Suzanne Rohr is a Swiss watch enameller who works as an independent artist in the Swiss watchmaking industry. She is considered an expert miniature enamel painter and has maintained a long-time partnership with Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe.
Suzanne Rohr | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1939 (age 86–87) |
| Education | School of Decorative Arts in Geneva |
| Occupation | Watch enameller |
Early life and education
editRohr was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1939.[1] As a child, she was interested in painting and drawing, and drew inspiration from an enamel exhibit at the Art and History Museum in Geneva.[2] She went on to study enamelling at the School of Decorative Arts in Geneva,[3] graduating in 1959 as the only student in the class.[4] The same year she won the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation prize for her enamelling work on a women's bracelet.[1]
Career
editRohr opened her own studio in 1960[2] and began receiving mentoring from Genevan enameler and miniaturist, Carlo Poluzzi.[4] In 1967, she began an exclusive partnership with Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe.[5] Rohr continued to produce pieces for Patek Philippe, some taking up to two years to create, for over five decades.[3][6]
Rohr employs the Geneva Technique, a process that involves layering different colors of enamel and baking at high temperatures, with some pieces requiring up to 25 different layers to complete.[4] She makes uses of rare minerals and uses brushes as thin as a "single boar's hair".[7]
Rohr mentored Anita Porchet who is considered one of the "most in-demand of today’s top enamellers".[8]
Awards and honors
edit- In 1959, Rohr was awarded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation prize in recognition of her enamelling work[1]
- In 2017, Rohr received the special jury prize at Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève alongside her protégé Anita Porchet[6]
- In 2019, Rohr was honored by the Prix Gaïa for her "mastery of the art of enamelling"[1]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 "The 2019 edition of the Prix Gaïa". Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. October 10, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- 1 2 "The Trailblazing Women of the Watch World". MyJewelryRepair.com. March 11, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- 1 2 Doerr, Elizabeth (December 27, 2019). "2019 Gaïa Awards: Chopard's Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Enameler Suzanne Rohr, And Historian Laurent Tissot Honored". QuillAndPad.com. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Gomelsky, Victoria (December 8, 2006). "Enameled dials: Swiss watch alchemy in miniature". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ Forster, jack (November 28, 2008). "Enamel Cult". Forbes. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- 1 2 Yap, Celine (April 3, 2018). "Watches with enamel dials: Why you soon may pay a premium for them". Robb Report. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ↑ Tyson, Janet (December 7, 1994). "A timely exhibit". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved January 25, 2026 – via newspapers.com.
- ↑ Swithinbank, Robin (June 25, 2013). "Hard times for the hardest job in the world". WorldTempus.com. Retrieved January 20, 2026.