Voutilainen KV20i Reversed

Kari Voutilainen’s latest release, the KV20i Reversed Cherry, continues the tradition of fine watchmaking with a bold new twist. This new iteration, housed in a polished 39mm titanium case, features striking cherry-red accents that set it apart from its predecessors. Following the path of bold hues in haute horology, Voutilainen’s choice of cherry red complements the intricacies of the inverted movement showcased on the dial.

The case of the KV20i Reversed Cherry retains the refined features of previous models, including a concave bezel, signature teardrop lugs, and a flat, fluted crown that completes the polished silhouette. An exhibition caseback secured by six custom screws offers an unhindered view of the watch’s internal beauty. This sophisticated casing provides the perfect frame for the calibre KV20i, a movement crafted in-house by Voutilainen, which shifts the traditional back-of-watch mechanisms to the front.

The KV20i’s dial is an open window into the movement’s complex workings. German silver bridges are frosted and adorned with polished screw heads and meticulously crafted flat wheels and pinions. Each beveled edge of the calibre reflects the masterful work of Voutilainen’s atelier. A standout feature is the oversized 13.5mm free-sprung balance wheel, complete with rose gold timing weights, paired with two large, blued escape wheels driving the direct impulse escapement – a hallmark of precision and reliability.

The cherry theme continues with the bold minutes ring framing the movement. This ring, marked by polished gold dots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, contrasts with the intricately guilloché-adorned background, lending the watch a layered visual appeal. The brand’s name sits at the top of the dial, underscoring the craftsmanship and elegance embodied in the KV20i Reversed. Gold hour and minute hands, finished with distinctive blue rings at their tips, bring a hint of playful design, suggesting the possibility of matching them to the watch’s cherry theme.

Turning the watch over reveals more of its refined character. The transparent caseback exposes the reverse side of the KV20i movement, framed by a cherry-coloured ring. This ring, etched with a hand-guilloché pattern, bears a plaque naming the model and its number in the series. The upper left of the caseback features a running seconds sub-dial, detailed with a different guilloché pattern and marked with double-digit intervals, creating a balance of form and function. The calibre KV20i is manually wound, containing 31 jewels, operating at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, and offering a robust 60-hour power reserve. Completing the look is a hand-sewn fabric strap in matching cherry red, enhancing the timepiece’s cohesive colour theme.