The Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 watch is among Kari Voutilainen’s timepieces that isn’t strictly a one-of-a-kind “piece unique.” Having said that, the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 is a limited edition… of just six pieces total. The Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 is undeniably beautiful and represents an approach to mechanical art and horological tradition that makes us really like the majestic visibility of a tourbillon. We like to remind people that tourbillons are mere items of mechanical art, as opposed to something which performs a beneficial function in a watch movement. So when you want a tourbillon, it is best to go for something like this.
Simple time (hours and minutes) with tourbillon-only watches like this Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 aren’t that common from Voutilainen. A current master of movement finishing, Kari Voutilainen and his workshop exist as part of an elite group of watch makers who do most things by hand. A Voutilainen watch is an investment in traditional watchmaking and movement finishing. It is rare treat for those who understand how to appreciate its ability to impress with impeccable design and detail. For example, compared to more industrialized movements from other “haute horology” brands, the quality and perfection of the movement finishing and dial on the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 and other Voutilainen creations is virtually flawless.
Mechanically, the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 isn’t just your typical tourbillon – even though it is rather large at 14mm in diameter. The tourbillon uses a newly developed direct impulse escapement that has two escapement wheels as opposed to one. You can see two two escapement wheels in blued metal. The overall effect of the system is about increasing accuracy and precision in the mechanical movement’s ability to indicate the time. Don’t miss Voutilainen’s signature bridge design holding the tourbillon cage in place. Notice that it is a half bridge, versus one that extends all the way across the tourbillon window.
The tourbillon window is also the seconds hand as the tourbillon rotates fully each minute. The movement operates at 18,000 bph and uses German Silver bridges which are given a unique gray color finishing. Wheels and gears in the movement are in steel or 18k rose gold. Again, the various hand-polishes and decorations are immaculate. Likewise, the dial is equally impressive. Voutilainen uses a solid piece of silver for the face which is machine guilloche-engraved by hand for the various designs which are given an attractive blue finish. As is typical on Voutilainen dials, more than one engraved pattern is used. Here there is a distinct pattern for the inner and outer parts of the dial.
On the face are applied 18k white gold hour markers, while the hands are a mix of 18k white gold and steel. The steel parts of the legible hands are flame blued for color. Two-tone hands of this nature are rare, but so are watches like the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6. The hands are not only hand polished, but also completely hand-made. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the dial for telling the time is slightly off-centered from the precise center of the face. That is due to the large size of the tourbillon window, and I don’t find it detracts from legibility in any significant manner (even though some people really dislike even slightly off-centered dials).
Like most Kari Voutilainen watches, the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 is modestly sized. In a 39mm wide case size the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 is offered in solid platinum or 18k gold. The case finishing is of course beautiful given Kari’s efforts on the difficult to polish metal. It makes it very easy to appreciate the milky look of polished platinum versus steel. Though I will admit when platinum is polished like this I find it difficult to tell whether it is platinum or 18k white gold unless I am holding it and can feel the weight. On the wrist, the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 looks and feels amazing, not appearing too small, given the relative thickness of the case.
In many ways, the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 is a true aficionado’s watch. It doesn’t scream status or bling, and yet represents a range of rare artistic talents only dedicated watch lovers truly understand. Kari Voutilainen dispenses with origination markers on the dial opting for the more simple and accurate statement that the Voutilainen Tourbillon-6, like his other watches, are “Hand Made.” In many ways, I appreciate his assertion that what is important in a watch isn’t the weight afforded by being Swiss or otherwise, but rather that no matter where it is made, the production of the watch is done so with the utmost quality and personal efforts of trained professionals.
Over the years, I’ve grown much more into being a serious Voutilainen fan as I’ve time and time again seen not only the quality of the brand’s artistic work, but also appreciating Kari Voutilainen’s dedication to making a truly functional and interesting mechanical time telling device. The Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 watch is among a rare and celebrated set of timepieces that serious enthusiasts should aspire to own. The Voutilainen Tourbillon-6 will, once again, be limited to just six pieces total in the limited edition set and be priced at 220,000 Swiss Francs in 18k gold and 265,000 Swiss Francs in platinum. voutilainen.ch
