Dec 12, 2025
A Guide to Hand-Finished, Métiers d’Art Dials
At Worn & Wound, we admire watches for their functionality and ability to withstand whatever life throws at them. But we also celebrate the practice of beauty! As such, handcrafted dials, or Métiers d’Art dials, are often considered the pinnacle of human craftsmanship in the field of watchmaking. Independent French watch brand AWAKE has made this its calling card by embracing a bold and contemporary take on exceptional craftsmanship. By reimagining traditional techniques, AWAKE brings out their essence in the service of creativity. Each piece in its Handmade collections features a unique dial that celebrates the passage of time and the beauty of things made to last, inviting you into the world of workshops, traditions, and time-honored craft that keep cultural heritage alive. Presented by Worn & Wound and AWAKE, this guide takes you on a journey to discover some of the most impressive craft techniques used in watchmaking today by sharing a few exceptional examples of each. So sit back, grab a loupe, and enjoy. Sơn Mài The use of lacquer in Asia stretches back thousands of years to ancient China and Japan, but Vietnam also developed its own unique branch of the art called sơn mài. Initially used as a protective material for everyday items like furniture, religious artifacts, and even architecture, it gradually transitioned from a primarily functional practice to an artistic one. During the Lý and Trần Dynasties, between the 11th and 14th centuries, the use of sơn...
Fratello
