De Bethune x Kari Voutilainen – Kind of Magic Unique Watches for ONLY WATCH 2021
Kind of Magic reflects the enchanting encounter between two watchmakers, Denis Flageollet and Kari Voutilainen, based on mutual respect, a common vision of watchmaking and a unique sense of independence.
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In support of the Only Watch biennial charity auction of unique timekeepers, De Bethune and Voutilainen, two beautiful independent manufactures have decided to join their strength and know-how while respecting this tradition of independence and keeping a common vision of watchmaking.
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He first came to Switzerland in 1989 to attend the International Watchmaking School, where he completed the WOSTEP complicated watch course, a post graduate course for those watchmakers dedicated to the restoration of complicated, high quality rare watches. He was quickly spotted by Parmigiani Mesure et Art du Temps, where over the following ten years he was at the centre of the restoration work of some of the world’s rarest pieces as well as the creation of new and original ‘one-off’ pieces.
Giving back to others much of the fruit of his experience, Kari Voutilainen taught for the next three years at the WOSTEP School of Watchmaking, heading the department of complicated watchmaking. He also undertook the complete training of beginners, and added many new courses to the curriculum that he had devised himself.
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Alongside his professional work, Kari Voutilainen has devoted himself, through many long evenings of tireless work over the last fifteen years, to developing the ultimate perfection of new and unique mechanisms, which are represented in his highly elegant watches.
Following his passion, and in order to preserve this highly prized tradition, Kari Voutilainen established his own business as an independent Artist Watchmaker in the village of Môtiers in 2002. The beautiful and tranquil region of ‘Val-de-Travers’ gives itself by its very nature to thoughtful and creative watchmaking. Distant markets as far away as China have been conquered by the works of past Masters from this region.
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Kari Voutilainen’s natural gift for perfection, coupled with his broad experience and deep understanding of very high quality, antique, complicated watches, are the quintessential ingredients for innovative creation in the art of watchmaking. Not one to satisfy himself by imagined creations alone, he makes all of his creations himself. He is totally involved in every detail whether technical or aesthetic; like a true artist or sculptor, nothing is left to chance.
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Only this way can his masterpiece timekeepers, based on solid technical foundations and incorporating timeless classical design, pass from generation to generation as the inheritance of a time honoured and proudly maintained tradition.
As with all entirely handmade watches, their number will remain limited; each one is crafted according to specific requirements and has its own individual and personal qualities. It goes without saying that these technical marvels are clothed and protected only by the most precious of metals.
It is for these reasons that pieces signed by Kari Voutilainen will make their mark in the history of watchmaking, to the great delight of those collectors fortunate enough to own one.
Founded in 2002, Manufacture De Bethune is an independent watchmaker that develops and produces everything in house.
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Since its founding, De Bethune has developed no less than 29 calibres, presented 30 or so world firsts, filed a number of patents and launched around 150 one-of-a-kind models. Its timepieces have won awards in major international competitions.
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Through its creations, De Bethune is perpetuating the work of the great 18th century master watchmakers in their quest for perfect time measurement backed by a sense of supreme aesthetic beauty. Leveraging cutting-edge scientific and technological discoveries, its efforts are devoted to inventing unique, innovative and high-performance solutions.
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Not doing more, but instead doing better; drawing inspiration from the past so as to perpetually reinvent it and create bridges with other fields of knowledge. Such are the principles guiding De Bethune in developing horological mechanisms and expressing artistic creativity.
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Testifying to this quest for perfection and this tireless pursuit of beauty, the pure style, taut lines and slenderness of the cases embody a contemporary interpretation of the watchmaking art according to De Bethune.
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Shaping 21st century watchmaking while safeguarding the finest traditions, firmly rooted in history and resolutely looking to the future, De Bethune pursues an outstanding approach effectively combining art and science.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Description courte :
Kind of magic reflects the enchanting encounter between two watchmakers, Denis Flageollet and Kari Voutilainen, based on mutual respect, a common vision of watchmaking and a unique sense of independence.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
Model name: Kind of Magic for Only Watch 2021
CasePolished grade 5 titanium
Dimensions: 43.3mm diameter
Lugs: Short floating lugs in brushed grade 5 titanium De Bethune Patent (2006)
Crystal: In sapphire crystal (hardness of 1800 Vickers) with double antireflective coating
Case back: Open in brushed grade 5 titanium
Sapphire crystal (hardness of 1800 Vickers) with double antireflective coating
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Dial
Black hour ring with rose gold index, black minutes dial with rose gold colour transfer
Display: hand-polished and blued titanium hours and minutes indicators, peripheral minutes indication, hours indication centered on balance wheel
Specificities: Two dials, two different watchmaking identities: this perfectly reversible watch embodies the union between two distinct but identical watchmaking worlds.
Movement:
Calibre: OW21: Dual front and back display of hours and minute, jumping seconds, Isogone display, Dead Beat Second
4 days power reserve, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel, Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimized for temperature differences and air penetration, Balance-spring with flat terminal curve, Silicon escape wheel
Bracelet
Extra-supple alligator, leather lining
Edition
Unique Piece
Limitation: ❱❱❱ Unique piece for Only Watch 2021
Prices Estimated at CHF 8,000 - CHF 250,000
Price Realised against muscular distrophy CHF 1,300,000
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www.OnlyWatch.com
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Press Release - 2021
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Kari Voutilainen
Voutilainen Horlogerie d’Art
Comblémine 2
2112 Môtiers | Switzerland
Tél +41 32 861 4832
Fax +41 32 861 4833
voutilainen@voutilainen.ch
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www.Voutilainen.ch
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De Bethune Geneva Office
25 Grand-Rue 1204 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 310 22 71
Fax: +41 22 310 33 40
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www.DeBethune.ch
