On November 10, 2025, La Poste (the French postal service) issued a stamp in the Métiers d’Art (Crafts) series, launched in 2016, celebrating the watchmaker's craft, following that of the mosaicist.
A few touches of gold ink adorn a watch, a clock mechanism, and a watchmaker's loupe, as well as the stamp's text and the sheet's title.
Throughout the centuries, humankind has always sought to measure time, and watchmaking has consistently reinvented itself. The first mechanical clocks appeared in Europe in the 14th century. A prestigious object and decorative element, the medieval clock became a symbol of wealth and refinement. Its miniaturization continued during the Renaissance, giving rise to ever greater creativity and inventiveness. Then clocks evolved, watches entered the scene, and the wristwatch propelled watchmaking into the 20th century... Today, as in the past, the master watchmaker constantly pushes the boundaries of excellence. After designing their model and creating a prototype, they assemble the necessary components for their creation, collaborating with specialized artisans. The artistic crafts of watchmaking draw upon a succession of know-how, technical skills, and scientific expertise. Each component of a watch or clock—cases, hands, dials, springs, movements, straps, etc.—is manufactured according to the highest standards of precision, sometimes involving more than 70 different trades! This high level of watchmaking expertise is also expressed in the repair of the movement, the "beating heart" of the watch, and the restoration of the case to its original condition, thus extending the life of the timepiece. As key players in this multidisciplinary sector, highly skilled virtuosos push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship and innovation, creating exceptional timepieces for watch enthusiasts, collectors, or simply those who appreciate beauty. Artists of time, these expert watchmakers evoke emotion and uphold strong values: the preservation of knowledge, local production, timepieces designed to last, and a human touch at the heart of their work.
