-
-
-
-
From expertise to emotions
-
Design drafting Artisan
-
Fleurisanne Engraving Artisan
-
Master Gemsetting Artisan
-
Grand Complication Watchmaker Tourbillon Artisan
-
Dancing-Diamond Choreographer
-
Jewellery model-making Artisan
-
High Jewellery Design Drafting Artisan
-
Gold foundry Artisan
-
Grand complication Watchmaker Minute Repeater Artisan
-
Watch-polishing Artisan
-
Movement Decoration Artisan
-
Jewellery-sculpting Artisan
-
Enamelling Artisan
-
Chopard
Véronique
Movement Decoration Artisan
The decoration workshop at Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier is a special place in which the walls are punctuated by large bay windows that reveal a panoramic view of the bountiful nature all around. Véronique, the Artisan of Movement Decoration, appreciates being surrounded by beauty in order to create works with great aesthetic appeal. It is here that movement decoration is performed: Côtes de Genève, bevelling, circular-graining, circular satin-brushing, sunburst patterning, and Fleurisanne engraving - all skills that highlight the beauty of the watch movement and the intelligence behind each deft touch.
Based on the same principle as circular-graining, a hidden decoration made of overlapping satin-finish concentric circles, circular satin-brushing, in turn, brings added brilliance to the component by the decoration Artisan pressing 9-micron sandpaper on the surface of the part, which is also turned at the same time, so as to give a beautifully smooth result. Among the criteria for obtaining the precious Poinçon de Genève is the need to avoid leaving any random machining marks on the parts of a movement. All the elements composing a L.U.C watch movement are thus bevelled using micromotors: a means of infusing the creation with vibrant life and radiance. Lending a sunburst effect to a component in which all the straight lines of the decoration start from the same point of intersection, like the sun's rays, Côtes de Genève are reserved for the visible surface of the bridges and are not applied to the functional parts of the movement so as not to affect its accuracy.
Mirror polishing requires particular dexterity and when perfectly done has the power to reflect the surrounding decor, as its name implies. And last but not least, the forgotten tradition of Fleurisanne engraving, an art in its own right, involving engraving bas-relief sculptures representing flowers and volutes on the Swiss watch movement, was revived by Chopard Co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, 15 years ago. Only a few one-of-a-kind creations or others produced in very limited series will pass through the hands of the engraver who will be able to bring out delicate sculptures from the precious material.
"The satisfaction of having pushed attention to detail to the point of decorating the invisible is part of the beauty of this profession."
Véronique, The Artisan of Movement Decoration
Véronique, The Artisan of Movement Decoration
"Mechanical purists will say that any decoration is superfluous because mechanics alone should do the talking. But as long as we can perpetuate a watchmaking profession, it is our duty to do so."
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President, Chopard
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President, Chopard
