TAOS pushes exclusivity and creativity to their ultimate limits. Since its inception, the brand has established itself within the realm of the extraordinary – an ambition fully embraced, driven by an unwavering commitment to savoir-faire. Each TAOS timepiece is unique, developed by passionate Geneva-based watchmaker Olivier Gaud and crafted by the expert hands of the 40 artisans at the Atelier Olivier Vaucher in Geneva.
Exceptional, Without Compromise
TAOS continues to redefine the boundaries of Métiers d’Art in watchmaking. Each piece, the result of a prodigious undertaking requiring hundreds of hours, engages over 15 specialized teams – from engraving to enameling, to the meticulous decoration of the movement down to its smallest detail.
Each dial is a miniature fresco, a scene of infinite richness – where every line, every layer, every firing deepens the masterpiece. Superimposed strata of enamel, delicate engravings beneath enamel, the rare and precise mastery of fondant application, the play of light over shimmering paillons – every stage of each craft demands immense patience. It is savoir-faire at its peak, and absolute dedication to the pursuit of excellence.
Watches as a Tribute to Exquisite Fabrics
For 2025, TAOS draws inspiration from the universe of fabrics and haute couture, reinterpreting iconic patterns and translating the essence of weaving, embroidery, and embellishment onto dials of unprecedented complexity.
The world of haute couture is one of boundless fascination and creativity, where materials become language, and texture evokes emotion. Intricate weaves, delicate embroideries, sculptural draping – each fabric tells a story, embodies a savoir-faire, and carries a time-honored tradition. Whether it is the softness of wool, the luxury of silk, or the textured richness of linen, each fiber is elevated by artisans into a work of art. The interplay of light, iridescent reflections, and layered filaments and embellishments give rise to creations that flood the senses, where texture plays with visual beauty.
TAOS captures this vast richness, transposing the elegance of exceptional fabrics onto its dials. Each timepiece is woven into the fabric of time, where the mastery of metal, fire, and craftsmanship coalesce to reinvent horology with unprecedented complexity.
‘Savile Row’: Tartan, Reimagined
Born in the misty Highlands of Scotland, tartan is far more than a simple pattern—it is a heritage, a textile language that tells the story of clans, their origins, and their alliances. A symbol of identity and distinction, it intertwines vibrant-colored threads with near-mathematical precision, creating intricate motifs that transcend time. Each shade, each intersection evokes Scotland’s untamed landscapes, from windswept moors to winding rivers carving deep valleys. Both rigorous and fluid, this fabric has graced haute couture runways, embodying a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
Savile Row, in the heart of London, is the sanctuary of exceptional tailoring, where ancestral craftsmanship finds expression in impeccable cuts and the finest fabrics.
Since the 18th century, this legendary street has been synonymous with bespoke elegance, sumptuous fabrics, and a timeless art of living. Every suit crafted here is the product of demanding artisanship and a tradition fiercely safeguarded, where each thread is designed to endure, evolve, and adapt to its wearer. TAOS channels this spirit of excellence, transposing the precision and nobility of tailoring and tartan onto the dial of this masculine timepiece, fusing fabric and watchmaking in perfect harmony.
Techniques:
- Engraving beneath enamel
- Multi-layered transparent enamels applied over an opaque base at varying depths
- Miniature enamel painting of fine graphical threads
- Multi-layered fondant covering the entire dial
- Graphic patterns evoking intricate weaving
With over 20 firings at 800°C, the exceptional mastery of fondant – a rare and delicate technique – ensures perfect cohesion and highlights every intricate detail. Only the most skilled artisans control this subtle alchemy, where each enamel layer fuses with unforgiving precision, revealing depth and luminosity beyond compare. The solid white gold base, hand-engraved, is overlaid with translucent enamel in shades of blue and grey. Each square and overlapping line evokes the finesse of a taut thread on a loom, creating the perfect illusion of woven fabric.
