Manufacturer: Voutilainen Year: 2016 Movement No: GMT-R-09-12 Model Name: Vingt-8 Triton et Sirène Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Manual, inhouse cal. 13"' Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by large wooden fitted box, guarantee, product literature, watch box guarantee and polishing cloth. Literature: Kari Voutilainen and his works are featured in Kari Voutilainen Horlogerie d'Art by Theodore Diehl as well as in Watchmakers, The Masters of Art Horology by Maxima Gallery pp 228-247 and in Twelve faces of Time, Horological Virtuosos by Elisabeth Doerr and Ralf Baumgarten pp. 90-105
Catalogue Essay
Kari Voutilainen is not only an extremely gifted watchmaker but also a talented designer who controls every aspect of the creation of his watches as not only are all the movement components (other than hairspring and jewels), dials and hands developed in house but also made, finished and assembled by Voutilainen and his small team of watchmakers.
The present unique piece GMR Triton et Sirène is a true piece of horology and visual arts combined. The apparently simple movement features a complex direct impulse escapement enabling a more constant distribution of energy. Furthermore, the extra-large balance allows fine regulation of the watch using a rare balance spring system with the exterior of the spring using a Breguet overcoil, while the internal curve uses the little known Grossmann curve. For a touch of contemporary elegance, the movement has been ruthenium plated replacing the habitual Geneva waves found in his watches.
The officer style caseback features a sumptuous scene in hand engraved relief in vitreous blue enamel depicting a mermaid and Triton, a merman in Greek mythology, demigod of the sea and the son of the sea god, Poseidon.
The intricate hand engraving is done by Eddy Jaquet whereas the enamel work, also called pique à jour, is done by Inès Hamaguchi, two respected artists in their respective fields having worked with the greatest brands in the creation of unique bespoke pieces.
The inside of the lid is engraved with “We will return to where we came from”.
The sleek blue dial features a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, a subseconds and a GMT indicator that advances in one hour increments via a push on the crown.
An outstanding timepiece, this unique masterpiece from one of horology’s greatest masters will certainly have a place of choice in the collection of the discerning esthete.