Manufacturer: Voutilainen Year: Circa 2010 Movement No: C26'075 Case No: C26'075 Model Name: Observatoire Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, Peseux 260, 41 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Voutilainen deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Kari Voutilainen guarantee.
Catalogue Essay
The present Observatoire by Kari Voutilainen is not only a true piece of horological history but a unique high-beat version of his iconic Observatoire.
After having set up his own workshops in the early 2000s creating unique minute repeaters and custom made masterpieces, Kari Voutilainen set out on the task of creating his first model made in "series" - a term that should be applied very lightly in this instance as around only 50 pieces were produced in various metal and dial combinations.
Based on a fully reworked Peseux 260 observatory movement, the Observatoire was awarded “Best Men’s Watch” in the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2007.
The Observatoire also set the design language of all future watches made by Voutilainen: tear drop lugs, superbly lavish guilloché dials and superlative hand finished movements. Every component in this watch, from the bridges to the tiniest of screws, involves manual labor, may it be adjusted tolerances, polishing, angling and so on.
The present timepiece in pink gold features an intricately hand guilloché dial and a pink gold plated movement with grené finish making the incredible work on the polished angles stand out even more.
The present Observatoire stands out even more due to the incredible fact that it is the only one ever made in pink gold (one other made in white gold) with a high beat 36,000 BPH (with even a higher precision rate) as opposed to the other examples beating at amore traditional 18,000 BPH.
Today, Kari Voutilainen works with a team of watchmakers creating 70-80 watches a year, however, the Observatoire watches involved a huge amount of direct handwork by the master himself and as such make the present piece an even more desirable milestone of independent horology.