This Voutilainen 217QRS combines a striking blue dial with a subtle platinumcase. The model integrates a discrete retrograde date function, building on the watchmaker's existingCalibre 28, which will only ever be produced in 30 examples, across three different case metals.

The Story

After a period spent restoring some of the finest watches from the last three centuries, Kari Voutilainen set out as an independent watchmaker. His work has been welcomed with great acclaim, on account of its unique aesthetic and quality. Every component in his watches, from the bridges to the smallest of screws, involves manual labour, from adjusting tolerances to polishing and angling.

His efforts have been recognised with more than a half dozen awards theGPHG(Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Genve), the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry. Building on his classic, time-only Vingt-8, the 217QRS collection brings the added functionality of a retrograde date indicator, which the watchmaker subtly integrates into the design. Only 30 pieces will ever be made, spread out evenly acrossplatinum, white gold and rose gold cases.

The Design

This 217QRS has three different engine-turned patterns on the dark-blue, solid-silver dial. Each pattern reflects light differently, giving the dial a mixture of tones and fantastic depth. The applied Arabic numerals andBreguet-style hands are the standout features of the dial, while the retrograde date arc at the centre of the dial displays white numerals, showing the days of the month. Kari Voutilainen's newly designed case, with more angular, sculpted lugs finish off this timepiece; showing both the watchmaker's uncompromising attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The retrograde date indication is displayed on a 240-degree arc, situated between 4 and 7 oclock, connected to the sub-seconds. The date function is almost concealed, owing to its precise and neat integration. Its advanced by pressing the crown, moving the pointer forward by one day, with each engagement. The retrograde date mechanism itself, enables the indicator of the 217QRS to slowly return from the 31st to the 1st day of the month, avoiding any possible inaccuracies or bouncing, which can occur with instantaneousretrograde mechanisms. The dial of this 217QRS is made from solid-silver and engine-turned by hand in the Voutilainen workshop.

THE MOVEMENT

While the inspiration for the217QRSmovement comes from the, the retrograde date mechanism is entirely integrated within theCalibre 28. The movement featuresVoutilainen's direct impulse-escapement with two escape wheels. The exceptionally large, free-sprung balance beats at 18,000 vph, held in place by a long steel bridge with rounded arms.

On the reverse, the sapphire crystal exhibits the movement in full view, revealing the in-houseCal. 28, manufactured from German silver and titanium. Through the combination of a free-sprung balance, withBreguetover-coil andGrossmanninterior curve, and signature direct impulse escapement with two large escapement wheels, a high degree of engineering ingenuity is accomplished. One of the hallmarks ofVoutilainenas a manufacture is their superlative hand-finishing; with expert rhodium-plated German silver bridges, classically finished withCotes de Genveand perlage on the base plate, for this QRS. The watch has a 65-hour power reserve.

The Set

This limited series, 217QRSin platinum comes with its original outer blue box, inner woodenslide box, "Horlogerie d'Art" hardback book, polishing cloth, manual and original papers. The watch comes on our taupe grained calfskin strap, as well as its originalnavy alligator strap and and platinum buckle from Kari Voutilainen.

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