February 20, 2023
Kari Voutilainen 217QRS MOP
"There are some watches that will stay forever in my heart."
Kari Voutilainen
Kari Voutilainen, one of the greatest, most talented living watchmakers started his journeys by restoring antique clocks, then creating commissions for renowned brands as a lot of independent watchmakers to finally established his own brand in 2002.
His watches and his work have been extremely well received among collectors thanks to its combined approach of classic watchmaking tradition and contemporary designs.
How to define his work in just one word ? Obviously : Quality.
Most of the models produced are made on demand at the request of customers and high quality work cannot be mass-produced. Each piece is made entirely by hand in his workshop in Môtiers, near Neuchâtel in Switzerland.
Recognized for its excellence, Voutilainen has been awarded, among others and for now, 9 prizes by the prestigious GPHG - Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
217QRS model
Inspired by its Vingt-8 model, the 217QRS features a central retrograde date indicator that is perfectly integrated into the dial. Setting the date can be tedious at times, but it couldn't be simpler on this model, as you simply press the crown to increment by one day. Retrograde functions are usually instantaneous with jumping hands, but here a special mechanism has been designed so that the return from the 31st to the 1st is smooth, which is extremely pleasant to watch.
A unique series of 30 pieces were created, equally divided between platinum, white gold and rose gold cases.
The one we offer you and that you see here is the last one of this series.
It has a unique 39mm white gold case and the typical Voutilainen facetted lugs. Its green guilloche dial reflects the light in a unique way and creates a striking contrast with the blue mother of pearl in the center. The combination gives the dial a unique play of texture and depth.
Applied indexes and numerals add further relief and Breguet style hands, made in 3 parts, also demonstrate the excellence of Kari Voutilainen's work.
The large crown makes it easy to use and the slight resistance when winding allows you to feel the quality of the craftsmanship.
Retrograde function has been integrated into the famous Calibre 28, which features an oversized balance wheel permitting perfect regulation with a unique balance-spring system uses a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the Grossmann curve, as well as a two-wheel escapement that requires much less energy than traditional escapements.
The quality of finishing worthy of Kari Voutilainen is revealed through the sapphire crystal, which allows one to admire the Calibre 28 made of pink gold, which contrasts perfectly with the white gold case.
The watch is delivered with its box, outer-box, certificate of origin, service booklet and 2 alligator straps signed by Voutilainen.
A rare opportunity to acquire a unique Voutilainen model.
