“FLINQUÉ” (engine-turned engraving)

“Flinqué” (engine-turned engraving) describes a surface first worked by Guilloché (engine-turning) — engraved with regular geometric patterns on the Rose engine (guilloché lathe) — then covered with a layer of translucent Enamel (or transparent Lacquer). “Flinqué” (engine-turned engraving) enamel thus combines two exceptional skills: guilloché engraving, which creates a play of relief and fine lines, and Enamelling, which enhances them under a colored layer that lets the pattern show through. Under the Light, the guilloché pattern seems to come alive, changing depending on the angle, with a depth that translucent enamel enhances. This technique, highly prized from the 19th century onward, adorns Dials, Case backs of Case and covers of prestigious pocket watches and wristwatches. Its execution is delicate: the Guilloché (engine-turning) must be perfectly regular, and the Enamel, applied and fired in several layers, tolerates neither bubbles nor impurities. Flinqué enamel remains today a signature of artistic Dials and rare crafts in watchmaking. It is distinguished from opaque enamel (grand feu, Champlevé, cloisonné) by its transparency revealing the engraved decoration beneath.