What appears to be a lace design of camellias on this Chanel watch is in fact created using a combination of three métiers d’art. Hand engraving gives texture to the yellow gold surface of the dial, which is then covered with a layer of translucent grand feu enamel to accentuate and provide depth to the engraving. Finally, a traditional decal technique is used to draw the camellia motif, and successive layers of these fine decals create a lacy pattern of the iconic flower.

French marquetry artist Rose Saneuil worked with Piaget to create a miniature work of art on the Altiplano Métiers d’Art Undulata, which won the Artistic Crafts prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2023. She carefully cut individual elements of straw, parchment sycamore, leather and elytron before applying them by hand, one at a time, on the dial to create the mesmerising wave-like effect of the green- and blue-hued dial.

Two adorable rabbits exchanging tender glances are brought to life on this Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Duo de Lapins watch by skilful sculpting on mother-of-pearl. They are set against a backdrop of the sun in guilloché and mirror‑polished rose gold alongside vegetation crafted in plique-à-jour enamel, where the enamel is applied to a framework of metal without a backing, creating a stained glass effect.

Cartier’s emblematic panther takes shape through intricate marquetry in a graphic expression that plays with light on the dial of this Ronde Louis Cartier Sparkling Panthère watch. It took over 120 tiny inlaid elements and 44 hours of marquetry to put together the head of the panther, which includes 16 blades of straw, eight wooden components, two yellow and 34 white gold elements, 16 sapphire crystal fragments and 48 mother-of-pearl pieces.

An ode to those who perpetuate the tradition of the Mexican hat dance, Jarabe Tapatío, the Hermès Arceau Belles du Mexique watch depicts a bird’s-eye view of 14 dancers on the dial, each carefully hand‑painted in successive layers. Seven of the dancers in the centre are mounted on a free axis that makes them twirl at the slightest movement.

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