KARI VOUTILAINEN

FOUNDER & WATCHMAKER

VOUTILAINEN ARTISAN D’HORLOGERIE D’ART

“Nature is a major influence, especially in how it presents colours, shades, combinations, and contrasts, as well as the intricate shapes of flowers and plants. I also find architectural elements incredibly inspiring, particularly the forms of old houses and the fine details, such as hinges and window handles that resemble works of art. Furthermore, I draw inspiration from classic cars, which captivate me with their fluid, elegant shapes and timeless design.”

Kari Voutilainen, born in Finland in 1962, is a watchmaker renowned for his contributions to horology, particularly in the fields of dial and movement craftsmanship. After studying at The Finnish School of Watchmaking in Tapiola, he further honed his skills at the International Watchmaking School WOSTEP in Switzerland. Here, he specialised in the restoration of complicated watches, leading to a decade-long tenure at Parmigiani Mesure et Art du Temps, where he restored some of the world’s most valuable watches.

In 2002, Kari established his independent workshop in Val-de- Travers, Switzerland. His atelier quickly became known for its commitment to producing hand-crafted components, including dials and movements, not just for his own creations but also for other prestigious brands. Kari’s workshop is unique in that it performs nearly every aspect of production in-house, from design to the crafting of individual components.

His collaborations extend to working with other respected names in the industry, such as MB&F, where his workshop’s expertise in movement construction and finishing has been integral to the final product. Kari’s work has been recognised with multiple awards at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), highlighting his precision, technical skill, and dedication to the art of traditional watchmaking.