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Manufacture

Independent Workshop

Independent for over 20 years, the Voutilainen workshop creates exceptional timepieces that reflect a unique philosophy, uniting watchmaking heritage with innovation. Nestled in the heart of the Val-de-Travers region in Switzerland, the Manufacture remains true to traditional values while advancing the art of horology.

From minute repeaters and tourbillons to repurposed vintage movements and in-house calibers like the famous Vingt-8, the workshop demonstrates a rare breadth of expertise. This fusion of tradition and innovation has earned the Voutilainen workshop a distinguished place in the world of haute horlogerie, with its pieces treasured worldwide.

Savoir-faire

Inspired by the incredible history of watchmaking, while also enriching the aesthetics and techniques of the craft, the Voutilainen watches are celebrated for their pursuit of perfection, establishing a gold standard in haute horology. Every detail reflects an extraordinary level of finishing, blending refined design with mechanical excellence.

Design and Development

The design and development of movements, cases, dials and hands are carried out entirely in-house within the Voutilainen workshop. It ensures that each timepiece reflects a coherent identity shaped with precision, innovation, and a deep respect for watchmaking tradition.

Mechanics

After the movement’s conception, precise technical drawings are produced to initiate fabrication. Traditional materials are used such as steel, German-silver and gold. The main plate, bridges, wheels, pinions, arbors and screws are machined in-house on CNC machines and an automatic lathe, then inspected to strict tolerances.

Hand-finishing

All movement components are meticulously hand-finished. The surfaces of pinions and wheels are perfectly flat and polished with exceptionally uniform tolerances. The main plate and bridges are finished to meet the highest standards. Screws and steel components are likewise decorated. In addition, traditional decorative techniques such as anglage (bevelling), perlage (circular graining), and Côtes de Genève are realised with great care.

Movement assembly

Each Voutilainen movement undergoes a first assembly to ensure perfect adjustments. Then it is disassembled for meticulous hand-decoration before the final assembly by the master watchmakers, guaranteeing exceptional quality and reliability.

Final assembly

Once the movement has been assembled and tested, the final casing process begins. The dial, hands, and case are fitted with utmost care, completing a timepiece that reflects the highest levels of precision and excellence.

“It’s not just about making a watch, it’s about creating an emotional connection”

History

1983

First watchmaking training at the world-renowned Espoo School of watchmaking, Finland 

1986

Graduation from the Espoo Watchmaking School 

1988

His passion for horology led him to Switzerland, where he attended a refresher course at the WOSTEP School of Watchmaking, followed by a training in complicated timepieces

1994

Craft of his first own timepiece, a tourbillon pocket watch that took over 2,000 hours to achieve, working at nighttime

2002

Establishment of his own workshop "Voutilainen Horlogerie d’Art" in Môtiers, Val-de-Travers, marking his independence

2009

Move of his workshop to an historic villa in Môtiers, built over a century ago

2011

Unveil of the well-known in-house movement 28 with two escapement wheels and direct impulse

2014

Acquisition of Comblémine SA, a dial manufacturer based in Val-de-Travers, Switzerland. This strategic move enabled Kari Voutilainen to reinforce his independence and insure quality, precision and creativity 

2018

Creation of Voutilainen & Cattin, a case manufacture based in Saignelégier 

2021

The Voutilainen workshop establishes itself in the historic Chapeau de Napoléon premises in Val-de-Travers, ideal for creating exceptional timepieces and continuing its tradition of excellence. 

2024

Founded in Fleurier and housed in the former watchmaking school, Brodbeck Guillochage, led by Angélique Singele, revives the historic site as a workshop dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of traditional hand-guilloché.

2025

The Voutilainen workshop wins the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for the 12th time with the 28GML SOUYOU, once again confirming its excellence in the art of independent watchmaking

Through the years, the Voutilainen workshop has forged a strong reputation for excellence, earning recognition at the highly revered Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). By 2025, the workshop had garnered an impressive 12 GPHG awards, further cementing its dedication to the pursuit of perfection.

In addition to the GPHG, the Manufacture was honored with the prestigious Gaïa Award in 2014 in the “Artisanat-creation” category, celebrating its exceptional contributions to the craft of watchmaking. These distinctions are a reflection of the Voutilainen workshop’s relentless pursuit of blending time-honoured traditions with innovative artistry, solidifying its esteemed position in the world of fine horology.