Renowned Watchmaker Kari Voutilainen Showcases Career in Native Finland
Kari Voutilainen, a 10-time winner at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, recently returned to his native Finland to open an exhibition highlighting his illustrious career in watchmaking.
The exhibition, titled “Voutilainen: The Art of Watchmaking,” is being held at the Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery Kruunu in Espoo, just outside Helsinki. It features 31 watches by Mr. Voutilainen, along with sketches, photographs, and videos showcasing his work.
Despite a spring snowstorm that disrupted transportation in Helsinki, around 130 people attended the opening to greet Mr. Voutilainen, who reflected on his journey in a phone interview, saying, “The exhibition has made me really stop and think about what we have been doing for the past 35 years.”
In addition to his private label, Voutilainen, Mr. Voutilainen has also been involved in case- and dial-making businesses. He is currently working on renovating a former horology school in Switzerland into a guilloché atelier to further enhance his creations.
The exhibition also features the Voutilainen X Leijona collection, a collaboration with the Finnish brand Leijona, as well as a special pocket watch created by Mr. Voutilainen in 1994 that helped propel his career in watchmaking.
The Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery Kruunu, which expanded its focus to include jewelry in 2021, has been well-received by enthusiasts of both watches and jewelry. The museum aims to showcase the work of Finnish artists like Mr. Voutilainen and jewelry designer Bjorn Weckstrom to celebrate the country’s rich horological and jewelry heritage.
Mr. Voutilainen’s exhibition is scheduled to run through September 29, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the artistry and craftsmanship of one of the most esteemed figures in independent horology.
