1776 ★ Atelier

Watchmaking
& Design

Five hands, five finishes. Every surface of a 1776 Atelier movement is worked, and every one of them is worked by hand.

Exceptional Artistry

At 1776 Atelier, master artisans hand craft exquisite timepieces using time honored high-horological watchmaking techniques. Exquisitely crafted with an unparalleled level of refinement, our timepieces embody the pinnacle of artisanal finishing, offering unmatched value for the discerning collector

Our dedication to craftsmanship transforms each timepiece into an exceptional work of art.

A gold mainplate held in the watchmaker's putty, circular-grained and set with ruby jewels
A fully hand-engraved 1776 Atelier movement

Our skilled artisans meticulously oversee every stage of the watchmaking process, ensuring that each component adheres to our rigorous standards of quality and precision. From the initial design sketches, to machining, jeweling, bridge decoration, final assembly, we infuse our timepieces with a harmonious blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair. We take pride in our complex dials which feature exquisite guilloché patterns and raised indices that enhance both aesthetic appeal and legibility. Some collections feature hand skeletonization, a technique rarely employed in modern watchmaking. Hand engraving is offered at prices unmatched anywhere globally.

Certain collections at 1776 Atelier are distinguished by intricate details that elevate them to the pinnacle of horological artistry. These timepieces showcase hand-crafted watch hands or full hand engraved movements. Paired with classic finishing techniques such as hand applied anglage, pearlage, black polishing, thermal bluing, and snailing, circle & sunburst graining- we strive to employ the highest levels of finishing available at our price points anywhere globally. These details elevate the visual experience through a harmonious interplay of depth, texture, and light, revealing the artistry in every meticulously crafted finish. Remarkably, we offer these extraordinary features at a substantial value compared to larger European brands, ensuring that luxury does not come with an inflated price tag. For those seeking a truly personalized touch, we also provide the opportunity for completely bespoke watch creations, allowing you to collaborate with our artisans to design a timepiece that reflects your individual style and preferences. At 1776 Atelier, we combine artistry, tradition, and exceptional value to deliver a luxury experience like no other.

N° 01

Anglage

Hand-applied bevelling. The gleaming, angled edges that catch the light along every bridge and plate.

At 1776 Atelier, we believe that the essence of fine watchmaking lies in the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece. Among the many artisanal techniques we employ, hand-applied anglage stands out as a hallmark of our dedication to excellence. This intricate process is central to our production movements, enhancing both their visual appeal and mechanical precision.

Hand-applied anglage, also known as “bevelling,” is a technique used to create a beautifully polished, chamfered edge along the bridges and plates of a movement. This process not only adds a touch of elegance but also reflects the skill and artistry of our watchmakers. At 1776 Atelier, we take immense pride in our commitment to this traditional technique, which is an essential part of crafting a truly exquisite timepiece.

A mirror-polished anglage bevel on the case band
The chamfer, polished to a mirror

The journey to achieving perfect anglage begins with the careful selection of tools, and one of the most important is gentian polishing wood. Gentian wood is renowned in watchmaking for its unique properties that make it ideal for creating the highly reflective, mirror-like surfaces required for anglage. This type of wood, typically sourced from the gentian plant, is favored for its fine, consistent grain and durability. It offers the ideal balance of hardness and flexibility, allowing our artisans to work with precision while maintaining control over the polishing process.

The use of gentian wood in anglage is not merely a matter of tradition but also one of practicality. The fine grain of the wood ensures a smooth application, minimizing the risk of scratches or imperfections on the delicate surfaces of the movement. Additionally, the wood’s natural resilience helps maintain the necessary pressure and consistency during polishing, resulting in a flawless, high-quality finish.

The process of hand-applied anglage is both time-consuming and labor-intensive, yet it is this dedication to detail that sets our timepieces apart. Each bridge and plate is carefully chamfered and polished by hand, creating a refined edge that catches and reflects light in a way that enhances the overall aesthetic of the movement. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every component not only performs with precision but also looks stunning when viewed through the caseback.

Hand-applied anglage is more than just a decorative feature; it is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship that define high-quality watchmaking. The gleaming, angled edges provide a visual contrast against the matte surfaces of the movement, highlighting the intricate engineering and design. This added dimension elevates the beauty of the timepiece, making it a true work of art.

Polished jewel settings and bevelled bridges
Bevelled settings, jewel by jewel

Hand-applied anglage is a cornerstone of the craftsmanship at 1776 Atelier. The use of gentian wood for polishing, coupled with our dedication to this traditional technique, ensures that every movement we create is a testament to the beauty and precision of fine watchmaking. We take immense pride in our ability to blend timeless artistry with modern innovation, resulting in timepieces that are as remarkable in their appearance as they are in their performance

N° 02

Perlage

Tiny overlapping circles, laid one over the next until the surface shimmers.

At 1776 Atelier, the pursuit of perfection in watchmaking extends beyond mechanical precision to encompass the artistry that defines a truly exceptional timepiece. Among the many techniques we employ to enhance the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal of our movements is perlage, a decorative finishing technique that adds both beauty and depth to our watch components.

The rotating tool, circle over circle

Perlage is a traditional watchmaking technique used to create a pattern of tiny, overlapping circles on the surfaces of movement parts. This intricate finish not only enhances the visual appeal of our movements but also reflects the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes our brand. The result is a harmonious blend of form and function that elevates the overall quality of our timepieces.

The beauty of perlage lies in its ability to transform the surface of a movement into a captivating display of texture and light. The pattern of fine, concentric circles creates a subtle but striking effect as light interacts with the polished surface, producing a shimmering, almost hypnotic effect. This not only adds an element of sophistication but also highlights the intricate engineering and craftsmanship that goes into each movement.

