The production of cloisonné enamel dials was extremely costly as they had to be individually made by a skilled craftsman and not on a production line. The artist created the outline of the desired motif by arranging thin gold wires on a dial. These partitions, called "cloisons" in French, were filled with small quantities of enamel powder in the desired colour. The dial was then fired in a kiln oven at around 1000 degrees Celsius causing the powder to melt and become vibrant enamel.

One of the most notable manufacturers of cloisonné enamel dial wristwatches was the renowned company of Fabrique de Cadrans Stern Frères of Geneva. Founded in 1868, the firm specialised in the production of the highest quality dials, including dials decorated with cloisonné enamel scenes, which they supplied to the most important watch manufacturers such as Gubelin, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Vacheron Constantin and others.

The stunning example presented here has a wonderful deep blue dial with a radiating sun at the top, depicting the heavens and signs of the Zodiac, beautifully inlaid in a curved chapter. The crisp case retains its original facets and gold marks and is also fitted with a vibrant and contemporary strap, creating a great look for the wearer.