Ah, watch cases! As regular readers may recall, GaryG has a particular fascination with the outer shells that encase, protect, and enhance the ticking mechanical wonders within. And if watch cases fascinate, why not visit a few case makers? Let’s go!
The buyer of this unique-piece Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II was inspired by the look of the F.P. Journe “Black Label” Chronomètre Souverain already in his collection. And GaryG finally gets it into his light tent, sharing not only what he thinks, but also what he sees behind his lens.
Kari Voutilainen listened to his fans and created a watch that fulfills the oft-repeated desire “I almost want to wear the watch backwards because that movement is so beautiful!” The inverted 28ti does just that.
In late February 2010, an informal group of Northern California watch collectors, all owners of at least one Kari Voutilainen watch, met for lunch. One of the members of the group nonchalantly mentioned, “I’ve been talking with Kari about something . . ..” It was a set of bespoke Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II models. GaryG’s response two seconds later: “I’m in!” So how did it go after that?
As always for GaryG’s small group of enthusiast collectors from Northern California, SIHH week 2019 started with arrival in Geneva and a traditional dinner with independent watchmaking wizard Kari Voutilainen. It’s a chance to see many of the watches that he will be displaying at the show; and with Kari’s kind permission here they are.
Here Gary, Elizabeth, and Ian compare and discuss six areas of the Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece 8 and A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, two rare and very technical timepieces. And there’s a video so you can see and hear both decimal repeaters to make your own comparison.
A generous friend recently offered GaryG the opportunity to shoot his white gold Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II so that Gary is able to share photos of both his custom pink gold Chronograph II in comparison to his friend’s custom white gold version.
Many of you are likely to have come across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, watch enthusiasts. Like many people, GaryG’s starting point for serious watches was with a well-priced brand long known for its expertise in developing movements, justly viewed as offering good value for money – but not necessarily for the refinement of its movement finishing, at least on its less expensive pieces. Read on to discover what he has learned since then?
While we usually try to avoid complication in our daily lives, complications are the icing on the proverbial cake in the world of high-end timepieces. And one of the most exquisite complications is the retrograde date, in particular when it’s done by the perfectionist Kari Voutilainen.
In keeping with longstanding tradition, on Saturday evening our Northern California collector group held its annual pre-SIHH dinner with independent watchmaking legend Kari Voutilainen for a sneak peek at what the watchmaker will have on exhibit at the 2018 fair. Enjoy this short preview.