‘Dentelle’: The Delicate Art of Lace
Feminine in essence, this creation pays homage to the precious Swiss laces of Saint-Gall. Lace is the embodiment of refinement and delicacy, an ancestral art that has perpetuated through centuries to adorn the most precious fabrics. In Saint-Gall, lacemakers have been crafting these precious fabrics for generations, where light and air seem captured in an infinitely subtle mesh.
Whether woven, embroidered, or openworked, lace is the fruit of infinite patience and absolute mastery of the most refined gestures. Each thread, interwoven with extreme precision, tells the story of a tradition that has traversed time without ever losing its brilliance. It is this essence of elegance and craftsmanship that TAOS sought to capture in its ‘Dentelle’ watch, transposing the complexity and grace of this textile art onto a dial of unmatched finesse and sophistication.
Techniques:
- Hand-engraving of fabric texture beneath enamel
- Addition of an extremely fine silver paillon mesh
- Translucent enamel superimposed over the silver paillon mesh
- Application of ‘under-fired’ enamel for an embroidered relief effect
Each silver paillon floats in suspension, delicately placed on the dial like precious lace, captured forever. The interplay of light between matte and glossy, between translucency and opacity, gives this unique piece an ethereal mystery. The white gold case, set with diamonds on the lugs and bezel, completes this work where femininity is expressed in all its subtlety.
‘Sequins’: The Fabric of Light
Inspired by the embellishments of haute couture, ‘Sequins’ plays with texture and reflections, blending engraving and gem-setting. The dial, like a fabric of light, shimmers with ever-changing glimmers. Since the Middle Ages, sequins have illuminated the finest garments, lending each piece a resplendent aura. Once meticulously hand-embroidered onto the clothing of monarchs and dignitaries, these tiny, shimmering discs were crafted in gold and silver, catching candlelight and enhancing the grandeur of their wearers. Over the centuries, they evolved alongside techniques and trends, adorning everything from Renaissance court attire to the dazzling dresses of Parisian cabaret dancers and the avant-garde creations of haute couture houses.
Today, sequins symbolize meticulous craftsmanship – a delicate interplay of intrinsic sparkle and reflection, a luminous language that dances with movement. When hand-stitched onto fabric, they form mesmerizing patterns, each sequin capturing the subtlest shifts in light. In haute couture, they transform fabrics into cascades of brilliance, draping silhouettes in a sensory spectacle unlike any other.
TAOS draws on this magic for ‘Sequins’, transposing the interplay of texture and light from textile art to horology. Hand engraving, translucent enameling, and subtle gradations of red, burgundy, and rose recreate the inimitable sparkle of sequins, capturing their essence in a timepiece where brilliance is forever suspended. Each sculpted relief echoes the opulence of haute couture ornamentation. The alchemy of gold, enamel, and engraving heightens the depth of this unique watch – a piece that comes alive in the rhythm of light.
Techniques:
- Raised hand-engraving
- Translucent enameling in red-to-burgundy gradients
- Hand-engraved and hand-painted gold appliques
- Delicate gem-setting
Uncompromising Luxury Watchmaking
Each TAOS creation is unique, the result of a year-long development process – an extraordinary investment for a single piece. This is absolute luxury, on par with the greatest creations of Métiers d’Art. TAOS does not follow trends; it defines them.
Every watch is an immersion into a world where time takes on a texture all its own, where light caresses finely sculpted reliefs, where the human hand reveals the poetry hidden within matter. TAOS transcends timekeeping, transforming it into an ode to beauty – a tribute to the artisans who pour their soul and passion into each detail. These timepieces are more than just watches; they are silent witnesses to the dialogue between inspiration and craftsmanship, between vision and perfection.
A Movement as Ornate as the Work Itself
The movements of the first three pieces for 2025 receive an exceptional level of finishing, featuring two distinct decorative motifs:
- Entrelacs: A pattern inspired by weaving and quilting, with engraved ribbons that dance with light.
