This unique Voutilainen Skeleton Minute Repeater 10* possesses an openworked dial and is rendered in “Starvax” stainless steel, a material rarely seen on Voutilainen’s watches and intended to convey a clearer sound. A piece from his earlier era, the watch combines Voutilainen’s experience restoring classic pieces with his distinct style, as well as his penchant for experimenting and enhancing classic ébauches.

Throughout his life, Kari Voutilainen has followed the path which we’ve come to expect from noteworthy independent watchmakers - following his graduation from watchmaking school, he joined Parmigiani, one of the foremost restoration workshops in Switzerland, then took on a teaching role at WOSTEP in 2002, before establishing himself as an independent watchmaker.

Voutilainen’s work with minute repeaters stretches back to his early days in restoration at Parmigiani’s workshop, where he not only would have had the opportunity to restore vintage watches, but one of the earliest pieces he created on the side was a very classically styled yellow-gold minute repeater.

This particular Minute Repeater 10 can be considered part of Voutilainen’s earlier work, an extraordinarily fruitful period that included experiments with ébauches, producing some of his most revered pieces, such as the Observatoire, which made use of the Peseux 260, or the Chronometre 27, which was based off the Longines 360. This example uses an LeCoultre ébauche base, with much of the classic movement architecture retained, such as the placement of the hammer and slim, finger-style Vallée de Joux bridges.

Voutilainen has produced a number of decimal repeaters, which, as the name suggests, strikes at the hours, 10-minute intervals, and minutes. This piece, however, is a classic minute repeater, meaning it strikes hours, quarters, and minutes with two hammers acting on two gongs. Beyond its impressive complication, this piece is distinguished by its 38mm hardened “Starvax” stainless steel case, with the metal being chosen because of its sound carrying properties.

The complication is openworked on both sides, allowing the wearer a glimpse into its inner workings and to see the intricate mechanism that produces the chimes. As one might expect, the movement is superlative both in terms of construction and finish. Voutilainen is admired for the quality of his finishing, which he achieves entirely by hand, by utilising traditional tools and techniques. The bridges are finished with classic Geneva stripes, whilst the mainplate features snail graining.

In many ways, this piece combines Voutilainen’s expertise and experience with restoring classic pieces with his distinct style and taste. The watch is beautifully presented with its openworked dial, while the movement has been finished in house and further elevates the ébauche into a masterpiece.

Closer look

Condition

This Voutilainen Minute Repeater 10 is in excellent overall condition. The case shows only light superficial marks, while the movement keeps excellent time and functions perfectly.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.