Definition
Applique, in the context of watchmaking and specifically referring to Guilloché, is a decorative technique in which intricate and repetitive patterns are engraved or stamped onto a surface, usually the dial of a watch. These patterns are created using a specialized machine, known as a guilloche machine.
Origin
Guilloché, also known as engine turning, has its origins in the 18th century, named in honor of the French inventor Guillot, who perfected this technique. It became a popular form of decoration in luxury items, including watches, during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Usage
The use of applique Guilloché is predominant in high-quality watches, where aesthetic details are of great importance. Found mainly on dials, Guilloché adds depth, light reflection, and a distinctive aspect to the watch.
Examples
Prestigious brands like Breguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin often use Guilloché on their dials. Classic Breguet models, for example, are famous for their detailed Guilloché patterns.
Synonyms
Terms like “engine turning” or “decorative engraving” are often used to describe processes similar to Guilloché.
Related Terms
- Côtes de Genève: A type of decorative finish applied to movement components.
- Perlage: Patterns of small concentric circles, another form of decoration in watches.
Tips
When examining a watch with applique Guilloché, observe the uniformity and precision of the patterns. A magnifying glass can help appreciate the complexity and finesse of the details.
Fun Facts
Guilloché was a favorite technique of the watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, who extensively used it in his designs in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The manual Guilloché process is a highly specialized skill, and only a limited number of artisans today master this technique.
