Schwarz Etienne Roma Synergy By Kari Voutilainen: A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

A Dial That Dances with Light

Let’s start with the star of the show: the sand grey dial. Crafted from solid silver, it’s a canvas for Kari Voutilainen’s legendary guilloché work. Using a traditional rose engine lathe—a process that takes two days and years of mastery—the dial features three distinct patterns: soleil (sun) around the hour track, écailles de poisson (fish scales) at the center, and vague (wave) on the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The result? A dial that catches light like a prism, shifting with every tilt of the wrist. Limited to 50 pieces (with another 50 in royal blue), this grey dial is both timeless and exclusive, a nod to Voutilainen’s artistry.

A Movement That’s Pure Art

Flip the Roma Synergy over, and you’re greeted by the in-house ASE 200.00 automatic caliber, a testament to Schwarz Etienne’s manufacturing prowess. With an 86-hour power reserve, 33 jewels, and a frequency of 21,600 VPH, it’s a workhorse dressed in evening wear. The gold-plated micro-rotor sits flush with the bridges, offering an unobstructed view of Voutilainen’s finishing: hand-bevelled edges, snailing on the ratchet wheel, diamond drops, and black-polished steel components. It’s the kind of movement that makes you forget about time—just to stare at it through the exhibition caseback.

A Case Built for Everyday Elegance

The 39mm stainless steel case strikes a perfect balance—subtle enough for a dress watch, robust enough for daily wear. At 11mm thick with 50m water resistance, it’s comfortable and practical, with elongated lugs that hug the wrist. The polished finish and exhibition caseback scream sophistication, while the sapphire crystal ensures clarity and durability. It’s a case that doesn’t shout but quietly commands attention.

A Collaboration Born of Passion

This watch isn’t just a product; it’s a story. In 2017, Schwarz Etienne and Kari Voutilainen met at Salon QP in London, sparking a partnership that’s anything but ordinary. Schwarz Etienne brings its century-long expertise in movement manufacturing, crafting everything from escape wheels to hairsprings. Voutilainen adds his magic touch—guilloché dials and movement finishing that rival the best in the game. The result is a watch that feels like a conversation between friends, each pushing the other to new heights. A silver plaque at 6 o’clock on the dial marks Voutilainen’s contribution, sealing this synergy.

Hands-On: A Week with the Roma Synergy

After seven days on the wrist, the Roma Synergy feels like an old friend with a few dazzling secrets. The 39mm case is a Goldilocks fit—not too big, not too small—slipping effortlessly under a cuff or shining at a casual dinner. The aged grey leather strap, paired with a stainless steel folding buckle, is buttery soft yet secure, molding to the wrist by day three. Every glance at the guilloché dial is a mini-revelation; it’s like watching ripples on a lake, with light playing across the soleil and fish-scale patterns. Colleagues noticed it, strangers complimented it, and I caught myself staring at it during meetings.

But it’s not just about looks. The ASE 200.00 movement kept impeccable time, and the 86-hour power reserve meant I could swap watches for a weekend without worry. If I’m being picky, the movement’s ornate finishing might feel a tad flashy for purists who lean toward understated elegance—less mirror polish, more brushed surfaces could balance it out. Still, flipping it over to admire the black-polished screws and snailing felt like peeking into a watchmaker’s soul. I started with the grey dial but found myself eyeing the royal blue version by week’s end; its vibrancy grows on you. If Schwarz Etienne and Voutilainen revisit this collaboration, a manual-wind version could add even more exclusivity. Here’s hoping they invite another indie watchmaker to the party next time—imagine what fresh perspectives could emerge!

Why It Matters

The Schwarz Etienne Roma Synergy By Kari Voutilainen isn’t just a watch—it’s a celebration of what happens when two visionaries refuse to compromise. It’s a reminder that independent watchmaking can rival the giants, offering something unique in a sea of mass-produced timepieces. For collectors, it’s a must-have; for enthusiasts, it’s a lesson in craftsmanship. And for anyone who loves a good story, it’s a tale of friendship and artistry, limited to just 50 pieces per dial color. Don’t sleep on this one—it’s a future classic.