Artistic work fused into luxury watches
Aug 30, 2024
Hill Choi Lee explores how prestigious watch brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet are seamlessly blending horology with the masterpieces of renowned artists, creating unique timepieces that celebrate both craftsmanship and artistic expression
Over the years, several luxury watch brands have successfully integrated artists’ works into their timepieces, merging horology with fine art. Here are some notable examples:
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) celebrates its commitment to fine arts, particularly through its Metiers Rares collection. In 2015, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Van Gogh’s death, the brand collaborated with the Van Gogh Museum. They produced a limited-edition Reverso watch featuring Van Gogh’s Sunflowers on the dial. This collaboration is a seamless marriage between classic art and watchmaking craftsmanship.
From paying tribute to a Dutch post-impressionist painter to a French impressionist master, this year, JLC takes the celebration to Venice. The luxury watchmaker will launch three new limited-edition Reverso Tribute Enamel timepieces coinciding with its participation in the Homo Faber Biennial this September.
Each piece features a miniature reproduction of Claude Monet’s iconic Venice paintings on the case-back, showcasing the Reverso as a canvas for artistic expression. Monet’s “Venice Series”, painted during his 1908 visit, captures the city’s architecture and light. The new timepieces reflect JLC’s dedication to craftsmanship, combining miniature painting, enamelling, and guillochage. Each watch requires around 70 hours of meticulous work, with the dials adorned in grand feu enamel that echoes Monet’s vibrant colours. Limited to just ten pieces each, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Venice Series’ exemplifies the brand’s fusion of fine watchmaking and decorative arts, honouring the city that hosts the Homo Faber Biennial.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin has a rich history of integrating art into its timepieces. The Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés collection features miniature paintings inspired by medieval manuscript illumination. It showcases mythical Celtic creatures from the 12th-century Aberdeen Bestiary. The intricate techniques used, such as champlevé enamelling, highlight the brand’s dedication to preserving traditional artistic methods. Additionally, the brand’s Les Univers Infini collection draws inspiration from MC Escher’s works. It utilises various artisanal techniques to reflect the artist’s themes of perspective and symmetry.
Hermès
Hermès has ventured into the artistic realm by collaborating with Buzan Fukushima, a master of red painting on porcelain. The brand commissioned him to create porcelain dials for its watches, showcasing traditional glazing techniques. This integration of art enhances the aesthetic appeal of the timepieces while preserving artisanal skills.
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Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet has embraced pop culture and contemporary art. This includes the Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon, featuring a hand-engraved Black Panther on the dial. This piece merges traditional watchmaking with modern artistic expression, appealing to collectors who appreciate craftsmanship and cultural references.
Hublot
Hublot is known for collaborations with various artists, offering watches as canvases for artistic expression. The brand has worked with contemporary artists to create unique designs reflecting their styles. This further bridges the gap between watchmaking and fine art. Take their Big Bang Meca-10 Street Art series, where they blend urban art with the finesse of watchmaking.
XRby
A newer entrant, XRby, focuses on creating métiers d’art timepieces highlighting artisanal craftsmanship. Founded by Xavier Rousset, the brand produces highly ornamental watches with dials celebrating nature and artistry. Each piece is a unique work of art. These brands exemplify the successful integration of fine art into luxury watchmaking. They create timepieces that are not only functional but also serve as expressions of artistic heritage and craftsmanship.
