Before lasers and CNC, decorative patterns were applied to watch faces and other light metal objects using a process called guilloche. Guilloche uses a turning engine that looks like a lathe with a complicated headstock; the patterns are cut with a tool similar to an engraver’s burin. High end watchmakers like Roger W. Smith still use the process, as do some of the big companies like Patek Philippe and Rolex. The patterns on the face of this R.W. Smith Daniel’s Anniversary Watch are all guilloche work.
https://www.rwsmithwatches.com/watches/daniels-anniversary/
Vacheron Constantin employs a Master Guillocheur and are doing some creative things:
There aren’t many people doing Guilloche work in the US. I was lucky enough last year to attend one of Brittany Nicole Cox’s workshops where I got to try out her vintage rotary and straight line engines. This is one of my experiments:
Brittany Nicole Cox is amazing even if you’re not into guilloche (though I can’t imagine that). Check out this piece about her if you get a chance.
Her website is https://mechanicalcurios.com/.
Cheers!
