This year Kari Voutilainen has receved the exceptional privilege and honor to exhibit his watches at SIHH in Geneva.  In addition, hehas been showing his watches in the Palace at Baselworld. His watches already have been reaching close to double his retail prices, such as his last timepiece which was sold at the ONLY WATCH auction in Monaco.  It is further proof, that the most exceptional independent watchmakers are going to build their names to a level where their name is leading to rising values of their timepieces.  Something noone would have even thought about let’s say some years ago.  While I do not really like to talk about values and watches as an investment, the current worldwide trend is strong about acquiring watches as investment.  There are even several watch funds out there that have the sole purpose to buy watches for investment.  In the past, the biggest brands like Rolex and Patek were strong at auction, now we see some of the small makers making their way.  This is great news I think.

This watch is the symbiosis of watches and art.  It is an artistic masterpiece, executed by one of the most amazing Japanese artist studios.

Kari Voutilainen took over an hour time to show me his latest timepieces during Baselworld 2016, explaining to me in detail his approach, his thinking, his philosophy and handwork.  His watches are truly handmade, and I am planning my next visit to see his atelier in the Jura mountains in the coming months.  I am already excited to see his work.

One of the key elements of Kari Voutilainen‘s timepieces is his casedesign which is very recognizable.  I know that some people say it is the same casedesign as Urban Jürgensen, and Kari Voutilainen has and probably still is working with them.  I do not know for sure who “invented” this tear drop lug shaped design, but Kari Voutilainen is recognized for it for all I know.

So what is the story behind the dial you see in the above picture?

“One of the greatest lacquer studios of Japan, Unryuan, under the guidance of Mr. T. Kitamura, create works of lacquer art that stand at the pinnacle of Japanese tradition, bringing a craft that has existed for hundreds of years into the present, exemplifying the passion to preserve the soul, spirit and identity of traditional Japanese culture as expressed in the Edo period. This superlative work engages us immediately on a physical level and one can only stand in awe at the commitment, patience and dedication required to create these works of art. The work of Art shown here, using the techniques of lacquering which takes far more than a thousand hours of work to complete the dial and bridges. The raw materials for its creation are: Kinpun (gold dust), Jyunkin-itakane (gold leaf), Yakou-gai (shell of great green turban) and Awabi-gai (abalone shell from New Zealand).”

(Source)

This art dates back to the 1950s and there are artpieces, like boxes etc. which fetch high prices at auction coming from the artstudios of Unryuan.

Not only is the dial a piece of art, take a look at the movement:

This watch possesses a white gold case, sapphire glass front and back, with anti reflection treatment. Matching 18K white gold tang buckle with alligator strap. Limited to 1 unique piece.  Kari Voutilainen told me that all manufacturing, construction, fabrication, hand finishing and assembly has been done in his workshop.  And that is what makes his watches different.

HISUI – Description

Since ancient times, “Hojyu”, a sacred ball-shape gem has been said to have the power to purge (keep off) evil spirits and to fulfill a wish.

The vermilion-lacquered second with gold describes a Hojyu with an auspicious omen motif and generate the energy (the power) into the time by representing a flame.

The distinguished wheel with a traditional Raden pattern converts the diffusion of energetic particle spreading on the bridge into an ordered power to provide to the watch.

(Source)

This symbiosis of Japanese tradition with the Swiss haute horlogerie creations of Kari Voutilainen represents an all-embracing mechanical and visual work of art that unites the East and West in perfect harmony.

This watch is just an amazing piece of art, made by one of the most talented watchmakers in Switzerland.

Kari Voutilainen was born in Finland, but it took him to Switzerland, and he is not only Finish watchmaker with exceptional talent.  What he does is bringing art together with watchmaking, and preserving some century old skills in watchmaking.  I hope that there will be more watchmakers doing this as these old skills like guilloche, engraving, lacquering, enameling, etc. would be a shame to lose.

When I met with Kari Voutilainen in Basel, this timepiece was not yet sold, although he told me that his books are filled and he is at the point where he would prefer to make less than more watches.  He does not want to compromise his quality.

Enjoy the picture gallery below: