FHH | Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking

Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking

Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking. Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking

27 August 2023

Lapis Lazuli in watchmaking

by Christophe Roulet

Lapis lazuli has been used for more than 7000 years by humans, but in the world of watchmaking, the use of lapis lazuli as a dial material gained remarkable popularity only in the 1970s.

This deep blue gemstone, speckled with golden pyrite inclusions, adds a unique touch of sophistication and allure to timepieces. We’ve already touched upon the rise of stone dials during this period, but lapis was one of the most recognized and commonly used types of stone.

Sometimes, lapis was also used on elements of bracelets or cases. When it comes to stunning lapis lazuli executions, think of @audemarspiguet, @piaget, @patekphilippe, @rolex, and a few others.

Hard to properly cut without breaking it, craftsmen carefully slice and polish lapis lazuli to create watch dials that resemble the night sky, with its deep and captivating blue tones. This natural stone not only provides a visually stunning backdrop; it also carries a touch of history and significance.

Lapis lazuli has been revered for centuries as a symbol of wisdom and truth. Its use in watchmaking pays homage to its enduring cultural importance. 

Each dial becomes a canvas, where watchmakers delicately position markers and hands, ensuring optimal legibility while enhancing the stone's inherent beauty.

FUN FACT_
Lapis Lazuli pigment has been used by Vermeer to paint the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting.