Independents

Announced in Bejing in October 2016, AHCI member and acclaimed master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen partnered with Chinese mobile phone maker 8848 to create a limited series of Voutilainen-customised smart phones. Overall, 180 pieces will be made. The KariP...  

plus there are ample candid amateur images of the Master and his new kid(s)... But I confess, that was my first thought as well... Magnus

I\'m...uh...really really really not quite sure what to think...

Nice Collaboration and reminds me of a Steampunk dream I had once, where my cellphone was powered by a watch movement instead of a battery.

As much as I love KV and his watches, this kind of cooperation always makes me apprehensive. I am certain the finish and quality will be top-notch, as well as some finishing touches from the master, but this is a gimmick. I am glad this is simply somethin... 

This feels like a very unnatural partnership. This is not Breitling for Bentley or some other collaboration between two brands I can sort of understand how they relate. What next? Roger Smith hand engraving Huawei phones?

that will never happen with Roger Smith with his ethos as it is not in line with the Daniels method Great guy Kari and amazing watches but this will not help his brand. Helping out MB&F and Urban Jurgensen is understandable but this is a risky move.

To be fair, everything I read says that being a low volume, independent watchmaker is a tough business. If this is his way of cashing in and making a few £££s, good for him.

someone will probably die because otherone is doing something different...? Oh you boys, there is a watchdial on a telephone.

I think it seems somewhat bizarre to Western sensibilities, but if it helps to fund Kari's work, I'm all for it. I don't think it hurts the brand at all.

NT

it's so easy to lose credibility. p.s. the phone reminds me a bit of Vertu....am i the only one seeing this? Thumb down

NT

around, world go around....." repeat. That's the reality, let's face it. Until some day when human beings don't have to eat (physically eating), maybe such temptations to succumb to wealth will go away. Rgds Raymond

Does it have a function? Or is it purely decorative? Let\'s not forget; stuff like this has been done many many times before. Look everybody: with Swarovski Of course...a tourbillon in a dashboard by Parmigiani ...  

.. .low for Kari....

saw this on IG (screen print) whatever this may mean? ...  

I feel him deeply. I wouldn't make him do this if I treat him also as a friend or respect him as a master! Joseph

for him, that is: Some people enjoy being photohgraphed, others feel a bit uncomfortable. Best, Magnus ...  

I don\'t even want to comment. Look, I don\'t own a KV watch and may never afford one BUT that doesn\'t make me want a to buy a KV phone. Just the opposite, if I ever get the sort of money that buys a KV watch, knowing that this stupid venture exist will ... 

It is a phone that will run an old android version which can never be adapted for future... Why would....seriously?! I aspire to own a KV some day but not a phone for sure ! Jus see the dial...think again... Best, mahesh., ...  

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and then, the Voutilainen, Sarpaneva and Gronefeld guys sit in one booth in Basel - no wonder some weird collaboration transpired with all these sstrange dutch beers they enjoy ;-) Thanks for the additional info, Magnus

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& innovative

I don't think Kari and Stepan s credibility as two incredible watchmakers will be tarnished by this operation. The device is a sim card cover,why not?Kari has a dial factory facility and Stepan is a genius,they joined together to create another product ,w... 

I cannot agree with you more. Cheers Andrew

Kept people employed , did a good thing! Trying to keep them busy by venturing out is an act of honour in my view... what\'s wrong with doing business? See you next week Mo

I wholeheartedly agree!

Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't think this is a big deal.

a bumper crop of Observatoires come up for sale. Any of you critics want to sell one to me, so you can get the heck out before KV's reputation "tanks"? Yeah. I didn't think so. ( But if you do, send me a PM! )

Towards this phone unless they were already a client of his? There are plenty of diamond encrusted phones to keep the majority of super wealthy clients occupied. So, perhaps, in this vein he is thinking that they will end up as collector items among his l... 

Quill and Pad have published some more details regarding this