The new Cushion-Shaped Voutilainen KV20i Reversed CS

Kari Voutilainen is regarded as one of the greatest independent watchmakers on the scene today. Working from his atelier in Môtiers, Switzerland, the Finnish master watchmaker produces some of the most coveted complications, drawing collectors from near and far to admire his minute repeaters, tourbillons and other in-house delicacies. The latest marvel to emerge from Môtiers is the KV20i Reversed CS (cushion shape) timepiece, with an inverted in-house calibre now hosted in a cushion-shaped case. A fusion of the Worldtime case and the back-to-front mechanics of the KV20i, the new model plays with contemporary materials, colours and finishings without forgetting Voutilainen’s signature hand-guilloché flourishes.

Starting with the least complex aspect of the watch, the cushion-shaped titanium case harks back to the TP1 pocket watch created by Kari and his daughter, Venla, for Only Watch in 2019, a shape that later influenced the Cushion Shape Worldtime. Measuring 39 x 39mm with a height of 12mm, the titanium case has four functional screws on each corner with the brand’s signature three-hole design and short, curving lugs. Decorated with a predominance of satin-brushed surfaces and polished accents on the bevels and lugs, the case has an oversized, flat, fluted winding crown.

Since the mechanics typically displayed on the caseback are exposed on the dial, the choice of a cushion-shaped case provides more breathing room and a better view. Framed by a round cherry-coloured minute ring with polished white gold quarter dots, one of the first things to catch your eye is the large 13.5mm free-sprung balance wheel with rose gold timing weights supported by a single-armed balance wheel bridge at noon.

Beneath the balance are the two blued escape wheels (the brand’s classic direct impulse escapement) that match the colour of the blued-steel openworked tips of the gold hour and minute hands. Adding a contemporary touch, the hand-frosted finish of the German silver bridges and mainplate contrasts with the bright pink rubies and the gold wheels. Perfectly flat, the surfaces of the pinions and wheels are brightly polished.

The reverse side reveals a luscious cherry-red hand-guilloché ring with a screwed plaque with the model name and number. Also decorated with hand-guilloché is the cherry-coloured small seconds counter at 2 o’clock, placed above the frosted bridges. Other decorative flourishes, such as perlage and polished screw heads, attest to Voutilainen’s reputation for refined finishing. The manual-winding calibre has a sedate frequency of 18,00vph and a robust 60-hour power reserve.

The Voutilainen KV20i Reversed CS is paired with a hand-sewn brown crocodile leather strap. It retails for CHF 133,800 (excl. tax). More information at voutilainen.ch.