My name is Amandine, I am now 13 years old and keen on watchmaking. Since the age of 7, when asked what job I want to do, I answer “watchmaker-designer at Bulgari”… In the meantime, I interview people in the industry…
By Amandine, the youngest Swiss Watch Passport columnist
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In 2024, aside Watches & Wonders in Geneva, during an evening with the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants), I had the chance to meet the watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. He kindly agreed to answer my “WhoAreU” interview.
Kari, who are you at the office ?
I am the watchmaker and owner of my company
And in real life?
I am a member of my family and the father of my childs, they are already adults.
How did you fall into watchmaking ?
I loved to do things with my hands and we had family friend, who was a watchmaker. Through him I saw his universe
What do you remember about your first watch?
A Leijona sport watch, with a black dial and turning bezel.
And which watch has the most sentimental value for you today?
Perhaps the pocket watch tourbillon I made during my free time between 1991 and 1994.
Do you make watches for young people?
Our watches are timepieces, for everybody
What would you say to a young person under 15 years old to make him/her interested in mechanical watchmaking rather than his/her Apple Watch?
Mechanical watch has macig inside, there is live, balance is beating.
And what are the assets of your brand to seduce them?
We can make the dream watch, we do customize, after customers desire, almost apwas, sometimes no…
There is a lot of talk about sustainability, what does that mean to you?
Mechanical watch is good, it is not throw away object, it is for the next generations.
Are you more of a TikTok, Instagram or LinkedIn person?
Non of those,
What advice would you give me to be able to live my passion and work in watchmaking?
To fulfill dreams, this is something you should follow the red line and make decisions to get there by always thinking that your decision will bring you more close to your goals and dreams
Any message to pass on, anything to add?
It is important to have good life, and this comes when you Monday morning is your best morning, you are excited to start you new week, Friday evening is nice plus…
Shall we take a selfie for my album?