From what is an almost one man show, the Voutilainen Vingt-8 was created by Kari Voutilainen and his small workshop in Switzerland. Kari is one of the few independent watchmakers in the industry and was invited to show at this year’s SIHH in Geneva. One of the pieces from the show is the new Vingt-8.
The in-house movement of the Vingt-8 was designed, built, fabricated, finished and assembled in its entirety in Voutilainen workshops. The design and philosophy of the movement combines respect for longevity and precision with classical watchmaking tradition. The movement has a very large balance wheel manufactured in-house, allowing almost perfect regulation. To equip such an exceptional timepiece, a very rare and unique balance is used, while the internal curve uses the little known Grossmann curve.
All finishing work on the main plate and bridges is done by hand, while the screws and steel parts are also finished and polished by hand as well. The balance-wheel bridge offers an unimpeded view of the escapement and balance. It also allows the enthusiast to admire the synchronized movements of the escapement wheels.
Although Voutilainen produces a small amount of models each year, Kari has this to say about his production schedule, Doing it any other way would disturb the balance here in the atelier that I have worked so hard to build up exactly as I want it.
The watch is priced at $85,000.
About Voutilainen
Following his passion, and in order to preserve this highly prized tradition, Kari Voutilainen established his own business as an independent Artist Watchmaker in the village of Môtiers in 2002. The beautiful and tranquil region of Val-de-Travers gives itself by its very nature to thoughtful and creative watchmaking. Distant markets as far away as China have been conquered by the works of past Masters from this region. Discover more about Kari Voutilainen here.