Enamel

The beginnings of enamel art can be traced back to early antiquity. For centuries, enamelling flourished and finally peaked in Geneva. Associated to jewellery and watchmaking, the reputation of Geneva miniature painting remains acclaimed. Today, only a few enamellers worldwide are left to master this rare and beautiful art.
 
Our continuous commitment to enamelling is unparalleled in horology. Our key signature is the mastery of Grand Feu enamelling at the highest level. Each of our dials is created in our atelier in the historic centre of Geneva. Our expert enamellers embody the outstanding craftsmanship that DeLaneau timepieces are renown for. DeLaneau creations showcase a wide range of sophistication and complexity. They vary from invert monochromatic, richly shimmering plains to meticulous miniature enamel paintings.
 
Enamelling is a mystical art that requires knowledge about alchemical secrets. Years of experimentation with fire, colour and texture are required. An intimate touch of hand and eye must be the artist’s main qualities. Only then the enameller is able to achieve the level of difficulty and quality that our dials represent. The applied colours only reveal themselves after the firing. In this long and delicate process the dials are fired countless times at a temperature of 800 degrees Celsius. Vast experience is required in order to bringing about radiant results.
 
Following the long tradition of Email de Genève, we maintain the sous fondant technique. It preserves the colours of an enamelled dial for decades and lends an incredible softness and depth to the accomplished work of art. Very few enamellers apply this technique as they risk destroying their creation that by now has grown so dear to them. Yet, when done right, the result is simply amazing. From the original inspiration to the birth of each delicate dial, our enamellers perform the outstanding craftsmanship we are renown for.