Kari Voutilainen - the end of the first journey

[bdex75]

I never saw the "horror" inducing picture, but that is an absolute stunner Karl. Congratulations on a job well done and the craftsmanship is absolutely incredible.


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[JorgeCCW]

Nice watch , Congrats
Love your enthusiasm
Cheers


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[Tony@KopiGau]

Karl thanks for sharing the whole journey(which just started!) we were prepared to see a not-so-pretty watch because you expressed your doubts and even big worry when you saw what they sent you. but the final product is quite amazing with the waves(holding hour marker) and the lines on enamel, works out very well. so, a big congrats to you!

[lapince]

Originally Posted by goog53

He told me that and I have to say the watch looked very suspect and I was internally concerned for our friend. LOL! The pics sent by Kari were not the greatest but the final pics are an absolute knockout!

"Not the greatest "is a huge understatement, they sucked, I was worried about his watch and also about mine, seems the pics of mine are better than the ones he sent Karl, and I am not worried. Pretty sure it will be amazing. Love the chameleon effect on his, shouldn't have that on mine, or less but I just loved the 3D guilloché enamel, so they will be similar in a way though very different

[AK797]

That blue dial is really striking, many congrats Karl!

[jon_jon]

A beautiful bespoke watch with a lot of detailed handwork

[locutus49]

I wonder if you realize that you own a true masterpiece of horology. You are one of the very few humans on a planet of 7 billion people to claim that privilege. I salute you.

[yoast]

Thanks for sharing, the dial looks amazing!

[GB-man]

I can only imagine what it looks like in real life. Many congrats

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by locutus49

I wonder if you realize that you own a true masterpiece of horology. You are one of the very few humans on a planet of 7 billion people to claim that privilege. I salute you.

Thank you. Kari will be exhibiting in Miami soon (I think WatchTime) and if anyone can get the opportunity to go and see him I really recommend it. As an individual he is remarkable. Quite, always ready to laugh and very humble. He is no "watch star"!! He is a businessman (no mistakes about that) and that's good otherwise he will be out of business quite quickly but he has no desire to increase his watch production as he likes the work / life balance that low production offer him. Money isn't the sole motivator. The same applies to his workforce. I met the poor bugger who polished tiny screw heads and Kari commented "after 900 they get quite good"!!! If it was me I would probably take a chance and polish every alternate one but they don't. Everyone takes pride in doing the best they can.

[KarlS]

Just to try put this to bed for a few weeks.....Phase 2 of the first stage is here...

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=550565&page=2

[Starwalker]

congratulations! That watch deserves a standing ovation! Absolutely beautiful! Hope it brings you lots of luck, health and wealth!

[KarlS]

There is another thread where we are having a bit of "mine is bigger than yours" and sometimes we forget that some of us are fortunate to spend vast amounts of money on something as fickle as a watch. The average, hard working guy can only dream of the opportunity just to hold one, never mind own one and for that we need to be greatful.

Many watch makers do believe their own hype. I personally don't believe Kari is one of them. I am an average Joe to Kari...I didn't buy a repeater...I bought his base model watch along with 200 othere people over the last 10 years.

However, we have some unfinished business we are working on.

I am flying into London next Thursday and land at 7:15 am.

I have a very important lunch with another TRFer (Russell) so I can't be late.

To save ME time, KV will meet me at Heathrow at 8:15 that morning. That means he must take the 7.25 from Geneva getting to the airport at 5.25 having driven from Motier for 2.5 hours.

He will then return at 11.35

We repeat the entire cycle on the Saturday when I leave London from Heathrown and meet him prior to my flight, again at Heathrow at 18:15.

I never asked him to do that. In fact I offered to fly to Geneva and meet him there this Friday but he is in Milan. He wanted to do it this way...To top it all - he is on 3 weeks leave over this period!!

Sometimes in life its just nice getting great service from somebody who doesnt think he is so important that I have to see him in his atelier - but will actually come to the guy who has the chequebook!!

[Grisha40299]

Karl, Simply Stunning!!! Enjoy your timepiece! Look forward to 2019 Incoming.

[themast]

I think the watch is turning out fabulous but I see a big problem.

The quality of the photos suck!!!

When you see Kari, please tell him to ship the watch to Jocke first...

[fmc000]

I'm late to the party but I would like to congratulate you nonetheless for this masterpiece. I'm looking forward for more movement pictures.

[daveathall]

It's perfect, many, many congratulations. Wonderful.

[Hairdude1]

Awesome! Congrats

[waspy1]

Fantastic! Congratulations!


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[wach16]

Looks amazing...congrats!

[beshannon]

Congrats!

Great images and write-up of the journey. This thread is definitely getting my attention as I consider blowing up my collection to go this direction.

Thanks again.

[lapince]

I really love your watch, wonder if mine will be as cool as yours dial side, and movement as well, also we have very close blues, but that was to be expected seeing our tastes, a week left for me

[KarlS]

I def think you went the right way with the movement ...altogether I am pleased and you will be as well...now for the 2019 incoming lol

[kunlun]

Really amazing bespoke haute horology!

[lapince]

Originally Posted by KarlS

I def think you went the right way with the movement ...altogether I am pleased and you will be as well...now for the 2019 incoming lol

[KarlS]

http://www.watchtime.com/wristwatch-...new-york-2017/

[lapince]

Originally Posted by KarlS

http://www.watchtime.com/wristwatch-...new-york-2017/

Nice, but dial wise yours is so much better and I am quite happy with the regular 28

[KarlS]

^ I like the movement finish and considered it. Then thought you can hide a multitude of sins under that and I want them to work hard and polish every tiny piece so I can see my face in it! But def next one will try something different on the movement

[goog53]

Can we get a GPS tracker on Arnaud to see if he actually picks the watch up on the 19th? Las Vegas has the odds of an on time pick up at 100-1. LOL! Safe travels my friend.

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by goog53

Can we get a GPS tracker on Arnaud to see if he actually picks the watch up on the 19th? Las Vegas has the odds of an on time pick up at 100-1. LOL! Safe travels my friend.

Considering my recent track record on collection. He may do it!! Arnaud what's your flight number? I can post your progress on Radar24