The Art of Engraving
Hand engraving is a refined element of the legendary Geneva watchmaking tradition, bringing the metal to life and creating a captivating interplay of light. At Patek Philippe, this technique is employed within the Rare Handcrafts collection, highlighting the mastery of micro-marquetry and the sophistication of enamel work.
The Art of Guilloché
Guilloché transforms metal into a living canvas: the artisan manually guides the mechanisms to create delicate, precise patterns on dials, movements, and cases. This technique originated in the 16th century, reached its pinnacle in the 19th, and today remains a rare craft, passed down exclusively from master to apprentice.
The art of marquetry
The marquetry artisan works with a rich palette — up to 130 types of wood and 60–70 natural shades — from which the most intricate patterns emerge. Over time, masters build a collection of unique species, weaving them into creations where nature and art engage in an exquisite interplay of detail.