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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Case & Dial

Champlevé enamel

An enamelling technique in which recesses cut into a metal surface are filled with enamel and fired.

Explanation

Champlevé enamel fills recesses cut into a metal surface, with retained metal defining the design. Fisher’s historical account describes cutting away the ground and filling it to the level of the outlining metal. It differs from cloisonné, in which added partitions define cells, and from basse-taille, in which low relief can be seen through translucent enamel. A photograph that does not show the construction may not distinguish them reliably. Historic preparation and firing recipes are not safe instructions for intervention on an antique watch; preserve surviving evidence and consult a qualified conservator.

Sources & references

  1. https://archive.org/details/artofenamellingu00fish

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.

In the object catalogue

Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Champlevé enamel”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.