- Drapé: A finely engraved illusion of draped fabric, lending sculptural elegance to every bridge.
Each movement requires over 150 hours of hand engraving – a true masterpiece in its own right. This is an ode to the precise gestures of master engravers, transforming metal into vibrant lace, into a sculpted fabric that extends the dial’s poetry deep into the mechanical heart of the watch.
Genevan Craftsmanship
TAOS follows through in a revered tradition, an artistic expression with Geneva at its heart for over 300 years. Nestled between the Jura and the Alps, between lake and river, Geneva has for centuries nurtured the practice of turning watches into works of art.
Though not all movements originate in Geneva, the city has cultivated a thriving ecosystem of specialized artisans. Enamellers, watchmakers, gem-setters, lapidaries, goldsmiths, painters, engravers, illuminators – their expertise has flourished in the historic heart of the city of Calvin for centuries.
Origins
TAOS was founded just one year ago, in 2024. The brand was born from the meeting of Olivier and Dominique Vaucher with Olivier Gaud. For 46 years, Olivier Vaucher has led his renowned Atelier, always dreaming of creating a watch brand that would harness the full breadth of his workshop’s expertise. His encounter with passionate Genevan watchmaker Olivier Gaud, and their shared love for exceptional watchmaking, ignited the spark that created TAOS.
Atelier Olivier Vaucher, a pillar of the Métiers d’Art world, is home to over 40 artisans across 15 disciplines, working tirelessly for the most prestigious watch brands. Grand Feu enameling, engraving, miniature painting, mosaic, and gem-setting are all part of its unparalleled repertoire.
More valuable than any individual skill is the Atelier’s ability to combine them, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Founded in 1978 by Olivier Vaucher alongside his artist wife Dominique, the Atelier – French for ‘workshop’ – has long worked behind the scenes, bringing the rarest and most coveted creations in watchmaking to life. Now, in 2025, their reflections, dedication, and artistry take form in ‘Savile Row,’ ‘Dentelle,’ and ‘Sequins’ – the first three one-of-a-kind pieces in TAOS’s second Métiers d’Art collection.
Free Spirits
“Our connection with TAOS, ever since its inception, allows us to imagine, test, and bring audacious, high-risk projects to life – with complete creative freedom. TAOS is built on the desire to showcase Métiers d’Art in their entirety, constantly pushing us further – to challenge our limits, explore new techniques, and venture into uncharted creative territories. This energy fuels our workshop and invigorates our artisans. The philosophy of TAOS is a subtle balance of kindness, availability, respect, and preservation – values that are at the core of our mission. More than a collaboration, it is a human and artistic adventure where talent flourishes. Seeing our creations come to life in these unique watches, imbued with the soul and expertise of our artisans, is an unparalleled source of pride.” Olivier and Dominique Vaucher
Olivier Gaud, CEO de Taos, adds: “Every TAOS watch is the result of a collective dedication, where each artisan and each discipline contributes their vision and excellence to shape something extraordinary. Our 2025 collection, composed entirely of unique pieces, once again shines a spotlight on the expertise of Atelier Olivier Vaucher. It reaffirms the enduring vitality, intensity, and emotional depth of Métiers d’Art. What we create goes beyond timekeeping – we bring true works of art to life. Every detail, every engraved line, every shade of enamel is a vibrant tribute to both tradition and innovation. It is a privilege to see these creations take shape, knowing they will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.”
Meaningfulness
TAOS is also the name of a small artistic community in the mountains of New Mexico, on the banks of the Rio Grande. Since the late 19th century, it has been home to a diverse and creative colony of artists, shaped by an eclectic spirit of tolerance and expression.
Initially, Native American artists from the Pueblo of Taos created artisanal objects using traditional methods passed down from one generation to the next. Since the late 19th century, the village of Taos has become an important artistic center for the region, with numerous American and foreign artists in temporary or permanent residence, making Taos a unique, unusual, and particularly tolerant community.
