Voutilainen 217QRS Retrograde Date: A Masterpiece of Independent Watchmaking
The Voutilainen 217QRS Retrograde Date is an exceptional creation introduced at SIHH 2018, representing the finest traditions of independent haute horlogerie. As one of Kari Voutilainen’s most refined calendar watches, the 217QRS combines elegant three-hand simplicity with an intelligently engineered retrograde date mechanism. Despite the technical additions, the watch preserves the brand’s signature handcrafted aesthetics, guilloché artistry, and traditional movement finishing.
Hand-Guilloché Dial with Vintage Proportions
The watch maintains a classically sized 39 mm case, aligning with Voutilainen’s philosophy of balanced proportions. Its deep blue dial is entirely hand-engraved with multiple guilloché patterns, each surface reflecting light differently and creating a remarkable sense of depth. The layout pairs Breguet-style hands with Arabic numerals and baton markers, delivering an elegant visual rhythm across the dial.
The oversized small seconds subdial at 3 o’clock intersects with the retrograde date scale. A delicately curved crescent-shaped hand indicates the date, sweeping across the arc before returning to the starting point at the end of each month.
Unique Retrograde Date Mechanism
One of the most distinctive technical features of the Voutilainen 217QRS Retrograde Date is its innovative date-setting system. Pressing the crown advances the date by one day at a time, eliminating the need for recessed pushers. When the date reaches the 31st, the hand performs a smooth counterclockwise sweep back to the 1st. This controlled retrograde motion increases mechanical complexity while maintaining a gentle, almost fluid reset action.
This thoughtful execution ensures long-term reliability and sets the watch apart from typical retrograde displays.
Movement Architecture and Finishing
The movement inside the Voutilainen 217QRS remains true to Kari Voutilainen’s standards of artisanal craftsmanship. The mainplate and bridges are made of German silver, finished entirely by hand with traditional techniques such as beveling, frosting, and polished countersinks. The oversized balance wheel, measuring an impressive 13.6 mm, offers superior chronometric stability and a captivating presence when viewed through the sapphire caseback.
It is equipped with a Breguet overcoil balance spring and a Grossmann-style interior curve, both contributing to precision and consistent amplitude. The movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 65 hours.
Limited Editions in Precious Metals
The Voutilainen 217QRS Retrograde Date is offered in platinum, white gold, and rose gold, with each variation limited to just 10 pieces. Every example reflects the same artisanal attention to detail that defines the brand, from hand-shaped hands to individually decorated components.
Collectors admire the model not only for its technical ingenuity but also for its understated charm, balanced architecture, and the unmistakable identity of Kari Voutilainen’s craftsmanship.
Specifications: Voutilainen 217QRS Retrograde Date
Platinum, white gold, or rose gold case, 39 mm diameter, 11.5 mm thick
Sapphire crystal front and back
Hand-guilloché dial
Gold hands
Manual-winding movement
39 jewels
18,000 vibrations/hour
65-hour power reserve
Alligator leather strap with 18K gold buckle
Additional Resources and Internal Links
Official information from the brand can be found here: Voutilainen Official Website.
