COMPACT CANVAS

Some of the most incredible works of art can be found on our wrists that is, on timepieces decorated with métiers d'art techniques

- Annabel Tan

PATEK PHILIPPE

Renowned not only for its watchmaking but also its prowess in the rare handcrafts used for timepiece decoration, Patek Philippe regularly produces incredible enamelled dials like the one on this World Time Minute Repeater. The colourful scene of a steamboat cruising on Lake Geneva is achieved with grand feu cloisonné enamelling, which fires powdered enamels repeatedly at high heat to achieve vibrant, nuanced hues.

Patek Philippe Ref 5531G-001

CHANEL

What appears to be a lace design of camellias on this Chanel watch is created using a combination of three métiers d'art. Hand engraving gives texture to the yellow gold surface of the dial, which is then covered with a layer of translucent grand feu enamel to accentuate and provide depth to the engraving. Finally, a traditional decal technique is used to draw the camellia motif, and successive layers of these fine decals create a lacy pattern of the iconic flower.