Manufacturer: Voutilainen Year: 2021 Movement No: 28Pi Proto Case No: 28Pi Proto Model Name: Vingt-8 Inversé Prototype Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, Cal. 28, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: White gold Voutilainen pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, Guarantee dated April 2021, servicing history booklet, polishing cloth and outer packaging 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
Is it really necessary to present Kari Voutilainen? One of the most talented living watchmakers, he has not only garnered a cult following amongst collectors of independent watchmaking but is also becoming a respected name amongst watch collectors in general.
Voutilainen’s movements can undoubtedly be described as works of art for which every shape has been carefully thought out and executed. Every component in his watches, from the bridges to the tiniest of screws, involves manual labor, may it be adjusted tolerances, polishing, angling and so on.
With the launch of the Vingt-8 Inversé (inverted in French) in 2019, Voutilainen decided to showcase his stunning caliber 28 differently and consequently inverted the movement to show on the dial side what is habitually visible through the case back. Some modifications nevertheless were needed to do this and most visible is the indirect gear train visible on the centre of the watch.
The 28 caliber 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.
The movement as seen from the case back features open-worked elements with seconds and power reserve indicator adding an extra element of technicality to an already complex timepiece.
The Vingt-8 Inversé was made in only 26 examples, 10 in tantalum, 8 in titanium and 8 in platinum. The present example is even rarer and more collectible as it is a prototype cased in platinum.
