Marteau: The Echo
Thursday, 12 - Thursday, 19 March 2026

Voutilainen, Observatoire

For this particular lot, the Maker’s Fee promised by Marteau & Co. may, at the brand’s discretion, be allocated by Marteau to one or more non-profit organizations supporting watchmaking and craftsmanship.

Lot Details

The Kari Voutilainen Observatoire is among the most revered chronometers produced by an independent watchmaker. This example, cased in white gold, is powered by the legendary chronometer-rated Peseux 260, here presented in a seldom-seen balance cock configuration. It is complemented by a refined two-tone grey guilloché dial, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship associated with Voutilainen’s work. Offered as a full set, the watch represents a particularly attractive example of one of the earliest and most historically important pieces from the Finnish master watchmaker. In their own words: "Even though I made a few of my own watches when I started as an independent, I initially worked primarily for others. For instance, I designed the tourbillon bridges for the first Greubel Forsey watch, presented in 2004 at Baselworld. This was supposed to be a secret, but at the fair Philippe Dufour stopped me. “Your work is really good,” he said,before adding that I was stupid for not keeping that work for myself. A few hours later the same thing happened with Vianney Halter. “Great work,” Halter said, “but you are stupid not working for yourself.” When I came home after the fair I was determined. “Next year I will exhibit in my own name,” I told my wife. In 2005, I did exhibit in my own name. All of a sudden, I got lots of demands. Too many, in fact. Retailers wanted 10, 15 pieces, a lot of private clients were interested – I couldn’t believe it! But it was too much. I would not have been able to make all that. So, I decided to refuse orders from shops, and only kept the orders from private customers. That was the best decision I ever made..." - as told to Marteau & Co in "The Greatest Lesson" by Kari Voutilainen.