeed Thank you very much fo...
I’ve been scouring Instagram and this forum
Looking for examples of Voutilainen watches, since I’m strongly leaning in the direction of ordering one. I forget sometimes that he makes non-guilloche dials, and this one in particular is splendid in its elegant simplicity.