Kari Voutilainen Video Interview By Revolution Watch

[enjoythemusic]

Revolution Watch just posted their video interview with Kari Voutilainen. This year (2022) marks the 20th anniversary since Kari founded his eponymous brand; a journey marked by both tragedy and triumph. His name would eventually become synonymous with both technical brilliance and refined finishing at the highest levels. He may be an eight-time GPHG winner but it is his willingness to give back, through being a watchmaking instructor and a supplier of dials to other independent brands, that represents an impact on watchmaking that cannot be understated.

[ajw45]

KV is the low key baller of the indies imho. There's a ton of hype around many of the more contemporary indies but I think people forget that experience matters. KV cut his teeth as a restorer decades ago, he's seen how things break and he makes his watches to last... like how he talks about use of steel vs. gold and his aversion to silicon in this interview or how his team not only makes but heat treats parts in house for durability. KV movements are thick, thick plates and wheels for watches that really will last forever. No triple tourbies, no sapphire cases, no plans to double production, and one of the few indies that can make as near to the whole watch as exists today. It might seem crazy to say it but I think his watches are still underappreciated.

On a side note, his comment about gold being self lubricating has come up before, he's even said he likes using gold for markers and such because they pop out of the cnc practically finished. My conspiracy theory is that FPJ didn't choose to make his movements out of gold for reasons of tradition, after all his first watches were brass, but because the machined anglage on the bridges looks nicer when machined out of gold. Plus, FPJ scallops the undersides of links and/or uses hollow centerlinks on the PM bracelets, some claim to save weight but if weight was an issue why is he making gold movements? KV uses german silver, the Gronefelds steel, De Bethune titanium, while gold might be more expensive to buy, it also requires the fewest man or machine hours to work on....

[enjoythemusic]

Agreed, and love how he is more low-key. I remember Kari, Walt, etc from decades ago at TimeZone. His timepieces are incredible! Love love love the 28Sport

https://quillandpad.com/2022/08/21/b...sport-reprise/