Work Of Art

Breguet was the first to apply hand guillochage to watchmaking. Today, the centuries-old art is lovingly preserved and practised in a dedicated workshop.

- Celine Yap

Almost every Breguet timepiece is decorated with hand-guilloche, usually on the dial but sometimes on the movement as well. The Classique line, for instance, is most irrevocably tied to this ancient metier, said to be an invention of a French engineer named Guillot in the late 18th century. When describing the craft, the term guillochage is used. Guilloche, on the other hand, refers to a specific piece of work. And finally, the craftsperson who is skilled in this metier is known as a guillocheur.

Essentially a type of surface engraving done on metallic components, guilloche exists in several styles. Clous de Paris, also known as hobnail, with its straight rows of tiny pyramids, is the most archetypal motif, followed by barleycorn or grain d’orge, the basketweave or vieux panier, the sunburst or soleil. These are just some of the most common ones. At the Breguet manufacture, additional styles include flamme, lisere, saute pique, pave de Paris, drape moire and many more.

Indeed, Breguet is exceptionally skilled in hand guillochage, having practised the craft since the late 18th century. Historical Breguet pocket watches often came with dials featuring two or three different styles of guilloche, sometimes more.