Guilloché watch dial making course (flat surface)

Discover the art of traditional guilloché engraving in this intensive, hands-on course dedicated to creating exquisite watch dials. Participants will explore the techniques and craftsmanship behind this centuries-old decorative art, using historic rose engines, straight-line engines, and a unique relief engine to produce intricate geometric patterns and three-dimensional textures.

Throughout the course, students will learn to prepare and sharpen engraving cutters, operate and adjust traditional guilloché machines, and combine different patterns to create distinctive dial designs. Special attention is given to precision, symmetry, and the artistic possibilities of combining traditional engraving techniques with modern finishing methods.

Participants will also explore advanced surface treatments, including nano-ceramic coatings in transparent or selected colors, allowing them to enhance and protect their finished creations.

With expert guidance and a strong emphasis on practical experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to master the fundamentals of guilloché craftsmanship and create beautifully finished silver watch dials using traditional machinery.

Week Planning

Monday – Introduction to Guilloché and Traditional Machinery

• Introduction to the history, principles, and craftsmanship of traditional guilloché engraving
• Overview of guilloché techniques and their applications in watch dial making
• Introduction to traditional engraving machinery:
  • Rose engine
  • Straight-line engines
  • Specialized relief engraving engine
• Understanding machine construction, operation, and precision requirements
• Introduction to engraving cutters:
  • Cutter types and applications
  • Cutter geometry and cutting angles
  • Sharpening techniques and maintenance
• Machine setup, workpiece preparation, and safety considerations
• Initial practical exercises to develop machine control and engraving accuracy

Tuesday – Watch Dial Design and Guilloché Techniques

• Evolution of watch dial design and traditional decorative techniques
• Understanding guilloché patterns and their historical applications
• Principles of dial composition, symmetry, and visual balance
• Planning and designing guilloché patterns for flat silver watch dials
• Practical introduction to engraving on different machines:
  • Rose-engine engraving
  • Straight-line engraving
  • Relief engraving
• Understanding the relationship between machine settings and pattern geometry
• Combining different engraving techniques within a single dial design
• Practical exercises focusing on precision, consistency, and pattern development

Wednesday – Advanced Guilloché and Finishing Techniques

• Continued practical work on traditional guilloché machinery
• Developing more complex engraving patterns and combinations
• Advanced machine adjustments for precision and repeatability
• Cutter selection and sharpening for different engraving effects
• Creating depth, texture, and visual contrast through engraving
• Combining rose-engine, straight-line, and relief engraving techniques
• Introduction to traditional surface finishing methods
• Preparing engraved silver surfaces for subsequent finishing processes
• Individual project development under instructor supervision

Thursday – Nano-Ceramic Coating: Theory and Practical Application

• Introduction to nano-ceramic coatings and their applications in decorative watchmaking
• Understanding coating properties, surface protection, and visual effects
• Transparent and colored nano-ceramic finishes
• Surface preparation and cleaning requirements
• Principles of coating application and process control
• Practical introduction to nano-ceramic coating techniques
• Applying coatings to prepared guilloché samples
• Evaluating coating quality, color consistency, and surface appearance
• Troubleshooting common coating and finishing issues

Friday – Advanced Guilloché and Nano-Ceramic Finishing

• Continued development of individual guilloché dial projects
• Refining complex patterns and improving engraving precision
• Combining different engraving techniques for distinctive decorative effects
• Final cutter adjustments and engraving corrections
• Surface preparation and finishing of completed engravings
• Practical application of transparent and colored nano-ceramic coatings
• Exploring the interaction between engraved patterns, light, and color
• Quality inspection and evaluation of finished surfaces
• Preparation of individual projects for final presentation

Saturday – Final Finishing, Evaluation, and Presentation

• Completion of individual guilloché projects
• Final engraving adjustments and surface finishing
• Final application and inspection of nano-ceramic coatings
• Quality assessment of pattern consistency, engraving depth, and surface finish
• Review of machine operation, cutter sharpening, and maintenance techniques
• Presentation of completed silver watch dials and decorative samples
• Group discussion and evaluation of individual artwork
• Technical feedback and recommendations for further skill development
• Course summary and discussion of future applications in professional watchmaking

Schedule

This course runs from 09:30 – 17:00 every day. Coffee, stroopwafels, and lunch are included.

Certification

After completion of the course, participants will receive Chronoglide Watchmakers Guilloche Course participation certificate.

Course Level

Intermediate to Advanced.

Course Materials

Students are provided with:

• A course manual
• Sample materials and practice components
• Full access to professional-grade tools and workshop equipment

Number of Participants

Maximum 6 participants

Language

The course is taught in English and Dutch.

Duration of the Course

5 days – Monday through Friday, 09:30 – 17:00

Target Audience

This training is designed for watchmakers, dial makers, engravers, and skilled craftspeople who wish to explore or further develop their expertise in the traditional art of guilloché engraving and decorative watch dial making.

Method of Delivery

Workshop / classroom format only, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, instructor-guided practical work.

Instructors

Kalle Slaap will be the lead instructor. At least one additional instructor will be present during all practical sessions to provide individual technical support.

Pre-requisites

Previous experience in watchmaking or fine mechanical work is required. Participants should be familiar with basic workshop practices and mechanical principles.

Terms & Conditions: Students accept the Chronoglide Terms & Conditions by booking the course, for all Terms & Conditions, click here.