Cozmopak
2749
When a "grail" knocks on your door
I don't believe in "grail" watches, as tastes are capricious and what one day the heart covets, the next day it rejects. But the Chronometre 27 by Kari Voutilainen has been a watch that my heart has coveted for years, and I have finally added it to my collection. It is the closest thing to a grail that I have yet attained.
Originally, I was going to pursue a Roger Smith timepiece and am currently still on his waitlist, but his prices have risen beyond my comfort level. I also find the brand's focus on auction results very distasteful.
And so, by rejecting a Smith, new opportunities became possible.
Hence, the Chronometre 27, an absolutely exquisite example of high independent horology, in my very humble opinion.
When a "grail" knocks on your door
I don't believe in "grail" watches, as tastes are capricious and what one day the heart covets, the next day it rejects. But the Chronometre 27 by Kari Voutilainen has been a watch that my heart has coveted for years, and I have finally added it to my col...
congrats on a very special piece!
but it is a sin to post its dial without a shot of the movement ! Is it still in production?
No it is not!
I'll take some photos of the movement soon. Kari used new old stock Longines 360 ebauches, which are competition grade calibres. There are very few to begin with. I believe he made a total of around 20 examples circa 2008.
Congratulations. I am also a huge fan.
Not really ébauches, Rather true cal. 360 in their double casing. The vast majority of those cased in by Voutilainen have not been presented to observatory competitions. The exact production number of cal. 360 is known. So is the total number of chronomet...
I think it is good to keep that information secret. It is good that these wonderful pieces keep some of their secrets. I can assure you that it is a very rare caliber, not as rare as a cal. 30GD but very rare none-the-less.
And its production number is only known by a handful of passionate collectors of Observatory chronometers. As far as the numbers of Kari's chronometer 27. Do not trust information posted on the net. Not even specialised sellers... I hope you will enjoy yo...
I’m curious how you have come to attain this knowledge
That you purport to hold secret.
Don't get me started on Smith...
...it was the 'one that got away' simply because when they were affordable I was newly married with no money : ) But I have a friend who was notified that he would be getting his Smith next year, but he passed, and purchased two or three more lovely watch...
Yes, unfortunately I can't justify owning one of their watches at current prices.
There are too many alternatives that are a fraction of the price and equally, if not more, appealing.
Very nice, a good catch, huge congrats!
It didn’t take too long till you find your grail here!
Yes, one of his very rare forays into the world of shaped watches
The movement is rectangular, and so a rectangular case was a necessity. He of course gave it a very stylized and sculpted Kari flair.
Wow, that was fast!
Im surprised you were able to find one pretty fast. I feel like I never see them anywhere for sale. Looks amazing! You owe us some of those crazy macros of the back that you usually shoot!
I am surprised as well.
And feel incredibly fortunate that I was able to deal directly with a collector.
Lucky you ...
you got yourself one of the best/most interesting watches from Kari Voutilainen. I am a big fan of the Chronometer 27, but it took me some time to understand the value of this beatuy. Congrats!
It has a nice symmetry, congratulations!
I like the RWS, but I hear that things are going up a bit quickly.
Congratulations on this spectacular watch!
As I said earlier, it's one that makes my heart skip a beat.
Damn you’re one lucky man
Congrats !! And indeed I share your sentiments on Roger Smith. Only passionate watchmakers move me. I’m less interested in hype, and not chasing the newer, flashier, more colorful and attention seeking timepieces. I’m kinda done save a few older reference...
Thank you!
Yeah, Roger Smith seems much too focused on monetary value these days. Every email from his workshop references their outstanding auction results rather than the work they are actually performing. It’s honestly quite boring to me. And I know that I’m not ...
OK I was goingto ask about this new RS attitude...
...but your post answered my questions and more. Thanks.
Huge Congrats, a fantastic and gorgeous KV .
A rare and amazing watch and i think you made the right decision imho as i have the same feelings about RWS . Looking forward to see more pics
Glad I could help! =)
Background story that you probably don't know until now. I happened to see your WTB post - I check Purists maybe once a week and that day it was the first top post in the Collectors Corner. I contacted my friend in the east coast who owns one, and I knew ...
True grail piece
IMHO way better than your other dream. I'll take KV over RS again and again.
What an amazing watch!!! Congrats on the new purchase!!
It is also one of my fav Kari watches (i do really like the special guilloche dial and world timer tho lol) especially the glass sapphire dial which is really cool for me!! You have one of my absoluete faviorite collections and it is always a pleasure to ...
Wow that really didn't take long
Congrats on your new timepiece! Love the case shape.
Right place at the right time
One of the 20 owners in the world decided it needed to find a new home
Big congrats on adding such a special piece to your collection!
Wear it in the best of health!
Bam !!! 💥💥💥
Totally amazing ! What a catch! Huge congrats to you ! 👍👏👏 Enjoy it (I am sure you do) and wear it in the best of health !