This hand-made, rose goldVingt-8,in many ways, is the embodiment of artisanal, independent watchmaking. Made entirely at the Voutilainen workshop in Mtiers, near Geneva,it is characterisedby a number of distinctive features, emphasising Kari's uncompromising movement finishing and watchmaking style.

The Watchmaker

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. TheVingt-8 collection has long been a centrepiece of the watchmaker's offering, representing the canvas on which he has continually experimented over the years. This rose goldVingt-8is one of the more recent interpretations of that design, incorporating distinctive baton index markers by special request of the client, which later served and inspiration for Kari's .

The Design

It has three different engine-turned patterns on the grey dial. Each pattern reflects light differently, giving the dial a mixture of tones and fantastic depth. Applied index markers and matching Breguet hands, with blued steel, add further classicism to this piece. Kari Voutilainen's signature tear-shaped lugs finish off this Vingt-8; showing both the watchmaker's uncompromising attention to detail and craftsmanship

This rose gold Vingt-8is also accompanied by two additionaldials, both of which were ordered byspecialrequest and completedalongside theoriginal. The first of these is similarly executed in grey, though with applied Roman numerals in place of index markers. It features the sameClous de Paris patterning around the outersection of the dial, with radiating waves from the centre,though replaces the basket-weave pattern with further Clous de Paris, within the sub-seconds.Unusually, the hands which accompany this second grey dial are a vibrant red - a subtle nod to Voutilainen's more colourful pieces. The second of the two is perhaps the most classically executed, featuring an off-white, two-pattern guilloch and brushed outer section, with applied rose gold baton indexmarkers. The second set of additional hands are also executed in rose gold, both complimenting the case material.

The Movement

This rose gold Vingt-8 is just as impressive inside the case; the sapphire crystal on the reverse allows one to see inside the movement, revealing the rich palette of hues and forms. The in-house Cal. 28 is made from German silver and titanium, with the additional ruthenium-coatingenhancing the visual impact of the movement.

Through the combination of a a free-sprung balance with Breguet over-coil and a Grossmann interior curve, and the signature direct impulse escapement with two large (13.6mm) escapement wheels, a high degree of engineering ingenuity is accomplished. One of the hallmarks of Voutilainen as a manufacture is their superlative hand-finishing; with expert anglage and a mixture of complimentary surfaces. The watch has a 50-hour power reserve.

The Set

This rose goldVingt-8piece comes as a full-set, with its original box and papers. It's also accompanied by two additional dials and sets of hands, which are encased within special protective housing. The watch comes with ourlight taupe saffiano leather strap, as well as the original strap from Kari Voutilainen.

A Collected Man is the watches.

Closer look