This Voutilainen 28SC marked the first time that a Vingt-8 piece was fitted with a centre seconds as opposed to Voutilainen's typical sub-seconds layout, resulting in an attractively modern appearance. The 28SC won the Best Men's Watch prize at the GPHG awards in 2020, in recognition of its simple, yet technically and aesthetically beautiful approach to watchmaking. This limited edition example is one of just ten created in this configuration.

Made in Comblémine, Voutilainen's manufacturing facility, the solid silver dial features two guilloché patterns. The hour markers, both of the Roman numeral and baton varieties, are applied on a ring of a basket-weave pattern. Outside it sits a satiné circulaire chapter of minutes, with plots corresponding to the hour markers as well as the numerals. The centre of the dial wears deep, wave-patterned guilloché, radiating outwards. The hands, true to the Voutilainen aesthetic, are of the observatoire variety. They feature a high contrast, frosted silver finish, with heat-blued inserts in the hours and minutes hands. The seconds hand is a simple baton with a prominent circular counter weight. The lack of any other dial furniture means that the guilloché is able to truly shine, and the monochromatic appearance of navy and silver gives the watch an especially classic, elegant appearance, heightened by the depth of the patterns.

The case is forged from titanium, and features a three-part case construction. While titanium is rarely seen in Voutilainen's work, it adds a special touch to this minimalistic example. The bezel and midcase wear rounded profiles, with the signature drop-shaped lugs appearing slimmer and more elongated compared to typical Vingt-8 examples, and the crown slimmer and wider for ease of winding.

On display is the calibre 28, a movement developed entirely in-house and regulated by the double-wheel escapement, another Voutilainen calling card. It features a free-sprung balance with Breguet overcoil, a Grossmann interior curve, and direct impulse escapement with two large escapement wheels. A very slight modification has been made to accommodate the centre seconds, with the inclusion of additional gears, and visually in the form of a central seconds bridge placed above the other bridges. The movement is not only highly engineered, but it is also beautifully hand-finished. The plates are decorated with Côtes de Geneve, with the edges featuring precise anglage. The calibre is multi-layered in its arrangement, giving it visual depth. Screwed-on rose gold plaques on the baseplate bear the brand mark as well as the serial number.

Closer look

Condition

This Voutilainen 28SC is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear and have been well preserved. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. On the caseback and buckle, all engravings are well defined.

Warranty

The watch is offered with a complimentary service by Voutilainen. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man.