This year, the essence of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engraving expertise is brought to The Dubai Mall exhibition. From October 6th till October 17th, watch aficionados will have the opportunity to discover the world of Swiss haute horology.
The exhibition will showcase handcrafted timepieces and the house’s novelties, such as the new “Geophysic”, the iconic “Atmos”, “Master Ultra-Thin” and “Reverso” collections for both men and women. The techniques of engraving will also be a part of the visitors’ experience, as it offers them an educational and inspiring insight into the field of accurate watchmaking, in addition to a private engraving class with an artisan from JLC.
A relation between visual perceptions and emotions comes alive on the case of the “Reverso” swivel watch. Expressing intimate feelings is the quintessence of this legendary timepiece. Festivities, birthdays and special commemorations become forever memorable through monograms, initials or dates – to name a few – engraved on the back of the reversible case.
Since the Renaissance period, adorning clock cabinets and watch cases required the contribution of skilled artisans and their increasing number resulted in the development of precise decoration techniques – to become nowadays a part of the curriculum in artistic schools. As this form of art is related to watches, it has originated from Switzerland. The quest of perfection in such a field essentially requires artisans with skills, creativity, dedication and imagination.
Age-old tools are used in the engraving process. Today’s burins, chisels, files and hammers are slightly different from those owned by Egyptians and Trojans. Burins come in a dozen of various sizes approximately to ensure the perfection and exactitude of tiny details.
After tracing the sketch with a dry-point directly on the back of the “Reverso” watch, the drawing is then refined with a burin in line with the style of the engraving. In order to enhance it, a vivid color palette of deep black, shimmering blue and vibrant red is made available.
The exhibition will take place at the Souk Atrium on the Ground Floor, outside the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique.
Mirella Haddad
