Some further detail from Kari (via mysef)

Hello Walter,

I have discussed the matter with Kari (not strictly speaking discussed as this was Email exchanges).

As a matter of fact the layout of the caliber 25 is very similar to the Valjoux 13'' as Kari finds this basis technically interesting.

But the a Caliber 25 is not a re-worked Valjoux : the caliber 25 components are produced by Kari and his team as per his own quality criteria and then assembled in Môtiers.

The "in-house" input of Kari is not mainly on the design but on the making.

This is very consistent with his philosophy that is to use the legacy of the watchmakers of the XXth century (or even older) and to go further (if possible) in the watchmaking art.

One can find the same with Vianney Halter (his Antiqua, Classic and Contemporaine were developed on a layout similar to the one of the Lemania 8810 while the Trio is inspired by the Peseux 7001). Even the Simplicity by Master Dufour is inspired by an existing caliber (Lecoultre, if I am correct).

To be frank, I find more interesting a top quality making with a very classical technical design than an average (or worse) making with a freak design.

As I said during my conference in Belles Montres Show in Paris on last november : "Designing and making a watch that looks like a kite and saying "I did it myself" is not enough to be an Independent".

IMHO, a real (or valuable) Independent shall gather 2 criteria :

- mastering his art which is MAKING watches

- basing his creation on strong (even if arguable) points of view about the related aspect of horology.

IMHO, Kari gathers the above.

Best regards

Philippe M

💰9 Marketplace Listings for Kari Voutilainen›

Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph

By: Moses. : May 1st, 2009-19:12

I was wondering if anyone owned or happened to know anything about the Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph: www.voutilainen.ch The transparent (!) ceramic balance, and the escapement in general, looks very unusual indeed. Couldn't find any discussion of t...

Very interesting, indeed!

By: amanico : May 1st, 2009-22:48

Thanks a lot, Moses, to bring this Chrono into light. The finish if the movement looks great, and some parts are really original. What about the base used for it? Lemania? I would like a lot to see pics of the dial, because from what I see on the only pic...

I think it's entirely in-house...makes it even more impressive [nt]

By: Moses. : May 2nd, 2009-17:42

Some details on the balance...

By: Moses. : May 2nd, 2009-17:49

"Spring made of composite carbon fibre in an ultra-fine balance in the shape of a quartz disk. In order to obtain the required amplitude and frequency, this transparent disk, whose density is very low, is made heavier by the addition of small rings of tan...

I was told Longines for some models

By: ArthurSG : May 3rd, 2009-01:05

Not sure if true and if so, if applicable to this piece.

Longines for a few of the Chronometres, but as far as I know, not for chronograph. (nt)

By: ThomasM : May 9th, 2009-13:34

I understand that Gideon Levingston...

By: WHL : May 2nd, 2009-18:45

is the creator of the "Carbontime balance." Hopefully that will help your search. In addition to being a watchmaker crafts cases by hand, some of which were used in Kari's decimal repeaters. Bill This message has been edited by WHL on 2009-05-03 17:06:44

thats a really neat balance. i hope we see it more in the future

By: G99 : May 3rd, 2009-15:36

with the use of silicium and diamondsil becoming more common in escapements, hairsprings etc there should be a use for it in the balance wheel itself. only time will tell. Graham

Some technical inputs about Kari Voutilainen's calibers

By: Philippe M : May 4th, 2009-03:50

Hello dear all, Kari Voutilainen's landmark is the use of NOS calibers that he improves and modifies so as to implement them in classical but modern timepieces. The exception in his collection is the Chronograph Masterpiece which is powered by an "in-hous...

Interesting informations, Philippe

By: amanico : May 4th, 2009-05:02

Seems that KV sums the Best Of the Horological History. Didn't know that KV used a chronometre movement from Longines for the " Chronometre 27 ". Thanks a lot, and stay close to the Horse mouth! Best, Nicolas

Balance?

By: nickd : May 4th, 2009-08:41

Hi Philippe, Thanks for the info. Do you know how Gideon's balance assemble performs compared to something "normal"? I remember reading about it in the HJ a few years ago but I haven't seen any more news. Is anyone else usng them? Cordialement nick

balance and hairspring

By: DonCorson : May 4th, 2009-09:32

It will be interesting to see if Kari's chrono production pieces really will have Gideon's Carbontime hairspring and balance. I know that Kari made at least once watch with them, but last year at the BHI 150th anniversery celebration Gideon spoke about hi...

Well,.....

By: SuitbertW : May 5th, 2009-03:07

Thank you, Philippe, though I've to admit that I've a hard time with this magic word "inspired by "...... When I first heard about Kari's "new in house"chronograph movement I was very excited - when I actually saw the first one in Basel, I was as much sur...

Some further detail from Kari (via mysef)

By: Philippe M : May 6th, 2009-13:51

Hello Walter, I have discussed the matter with Kari (not strictly speaking discussed as this was Email exchanges). As a matter of fact the layout of the caliber 25 is very similar to the Valjoux 13'' as Kari finds this basis technically interesting. But t...

How to order Kari watches

By: JohnFowler : May 7th, 2009-06:24

Dear fans, Please let us know how we can order Kari's timepieces. I heard that there is a long waiting list. Thanks. John

Thanks Suitbert

By: eryck.su : May 14th, 2009-19:58

Thanks for your questions. I find posts of this nature much more useful than just reading praises all the time. At the very least, it's educational, especially when there's a lively debate. Cheers.