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A.I. Reviews v37.5 (refreshed with Grok 4.1 Fast)
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Model Name:
Voutilainen Retrograde Date
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Reference:
217QRS
Price ($)
$
134000
Country:
Switzerland
A.I. Rating
9.2
Crowd Rating:
3200
Watch Description
The 217QRS features a retrograde date mechanism of a unique construction where it is fully integrated in main plate. Setting the date can not be easier. One press makes the date hand one day. A special mechanism has been created for the return of the date of 31 st to 1 st, allowing the date to return slowly back to 1st. By doing this, the mechanism avoids bouncing or arriving at the first day.
The movement has a very large balance wheel manufactured in-house, permitting perfect regulation of the watch to within strict tolerances. To equip such a rare timepiece, a very rare and unique balance-spring system has been used. The exterior of the spring uses a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the Grossmann curve.
The escapement makes this movement special; This is the first watch to have two wheels in such a configuration. The escape wheels give a direct impulse to the balance through the impulse roller / jewel. This retreat is extremely efficient and requires much less energy than traditional leisurely retreats, providing benefits in terms of longevity and stability in day-to-day use.
The balance-wheel bridge is sublimely elegant, offering an unimpeded view of the escapement and balance. It also allows the enthusiast to admire the synchronized movements of the escapement wheels.
The in-house movement inspired from Vingt-8 is designed, built, fabricated, finished and assembled in its entirety in Voutilainen workshops. The design and philosophy of the movement combines respect for longevity and precision with classical watchmaking tradition.
Product Link:
39
0
0
11.5
30
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Manual
Vingt-8 caliber
65
Silver
A.I. Watch Review:
# Voutilainen Retrograde Date Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Voutilainen Retrograde Date is a masterpiece of haute horlogerie in a refined dress watch style, boasting a 39mm 18K rose gold case with hand-beveled edges and guilloché accents, powered by the in-house manual-winding Calibre Vingt-8 at 18,000 vph offering a 65-hour power reserve and signature retrograde date complication with fluid sweeping hand reset, perfect for sophisticated collectors who demand peerless artisanal dial work featuring silver guilloché patterns and distinctive blued teardrop steel indices.
## Overall Watch Rating: 9.2/10.0
**Dials & Design Metric (9.9/10.0)** - Hand-guilloché dials with proprietary teardrop indices and blued steel accents surpass even A. Lange & Söhne in bespoke artisanal refinement.
**Movement Metric (9.9/10.0)** - The Calibre Vingt-8's hand-finished bridges and plates deliver finishing on par with the finest F.P. Journe calibers.
**Rarity Metric (9.9/10.0)** - With production under 25 pieces annually and prices exceeding $100k, it matches the exclusivity of Richard Mille limited editions.
**Brand Metric (9.7/10.0)** - Voutilainen's reputation for restoration mastery and in-house innovation places it firmly in the haute horology elite alongside MB&F.
**Material Metric (9.6/10.0)** - 18K rose gold case paired with double-domed AR-coated sapphire rivals Patek Philippe's premium material execution.
**History & Innovation Metric (9.2/10.0)** - Kari Voutilainen's heritage in vintage restoration combined with unique retrograde mechanics echoes the inventive spirit of Roger W. Smith.
**Versatility Metric (8.5/10.0)** - Ideal for formal and collector settings but 30m water resistance limits rugged adventure use compared to Omega dress models.
**Complications Metric (8.5/10.0)** - The retrograde date offers elegant functionality superior to traditional Jaeger-LeCoultre date windows.
**Functions Metric (8.0/10.0)** - Hours, minutes, small seconds, and retrograde date provide refined utility akin to a high-end Blancpain Villeret.
## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.5
## WM Collector Grade: B+
## Performance Insights: Dominates in dials, movement, rarity, and brand prestige while functions remain appropriately basic for its dress focus; delivers outstanding collector value trading at a fraction of its $950,000 implied performance price.
## TPS Interpretation: Fair Value: The watch provides reliable functionality with a unique aesthetic at its price.
## Watch Data
[https://www.voutilainen.ch/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Vingt-8-with-Retrograde-Date-4.jpg] - [Front image of rose gold case with guilloche dial]; [https://monochrome-watches.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Voutilainen-Vingt-8-Retrograde-caseback.jpg] - [Exhibition caseback showing Calibre Vingt-8]; [N/A] - [No lume]; [Retro Date] - [Voutilainen Retrograde Date]; [Voutilainen] - [Voutilainen]; [Vingt-8 Retrograde Date] - [Vingt-8 Retrograde Date]; [Switzerland] - [Switzerland]; [https://www.voutilainen.ch/] - [https://www.voutilainen.ch/]; [https://www.chrono24.com/voutilainen/index.htm] - [https://www.chrono24.com/voutilainen/index.htm]; [Manual Wind] - [Manual Wind]; [Calibre Vingt-8] - [Calibre Vingt-8]; [1] - [1]; [Exquisite haute horlogerie dress watch with in-house retrograde date complication, hand-guilloche dial, and crown positioned at 2 o'clock for optimal proportions.] - [Exquisite haute horlogerie dress watch with in-house retrograde date complication, hand-guilloche dial, and crown positioned at 2 o'clock for optimal proportions.]; [39] - [39]; [47] - [47]; [10.7] - [10.7]; [20] - [20]; [30] - [30]; [65] - [65]; [18000] - [18000]; [No] - [No]; [27] - [27]; [18K Rose Gold] - [18K Rose Gold]; [Double-domed Sapphire with AR both sides] - [Double-domed Sapphire with AR both sides]; [Fixed] - [Fixed]; [Sapphire exhibition] - [Sapphire exhibition]; [Knurled at 2 o'clock] - [Knurled at 2 o'clock]; [Louisiana alligator leather] - [Louisiana alligator leather]; [Round] - [Round]; [Hand-guilloché silver] - [Hand-guilloché silver]; [Small seconds] - [Small seconds]; [Retrograde] - [Retrograde]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [4.5] - [4.5]; [B+] - [B+]; [950000] - [950000];
**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**
