Finnish master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen recently opened a new atelier in Canton Neuchâtel. Voutilainen could in some ways be described as the Lionel Messi of fine watchmaking.

To his credit are no fewer than eight prizes at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the industry. His timepieces are snapped up around the globe by wealthy collectors, most notably in the United States, and at stratospheric prices. ‘Entry-level’ watches for his eponymous brand will set you back at least 75,000 CHF excluding tax, and the waiting lists are constantly growing.

In 2002 he set out as an independent watchmaker, his lifelong dream. Three years later, he caused a sensation at the Basel Watch Fair by presenting the first watch to bear his name, a minute repeater striking the tens and not the quarters as is usually the case.

In order to meet growing demand and free up some time for his family, Voutilainen hired other watchmakers and specialised personnel to assist him until he had created his own manufacture, capable of producing almost all the components of its creations with a clean design and meticulous finish.
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