Voutilainen Vingt-8, White Gold

This "Edition Goodwill" Vingt-8 is part of a series created for the mainland Chinese retailer Goodwill Trading Company, an elusive business who was likely the distributor for several independent watchmakers during the mid-2010s. The watch combines two parts of Voutilainen's history — the aesthetics of the Observatoire with the modern workings of the Vingt-8. It is believed that this piece is likely the only one of its kind.

First produced in 2011, the Vingt-8 has gone on to become the backbone of the Finnish watchmaker’s catalogue of offerings. This 39mm case, forged from white gold, features a three-part case construction. The bezel and mid case wear rounded profiles. The bezel around the display caseback is flatter, with a groove around the well-proportioned crown to make it easier to engage it to set the time. All parts are evenly high-polished.

There are two different engine-turned patterns across the deep blue dial. Each pattern reflects light differently, giving the dial a mixture of tones and fantastic depth. Applied Arabic numerals, a sub-seconds dial at six o’clock with Arabic numerals, and blued steel Breguet-style hands make up the front view. Here we see another interesting fusion of Observatoire and Vingt-8 aesthetics, as the deep blue shade used here is typically more associated with the Vingt-8, while the dial layout is entirely and faithfully recreated from the Observatoire, with a triangle placed at 12 o'clock and the layout of the Arabic numerals.

On display through the caseback 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. Not only is it highly engineered, it is also beautifully hand-finished. The plates wear a rose finish, with a beautifully textured, grained surface, while the visible wheels wear a range of finishes – from black polished to radial brushed. The edges of the bridges feature anglage and the balance is beautifully black polished. The calibre is multi-layered in its arrangement, something that gives it visual depth. Screwed on plaques wear the brand mark as well as the serial number.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Voutilainen Vingt-8 will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Voutilainen Vingt-8 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light wear, only very light superficial marks on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings are well defined.

Warranty

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