Inside A Métiers d’Art Workshop

Dominique and Olivier Vaucher have the rare ability to integrate art into watches using many different, highly specialized techniques. Called metiers d’art, they comprise decorating dials, cases, and even hands using engraving, enameling, micro sculpture, and even micro painting. 

The couple’s workshop counts about 40 people and is recognized as one of few able to deliver the best-executed creations. With time, they have learned to adapt their know-how to the small surfaces that are watch dials. But they above all, they succeed in translating their artistic skills to this miniscule scale and adapting them to the technical constraints that exist in watchmaking. 

The Vauchers also worked on developing new processes using modern tools in order to establish new techniques and improve production. But in the end, what counts really is the emotion created – and that surpasses all technical prowess.