Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Voutilainen 28MPR, The Farewell Edition to the Exceptional Vingt-8 Series
The independent master closes a chapter of haute horlogerie with a new moonphase model, marking the end of the Vingt-8.
Kari Voutilainen is one of the most respected names in independent watchmaking. Since founding his atelier in 2002 in the Swiss Jura, the Finnish-born genius has been creating timepieces that combine the best of traditional craftsmanship with true mechanical ingenuity. His watches won’t be mistaken for someone else’s work, with elaborate guilloché dials, exceptional finishing on every component, and classical-looking movements that are technically innovative, such as the base of today’s timepiece, the Vingt-8 calibre, first introduced in 2008.
Now, Voutilainen bids farewell to this foundational movement with the 28MPR (Moonphase Power Reserve), the final interpretation of the Vingt-8 before its retirement at the end of 2025. It’s a fitting tribute: a limited-edition watch featuring a moonphase and power reserve display, housed in a newly proportioned case crafted from steel, titanium, or platinum. And it makes us think… What’s coming next?
The photographed model, a steel version with a salmon guilloché dial, captures the watchmaker’s design language and spirit perfectly. The concave bezel and straight lugs, rather than the signature teardrop ones, refine the familiar case silhouette, providing the watch with a balanced, modernised look. The case measures 37.5mm in diameter and is more compact than earlier Vingt-8 editions, yet it still exudes presence thanks to its polished surfaces and domed sapphire crystal. Both front and back crystals are treated with an anti-reflective coating, and the large, fluted crown is designed for the quick-correction moonphase setting, performed by simple pressing.
The dial, with multiple hand-guilloché patterns, is pure Voutilainen. The salmon tone of the present example is warm yet restrained, contrasted by applied gold Arabic numerals and instantly recognisable hand-blued steel and gold hands. The moonphase display at 6 o’clock is a miniature artwork: the lunar disc is in blue Grand Feu enamel, with the moon hand-painted in enamel pigments over a gold base. Each disc requires multiple firings and hours of hand-polishing to achieve its depth and luminosity, a process performed in-house by Brodbeck Guillochage, based in Fleurier.
A power reserve indicator at 12 o´clock completes the layout; the minutes ring with the dotted track looks familiar as it is one of the recurring Voutilainen designs. As can be expected, the watchmaker offers dial customisation to accommodate clients’ requests – colours and guilloche patterns can be specified to your preferences.
The Calibre 28MPR, made in-house, of course, retains the essence of the original Vingt-8 but adds complications. Its direct-impulse escapement with twin escape wheels delivers energy directly to the balance via the roller jewel, improving efficiency and longevity. The large 13.5mm balance wheel beats at a leisurely 18,000 vibrations/hour, fitted with a Phillips overcoil and Grossmann internal curve for optimal performance. The power reserve is 65 hours.
Every part of the movement, from its German-silver bridges with Geneva stripe (or hand-frosting upon request) and anglage to its polished steel components and 18k gold wheels, is designed, manufactured, and finished in the Voutilainen workshop. It is one of the finest movements you’ll find on the indie watch scene.
The Voutilainen 28MPR is worn on a hand-sewn leather strap, available in several colours and finishes, with customisation offered to owners. Production is limited to 15 pieces per metal. Prices are CHF 142,000 for steel or titanium, and CHF 149,000 for platinum. For more information, please visit www.voutilainen.ch.
