Ateliers demonaco

Ateliers deMonaco presents grand-feu enameling skills on Poinçon de Genève collection

Ateliers deMonaco was created 10 years ago by Peter Stas, co-founder of Frederique Constant, as the ultimate expression of Swiss watchmaking; a demonstration of the innovation, skills and artistry that underpin the more commercial and higher volume end of his business.

The watchmaker still makes only 150 pieces per year, but now has the financial muscle of Citizen Watch Company behind it.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Ateliers deMonaco has added two models to its Poinçon de Genève collection. As well as adhering to the highly challenging mechanical watchmaking rules required to carry the Poinçon de Genève stamp on the watches’ movements, they also demonstrate mastery of Métiers d’Art skills on their grand-feu enamel dials.

The watches show the famous vertical fountain of Lake Geneva on two new dials. The grand -feu enameling takes over 50 hours of work using several enamel techniques. On a base plate
made of 18ct white gold, the first step is called cloisonné enamel, an ancient technique dating back to a time prior to the Middle-Ages that involves the creation of compartments with small
gold threads and then precise enamel filing.

The second technique used on this dial is called champlevé enamel where an engraver produces the holes in which the enameler will fill different colored enamels. The effect is then emphasized by the engraver and his chisel with which he will add a final touch to every 18ct white gold partitions.

The watches are housed in 18ct white or rose gold 40mm cases. Only 18 of each are being made.

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