Perlage across a movement plate
One pass at a time, by hand

The process of applying perlage is both artful and technical. It begins with the careful preparation of the movement components, which are typically made from high-quality metals such as brass or steel. The surfaces to be decorated are first meticulously cleaned and polished to ensure a flawless base. Once prepared, the perlage pattern is applied using a combination of employing skilled hand craftsmanship along with the use of a machine with a rotating abrasive tool. This process requires a steady hand and a keen eye to ensure that each circle is evenly spaced and that the pattern is consistent across the entire surface. The result is a beautifully textured pattern provides a subtle yet effective way to highlight the intricate details of the movement, drawing attention to the craftsmanship that lies beneath.

At 1776 Atelier, we take immense pride in incorporating perlage into our movement manufacturing process. This traditional technique not only enhances the beauty of our timepieces but also underscores our commitment to the highest standards of craftsmanship. By blending the artistry of perlage with our dedication to mechanical precision, we create movements that are as visually captivating as they are functionally exceptional.

N° 03

Hand Engraving

Every stroke cut directly into the metal by hand. Hours of planning before the first cut.

Engraving has a deep-rooted history in watchmaking, symbolizing the ultimate marriage of art and craftsmanship. At 1776 Atelier, hand craftsmanship is part of our DNA, and we are dedicated to reviving this timeless tradition. Our skilled artisans meticulously hand-engrave each component, using traditional tools and techniques to ensure precision and artistry. The process involves hours of careful planning and execution, as each stroke is cut directly into the metal by hand.

The graver, guided entirely by hand

We offer a range of engraving services, from intricate work on a three-quarter plate, to the front of a skeleton movement, or the delicate balance cock. Each engraving is unique, bringing a personal touch to every watch. For those seeking something truly special, we are also open to discussions about bespoke options, allowing collectors to collaborate with us on custom designs.

At 1776 Atelier, we are proud to blend history with innovation, ensuring that hand craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do.

A fully hand-engraved movement plate
A plate carried edge to edge

At the bench

N° 04

Solarization

Snailing. Spiralling grooves cut on heritage machinery out of Glashütte.

Solarization, also known as snailing, is a traditional decorative grinding technique that creates elegant, spiraling patterns resembling the grooves of a snail’s shell. This intricate finish is most often applied to crown wheels, ratchet wheels, and barrel covers, where its radiating texture catches light beautifully and brings a sense of motion and depth to otherwise functional components.

In haute horlogerie, snailing is a hallmark of craftsmanship, often completed by hand to ensure perfect alignment and visual harmony. Far beyond decoration, it reflects a watchmaker’s commitment to artistry, discipline, and respect for tradition.

Heritage machinery, still turning

At 1776 Atelier, we perform this work entirely in-house, using heritage machinery sourced directly from a master watchmaker in Glashütte, Germany, a region synonymous with precision and horological excellence. Our equipment, some of which is generations old, was originally used by artisans who specialized in snailing as their life’s work. These tools carry not just function, but legacy.

In American watchmaking history, solarization played a symbolic role, appearing prominently in early 20th-century pocket watches from Waltham, Hamilton, and Elgin. It stood as a visual expression of the nation’s industrial ingenuity, blending form with function at a time when American horology was reaching global prominence. Today, we continue this legacy by honoring such finishes not just for their beauty, but as a tribute to the relentless innovation and mechanical pride that shaped American timekeeping.

N° 05

Thermal Bluing

Flame, brass fixtures and a watched temperature. The colour is oxide, never paint.

At 1776 Atelier, we are deeply committed to preserving and enhancing the artistry of watchmaking through both traditional and innovative techniques. Among these, thermal bluing stands out as a remarkable process that exemplifies our dedication to craftsmanship. Thermal bluing, also known as heat bluing or oxidation bluing, is a finishing technique used to create a distinctive blue tint on steel parts. This coloration is achieved by carefully heating the steel components to a precise temperature, which induces a thin layer of oxide on the surface. The result is not just a striking aesthetic enhancement but also an important functional improvement.

Steel clips carrying the range of thermal colour
The whole range, held in the heat

The allure of thermal bluing lies in its unique combination of beauty and practicality. Unlike paint or coatings, the blue hue created by thermal bluing is a natural oxide layer that forms on the steel. The coloration, which can range from a light blue to a deep navy, depends significantly on the specific alloys of steel used and their ferrous content. High-quality steel with the right balance of iron and other elements ensures that the oxide layer forms uniformly and achieves the desired hue. This produces a rich, lustrous finish that catches the light and adds a sophisticated touch to the movement components. Beyond its visual appeal, this oxide layer serves a practical purpose by acting as a protective barrier against corrosion and wear, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the components over time.

The process of thermal bluing requires precision and expertise to achieve the desired result. It starts with the meticulous preparation of the steel components, which must be thoroughly cleaned and polished to ensure a flawless base. The components are then heated in a controlled environment using customized brass fixtures that allow even absorption of the flame-applied thermal energy. The temperature must be carefully regulated to produce the correct shade of blue. If the temperature is too high, the ideal blue color may not be achieved. A lower temperature result in purples or paler blues. At 1776 Atelier, our artisans monitor the heating process closely, adjusting the heat and timing to achieve the perfect hue.

At 1776 Atelier, we use thermal bluing to enhance both the beauty and functionality of our timepieces. This technique allows us to add a distinctive and elegant touch to various movement components, such as screws, levers, and other parts. The blue hue not only enhances the visual appeal of the watch but also provides added protection against corrosion, ensuring the longevity of each timepiece. By incorporating thermal bluing into our watchmaking process, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, reflecting our passion for excellence in every detail.

A hand blued to deep violet
Held one moment longer, through to violet