Throughout his career, Kari Voutilainen has followed the path which we’ve come to expect from noteworthy independent watchmakers – after his graduation from watchmaking school, he joined Parmigiani, one of the foremost restoration workshops in Switzerland, then took on a teaching role at the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program in 2002, before establishing himself as an independent watchmaker.

The Vingt-8 has arguably become the backbone of Voutilainen’s offering. With the first models leaving the workshop in 2011, the Calibre 28 was developed entirely in-house and is regulated by the double-wheel escapement that has become a trademark of the Finnish watchmaker. As Kari has stated publicly, “the design and philosophy of the movement combines respect for longevity and precision with classical watchmaking tradition”.

Combining a platinum case with a white dial, the watch features different contrasting engine-turned patterns on the silvered surface. Each pattern reflects light differently, giving the dial a mixture of tones and fantastic depth. Applied index markers and matching Breguet hands, with blued steel, add further classicism to this piece. Kari Voutilainen's signature tear-shaped lugs finish off this Vingt-8, showing the watchmaker's uncompromising attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The watch is powered by the calibre 28. Through the combination of a free-sprung balance with Breguet overcoil, a Grossmann interior curve, and the signature direct impulse escapement with two large (13.6mm) escapement wheels, a high degree of engineering ingenuity is accomplished. One of the hallmarks of Voutilainen as a manufacture is their superlative hand-finishing, with expert anglage and a mixture of complementary surfaces.

Closer look

This Voutilainen Vingt-8 is in very good condition overall. Superficial marks can be found on the case and lugs, specifically between 5-6 o’clock on the bezel. The engine turned grey dial and blued steel hands are free from any imperfection. The engravings and hallmarks on the caseback are crisp and well defined. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.