Comments:
A new indie name from Finland . . . Kortela Valta
A current article in SJX introduces the "Toka" watch from two young Finnish watchmakers and their eponymous brand, Kortela Valta.
My expectation starting in on the article was "just another 3-hander." However, as I read on I was struck that the Toka is perhaps a cut above the usual fare that predominates in this space.
All photos: SJX
A unique and compelling feature in my eyes is the champleve enamel dial. According to SJX . . . "While at first sight one would be tempted to assume the sector tracks and numerals are simply printed on the glossy surface, Toka’s dial is a very different affair. The technique of champlevé enamel involves sculpting a metal base, then filling the depressions with enamel — thus creating indelible markings and three-dimensionality beneath the glossy surface."
The base movement is an Omega calibre 266 with superb finishing and, importantly, in house components from Kortela Volta including a proprietary free-sprung balance.
Being a fan of Parmigiani watches and in particular the manual wound "Hebdomadaire" movement with 8 hand-polished internal angles, I couldn't help but admire the exceptional finishing of the internal angles on this movement as well as the painstaking anglage.
In what is becoming a crowded field, the Toka caught my eye as being "a cut above."
I'm curious what others think.
Thanks for looking.
M4
I do too Larry.
Not only the wonderful finishing but the large balance wheel is eye-catching. At 2.5 Hz, watching the balance wheel would be mesmerizing.
I'd like to see the enamel dial in person.
You're right, the movement side is exceptional.
Thanks for commenting Nicolas.
Thanks for commenting Nicolas.
I first touched base with Roope
since early last year. He is very passionate about watchmaking and is a nice guy. The watch is beautifully hand-finished as you can see in the movement. They also have live streaming on the watchmaking process, something not many watchwakers are comfortable with. I'm following his watch release with anticipation.
Thanks Cozmopak. I'd love to see the dial in person. Clearly the movement is exceptionally beautiful.
Congratulations, now you are officially an Enabler!
Read your great post, then checked the SJX article, then contacted the Company. Immediate response from Roope and I have been allocated a piece with black dial (yes, there is a blue one as well)!!
Massive congratulations Jack!!! I wish I was in position to commit to a piece.
I laughed at the "Enabler" label. More accurately, I'm a zero commission enabler, lol.
Thank you so much!!
For the congrats and for your post! I happily stand corrected, of course you are zero commission enabler, I would have never been able to think otherwise 
Reminds me intensely of Atelier de Chronometrie in Barcelona. Anyone else think so too?
Correction Sir, they used to.
They now have their own caliber developed by them. M284 is its name. It was debuted in 2023, and is used in the current time only pieces. Their website is pretty good and transparent about this.
Hope this clarifies and helps,
Cheers,
Tim
Below is the new caliber.
Hope this clarifies and helps,
Cheers,
Tim
Below is the new caliber.
Thanks for sharing, very interesting 👌👌
Definitely not “just another three-hander”.
I wonder what side is more attractive the enamel dial side or this beautifully finished movement…
Certainly a piece to see in real life 😉
Thanks Mike. It will be hard to see in real life as only 12 will be made, 6 in black enamel and 6 in blue enamel. I'm hoping to have more dial pics to post soon.
