DeLaneau Watches

DeLaneau Watches

DeLaneau isn’t a brand you’ll find on every collector’s radar — but in the world of haute horology meets high jewelry, it’s in a league of its own.

These are watches as works of art, handcrafted in Geneva with meticulous enameling, gem-setting, and mechanical integrity. Think of them less as timepieces

more as wrist-sized masterpieces.

A Little History

DeLaneau was founded in 1949 by Swiss watchmakers Reto and Suzanne DeLaneau, with a vision to blend Swiss precision with fine artistry — especially for women.

The company remained niche until the early 2000s, when it doubled down on bespoke métiers d’art under the creative leadership of Christiane Lehmann, an enamelist

and designer who helped transform DeLaneau into a leader in handcrafted artistic dials.

Today, DeLaneau operates more like a haute couture atelier than a mass watch brand. Every piece is a one-off or part of an extremely limited production 

with full in-house enameling, gem-setting, and finishing done in their Geneva studio.

What Collectors Love

DeLaneau watches are truly unique — often built from scratch to reflect a client’s personal story, aesthetic, or artistic inspiration.

Standout traits:

  • Grand Feu Enamel Dials — miniature paintings that take weeks to complete, using centuries-old enameling techniques

  • High Jewelry Cases — set with diamonds, sapphires, or rubies in intricate pavé or invisible-set patterns

  • Sculptural Case Designs — like the Atame, Dôme, or Rondo, with fluid lugs and flowing lines

  • Bespoke Creations — each piece is treated like a commissioned artwork, with design consultations and personalized craftsmanship

Movements are Swiss mechanical, usually automatic or hand-wound from trusted manufactures, and often beautifully decorated. But the real star is the dial — always.

Why DeLaneau Deserves a Spot

Because it does what almost no other watch brand does: treat women’s watches with the same artistic and mechanical reverence usually reserved for men’s complications.

These aren’t fashion watches. They’re fine art pieces powered by mechanical movements, wrapped in hand-set precious stones, and finished to the same standard as

any high-complication watch from Patek, Voutilainen, or VC — just with a different perspective.

And while many high-jewelry watches feel outsourced or overbranded, DeLaneau remains intimate, studio-sized, and craft-driven.

What’s Out There Now

DeLaneau doesn’t operate on mass production cycles — so everything is rare. You’ll find:

  • Atame and Dôme pieces — with sculptural lugs and enamel or mother-of-pearl dials

  • Rondo and Rondo Translucent — showcasing plique-à-jour, cloisonné, or hand-painted enamel

  • One-of-one bespoke commissions — often featuring nature themes, portraits, or abstract art

  • High jewelry references — with full diamond pavé, gemstone mosaics, or carved gemstone dials

Pre-owned? Extremely rare — but when they surface, they offer some of the most exquisite craftsmanship in all of watch collecting.

Fed’s Take

DeLaneau is what happens when a brand treats the dial like a canvas — and the watch like a frame.

I’ve seen a few in the metal, and they’re jaw-dropping. The depth of enamel, the stone setting, the movement of the case curves — it’s haute horology without a hint of pretense.

Just pure, focused craft.

If you’re collecting watches for the art, not just the specs — and you want something no one else is wearing — DeLaneau is a crown jewel.

Check Out Our DeLaneau Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique DeLaneau watches — especially Atame, Dôme, and Rondo models featuring enamel or high jewelry dials.

If you have a DeLaneau watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

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