Setting – The technique of wonder

It’s a demanding technique that requires patience, precision and dexterity. The gesture must be perfectly mastered, with just the right balance of power and restraint, to achieve a perfect setting.

Because that’s what it’s all about: art in the truest sense of the word. The art of transcending technique to create a sparkling array of precious and semi-precious stones. There are several gem-setting techniques, including the traditional method, much appreciated in watchmaking. With infinite meticulousness, the gem-setter inserts the stone into a specially drilled hole or groove. He then manually folds back the metal that holds the precious gem in place. Over the last century, gem setters have demonstrated a formidable mastery that has enabled them to develop complex setting techniques.

TUTTI FRUTTI
Thanks to the incredible variety of colors offered by precious and semi-precious stones, gem-setting unleashes creativity. Hublot chooses the deep blue of sapphire to set fire to the steel of the Big Bang Tutti Frutti Dark Blue. Its highlight: 48 baguette-cut sapphires conscientiously set around the bezel using the so-called “traditional” technique.

Particularly difficult to achieve, the invisible setting reveals the beauty of the stone without any metal interfering with its brilliance. To achieve this, the gems are cut with a groove to receive the metal mount, which disappears completely once the setting is complete.

FASCINATING COLOR GRADES
Seductive and precious, the Miss Golden Bridge plays with the chromatic palette of pink. A procession of seven shades of sapphires and baguette diamonds dress the case and dial in a bewitching gradation. Its highlight: an invisible setting that forms a hypnotic cascade.

Rock-setting also makes the metal perfectly invisible. This technique is only used on baguette-cut diamonds, whose special arrangement enhances their fire.

HALO OF LIGHT
The mysteries of the universe are revealed on the wrist with the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Céleste. A sumptuous watchmaking extravaganza from Jaeger-LeCoultre, which has deployed a wealth of expertise to stage the orbital flying tourbillon on an ecstatic celestial vault. Its highlight: the absolute purity of the rock-setting, which encircles the watch with a crown of diamonds.

Snow setting also requires perfectly mastered skills. A touch of boldness and creativity too. The precious gems are placed side by side, playing on their different diameters to completely cover the metal support.

VOLUPTÉ DE DIAMANTS
Breguet redraws the contours of elegance with the precious evanescence of frills adorning the Les Volants de la Reine watch. Set with a myriad of diamonds, a bow reminiscent of Queen Marie-Antoinette’s toilette embraces a mother-of-pearl dial. Its strong point: the striking effect of movement created by the snow-set technique.

From gradations to refined decorations, snow-set watches all shine with a special sparkle. Unique and visually stunning!