An exceptional and unique piece from Kari Voutilainen, this "Deep Space" example was commissioned by a collector with a particular interest in outer space. This watch is ostensibly part of Voutilainen's Centre Seconds series, but in place of the typical guilloché, we see a beautifully hand-engraved dial and painted surface done by Terttu Voutilainen.
A planetary body is rendered in deft strokes, capturing the surface and adding depth to the textured strokes. Meanwhile, scattered stars stud the deep black backdrop and swirling lines on the right that bring to mind the shape of the Milky Way. Luminous material has been applied throughout, allowing the watch's appearance to transform in the dark.
The rest of the dial remains minimal to allow the art to shine – Voutilainen's usual hallmark is absent from the dial, and the applied numerals and indices are relatively unobtrusive, merely framing the piece. The hands, true to the Voutilainen aesthetic, are of the observatoire variety. They feature a high contrast, frosted silver finish, with heat-blued inserts in the hours and minutes hands. The seconds hand is a simple baton with a prominent circular counter weight.
The tantalum case is a deep grey tone that complements the dial, and is also a more rarely seen metal within Voutilainen's work, due to how difficult it is to work with. This lustrous material is also known for its incredible density and scratch resistance, making it a suitably futuristic material for the watch. The bezel and midcase wear rounded profiles, with the signature drop-shaped lugs appearing slimmer and more elongated compared to typical Vingt-8 examples, and the crown slimmer and wider for ease of winding.
On display is the calibre 28, a movement developed entirely in-house and regulated by the double-wheel escapement, another Voutilainen calling card. It features a free-sprung balance with Breguet overcoil, a Grossmann interior curve, and direct impulse escapement with two large escapement wheels. A very slight modification has been made to accommodate the centre seconds, with the inclusion of additional gears, and visually in the form of a central seconds bridge placed above the other bridges.
The movement is not only highly engineered, but it is also beautifully hand-finished. The plates are decorated with Côtes de Geneve, with the edges featuring precise anglage. The calibre is multi-layered in its arrangement, giving it visual depth. Screwed-on rose gold plaques on the baseplate bear the brand mark as well as the serial number. Finally, the outer rim of the case is engraved with Voutilainen's name, in addition to its unique piece status and the series the watch is part of.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Voutilainen 28SC Unique Piece will be subject to 20% VAT
