Watchatlas

Kari Voutilainen

Môtiers, Switzerland · Est. 2002

Founded by Kari Voutilainen

Kari Voutilainen founded his atelier in Môtiers, Switzerland in 2002 after training at the Watchmaking School of Le Locle and working at several prestigious manufactures. He is widely regarded as one of the world's finest living independent watchmakers, known for flawlessly executed movements and dials in the classical tradition.

Founded
2002
Headquarters
Môtiers, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Ultra
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Vingt-8 (2011) — Kari Voutilainen’s core round time-only line, introduced as the first model built around the in-house calibre 28 and known for classical case proportions, hand-guilloché dials, and refined high-end finishing. Key references: Vingt-8, Vingt-8R, Vingt-8 ISO.
  • 28ti — Inverted-movement variant of the Vingt-8 displaying the calibre 28 on the dial side.
  • Observatoire — Time-only line based on a restored stock of vintage Peseux 260 observatory chronometer movements.
  • Masterpiece — Kari Voutilainen's Masterpiece line is a tiny, high-complication family of largely unique decimal repeater and chronograph watches, created with the atelier's hallmark hand-finishing, guilloche dials, and traditional case-making philosophy. Key references: Masterpiece 6 Decimal Repeater, Masterpiece 7 Decimal Repeater, Masterpiece 8 Decimal Repeater.

Timeline

  • 2025 — Wins GPHG 2025 artistic crafts category with the Vingt-8 GML SOUYOU (Japanese lacquer). Announces retirement of the Vingt-8 movement with the final 28MPR Moonphase Power Reserve. Steps back from CEO role at Urban Jürgensen to focus on watchmaking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kari Voutilainen

Where is Kari Voutilainen based?
Voutilainen's atelier is located in Môtiers, in the Val-de-Travers region of Switzerland, where he founded his independent workshop in 2002.
What is Voutilainen known for?
The atelier is known for hand-finished movements, traditional guilloché dials, and limited annual production. Kari Voutilainen has won multiple GPHG awards.

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