ENAMELING
FIRE MEETS PRECISION
Enameling is one of the rarest and most demanding dial-making arts in haute horlogerie — and at Chronoswiss, we embrace the challenge. Dating back to the 18th century and once reserved for emperors and royal commissions, this centuries-old technique lives on in our Lucerne atelier. Using finely ground glass powder, hand-milled to perfection, our artisans apply and fire multiple layers of enamel onto engraved dials.
HOW IS AN
ENAMEL DIAL CREATED?
Creating a true enamel dial is a meticulous, multi-stage process requiring patience and precision. Finely ground glass powder is hand-applied in delicate layers onto a solid base of fine metal, each fired at 750°C to 900°C - sometimes up to 7 times.
Between firings, the surface is leveled and refined by hand to ensure perfect smoothness. Polishing completes the process, revealing the dial’s brilliance and depth. The result: A wearable work of art.
THE PROCESS IS
UNFORGIVING
Enameling allows no margin for error. A dust particle, moisture, or uneven heat can ruin hours - even days - of work. If one layer cracks or discolors, the process starts from scratch.
This is why the craft has nearly disappeared from modern watchmaking. Yet nothing matches enamel’s glass-like finish, luminous depth, and timeless resilience. UV-resistant and unfading, our enamel dials retain their brilliance for centuries.
THE MAGIC OF
PAILLONNÉ ENAMEL
Paillonné enamel stands among the most exclusive métiers d’art in contemporary watchmaking. The process begins with a precious metal dial, meticulously hand-guillochéd in the Chronoswiss Atelier Lucerne. Multiple layers of translucent enamel are applied and fired at high temperatures, gradually creating exceptional depth, luminosity and richness of colour. Once the desired shade is achieved, delicate gold paillons are positioned by hand with extraordinary precision. Sealed beneath a final layer of enamel and fired once more, they appear suspended within the dial, creating a captivating interplay of light, colour and precious metal.
Our enameling work is done entirely in-house, combining the precision of guilloché engraving with the luminous depth of fire-fused glass. The result is a dial that glows softly, lasts forever, and transforms every watch into a wearable piece of art.
Pulse GMT
Enamel Sky Gold
Delphis
Dracula
WHAT MAKES
ENAMEL RARE?
True enamel work takes years to master - with no shortcuts, no automation, and no formal schools. This rare craft is passed down from master to apprentice, one generation at a time.
At Chronoswiss, each enamel dial is handcrafted in our Lucerne atelier, shaped by fire, patience, and precision. That’s what makes it rare - and why we’re proud to keep it alive.
ENAMEL
QUICK FACTS
- Crafted from finely ground glass, fired at 750°C to 900°C
- Each layer builds lasting color, depth, and brilliance
- Fully handcrafted in the Chronoswiss Atelier
- Paired with hand guilloché for extraordinary dial artistry
- Among the rarest and most enduring crafts in watchmaking
