The decorative touches that artisan watch crafters place on their luxurious timepieces are a sign that the watchmaker is a master at his or her art. In the world of timepieces, the best-made watches have decoration that goes as far as the gears themselves, something the consumer might not even ever see.

While the term “decoration” often refers to trivial or superficial adornment, in the world of high-end timepieces, it is what separates the artisans from the also-rans, and can mean the difference between a $10,000 watch and a $50,000 one. Decoration is what elevates a brand from haute horlogerie to haut de gamme. It is a practice as old as watchmaking itself, derived from the traditions of scrimshaw and wood carving and jewelry making. So what is decoration and why should you care? Read More