Glaze anatomy
A temporary studio in Bangkok by JaegerLeCoultre demonstrates the painstaking precision required to become a watch enamellist
Virtually rediscovering the art of enamelling in 1994, Jaeger-LeCoultre has nurtured it with savoir-faire at a dedicated studio on the manufacturing site in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux.
This week, a mini-studio was temporarily constructed at Siam Paragon to share and promote an appreciation of the maison’s craftsmanship.
“Clients buy the nice-looking enamelled watches but they cannot imagine the long and painstaking task of painting a small dial. This exclusive workshop gives them hands-on experience in the demanding craft,” said Sophie Quenaon, master enameller.
Enamelling, engraving and gem-setting are defined as rare skills by the Swiss brand, whose watchmaking dates back more than 180 years.
Quenaon was formerly an engraver, her job then much less time-consuming than enamelling.
“I remember telling myself that I could never finish my first enamelled piece. Eventually, it took three weeks,” she said. “Meticulousness, patience and precision, in addition to a background in drawing and painting, are required to become an enamellist.”
Besides the artistic aspect of painting with very thin brushes, the technical knowhow covers everything from colour-mixing to enamel-baking. The grand feu technique, for instance, involves several firings at extremely high temperatures, 800-900C. Incorrect temperatures and oven times mean having to start all over again.
Quenaon has mastered all traditional enamelling techniques besides the grand feu. Her recent work is a miniature Vincent van Gogh painting on the dial of a client’s piece.
The Post-Impressionist’s Starry Night Over The Rhone has been reproduced on the face of the Master Grande Tradition à Répétition Minutes, now on display along with museum pieces and limited editions at the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique at Siam Paragon.
A Reverso à Eclipses has a hidden polychrome miniature of Renoir’s La Baigneuse, revealed when opening the shutters.
Reproductions of any images can be requested for a personalised timepiece, added Quenaon, and it’s these requests that allow her to create her next work of art.
For more information, visit the JaegerLeCoultre Boutique on Siam Paragon’s M floor or call 02-610-9925.