Voutilainen Masterpiece 6,

So far, watchmakers have always used the same type of repeating mechanism. Mechanisms which strike initially the hours then the quarters and then the minutes. A set up which does not allow an easy location when listening at the repeating mechanism.
It is this particular problem which initiated Kari Voutilainen's thinking in order to develop a new construction able to strike the time like it is read. He has devised a repeating mechanism which sounds the hours, the ten minute interval and then the exact minutes. This unusual and extraordinary watch is the first repeater of this kind.
As is customary to Kari Voutilainen the movement has been executed without the slightest compromise and in keeping with the traditions and standards of the greatest of watchmakers. The movement decoration is beauty in itself: the bridges and the steelwork bevelling, the polishing of the recesses and the drawn grain finish on the bridge rims are all done by hand. The bridge surfaces are adorned with `Geneva stripes' and the mainplate with circular and snail graining.
In Kari Voutilainen's philosophy a repeater should ring loudly and have a crystal clear sound. It is for these reasons that he has approached one of the master casemakers who still posseses the knowledge and employs the traditional methods used since the eighteenth century.

From this pair is born a rose gold case of classic yet contemporary design of generous and elegant proportions with tear drop lugs, which is both very comfortable to wear and bas a superb ringing tone. On the case back lid can be found an engraved scene of a work of art, theme "cubismo". Opening the hinged back lid reveals the beauty of the mouvement through a sapphire glass.
Further refined touches include a rose gold winding crown set with a highest quality cabochon sapphire, a well exposed and large hand engine-turned dial giving perfect legibility, exquisitely partnered by handmade rose gold watchhands in arrow shape.

Technical Characteristics

• Minute repeating movement, striking ten minute intervals, with two hammers acting on two gongs.
• Power reserve indicator (39 hour winding reserve).
• Stainless steel variable inertia " balance wheel with gold screws, - hairspring with Phillips terminal curve.
• Swiss lever escapement.
• 37 jewels.
• 18 carat rose gold case of 39.50 mm diameter with hinged case back.
• The case back hand engraved with the theme "cubismo", inside is written: "Voutilainen Masterpiece 6"
• Hand sewn crocodile skin strap.
• Gold engine turned dial with gold applied numerals.
• Subsidiary seconds dial at `6 o'clock'.
• Rose gold hands.
• 2 Sapphire glasses (front and inside).

Kari Voutilainen was born in Finland in 1962 and has a passionate interest in horology spanning thirty years. He completed his initial watchmaker's training at the world renowned watchmaking school of Tapiola in Finland.
He first came to Switzerland in 1989 to attend the International Watchmaking School, where he completed the WOSTEP complicated watch course, a post graduate course for those watchmakers dedicated to the restoration of complicated, high quality and rare watches. He was quickly spotted by Parmigiani Mesure et Art du Temps, where over the following ten years he was at the centre of the restoration work of some of the world's rarest pieces as well as the creation of new and original `one-off' pieces.
Giving back to others much of the fruit of his experience, Kari Voutilainen taught for the next three years at the WOSTEP School of Watchmaking, heading the department of complicated watchmaking. He also undertook the complete training of beginners, and added many new courses to the curriculum that he had devised himself.
He is, as his nature suggests, the first to commend the kind and generous teaching of those master watchmakers who have passed on their `centuries old' watchmaking knowledge.
Alongside his professional work, Kari Voutilainen has devoted himself, through many long evenings of tireless work over the lest fifteen years, to developing the ultimate perfection of new and unique mechanisms, which are represented in his highly elegant watches.
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.
Kari Voutilainen's natural gift for perfection, coupled with his broad experience and deep understanding of very high quality, antique and complicated watches, are the quintessential ingredients for innovative creation in the art of watchmaking. Not one to satisfy himself by imagined creations alone, he makes all of his creations himself. He is totally involved in every detail whether technical or aesthetic; like a true artist or sculptor, nothing is left to chance.
Only this way can his masterpiece timekeepers, based on solid technical foundations and incorporating timeless classical design, pass from 1 generation to generation as the inheritance of a time honoured and proudly maintained tradition.
As with all entirely handmade watches, their number will remain limited; each one is crafted according to specific requirements and has its own individuel and personal qualities. It goes without saying that these technical marvels are clothed and protected only by the most precious of metals.
It is for these reasons that pieces signed by Kari Voutilainen will make their mark in the history of watchmaking, to the great delight of those collectors fortunate enough to own one.

kari.voutilainen@bluemail.ch