In Greek, TAOS also means peacock – a creature both mythical and familiar, endlessly fascinating in its multicolored splendor. Its iridescent blues and greens, streaked with black and white, textured yet silky, embody polychromatic brilliance. The peacock’s elegance is undeniable – its majestic stride as it unfurls its resplendent plumage is art expressed by nature, commanding admiration.
TAOS embraces this quiet confidence. Guided by the humility that defines Olivier Gaud and the Atelier Olivier Vaucher, TAOS knows its creations will be seen – recognized by connoisseurs for the immense effort behind them, admired for their rare and discreet elegance, their luminous, captivating beauty.
Noble
Every TAOS timepiece is driven by the same movement. Under the direction of Olivier Gaud, passionate watchmaker and CEO of TAOS, the Swiss movement specialist Télôs, at TAOS’s express request, developed the exclusive VOP318 caliber. This self-winding movement boasts a generous power reserve of approximately 72 hours.
The only truly unconventional requirement in its original specifications was that the surface of its bridges had to offer a canvas entirely dedicated to the most intricate engraving imaginable. Thickness, contours, cutouts – everything was designed with the engraver’s burin in mind to transform these few millimeters into canvas for artistic expression. The result: an interior spectacle that mirrors the craftsmanship displayed on the dial side.
Details
Delivered in raw form, the movement components are meticulously engraved by hand, beveled, and satin-finished one by one within the Olivier Vaucher Atelier. Each motif is inspired by the theme of the collection. The oscillating weight, concealed beneath the caseback, remains unseen, while its visible arms are chamfered and satin-finished in the finest watchmaking tradition.
Engraving a single complete movement requires over 150 hours of work, all carried out by a single artisan, who remains responsible for the piece from initial receipt to final completion.
Each timepiece is housed in a gold case measuring 38mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness. Crafted in 18K white gold or 5N rose gold, the case may also be adorned with diamonds, depending on the theme of the dial. The refined case construction serves to enhance the elegance of the watch on the wrist, seamlessly extending the aesthetic of the dial. The sharp, dynamic lugs, clean angles, inclined bezel, and recessed caseback make this case a setting that frames each creation, there but unobtrusive.
TAOS Savile Row, Dentelle & Sequins – Collection 2025 Technical Information
3 Models
- TAOS Savile Row – unique piece, 140,000 CHF (Retail prices, excluding VAT)
- TAOS Dentelle – unique piece, 150,000 CHF (Retail prices, excluding VAT)
- TAOS Sequins – unique piece, 150,000 CHF (Retail prices, excluding VAT)
Dials
- ‘Savile Row’: Dominant blue tones
Hand-engraving beneath enamel, transparent multiple layers of enamel applied over an opaque base, Geneva technique underlay; approximately 20 layers requiring as many high-fire kiln firings
- ‘Dentelle’: Dominant gray and white tones
Hand engraving beneath enamel, application of a silver paillon mesh under enamel, relief underfired enamel layering, multiple high-temperature kiln firings
- ‘Sequins’: Dominant red tones
Hand engraving beneath enamel, gold appliqués engraved and hand-painted, diamonds set in chatons
- Indications: Hours and minutes
- Hands: Gold leaf-shaped hands, subtly curved and mirror-polished
Cases
- 18K white gold (or 5N rose gold for ‘Sequins’)
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 10mm
- Diamond-set lugs (for ‘Sequins’)
- Diamond-set lugs and bezel (for ‘Dentelle’)
Caliber
- VOP318, developed exclusively by Télôs (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) for TAOS
- Self-winding movement with twin barrels mounted in parallel
- Hand-applied decorations, exclusive to TAOS, by Atelier Olivier Vaucher, Geneva
- Invisible oscillating weight, concealed within the case
- Power reserve: Approximately 72 hours
- Diameter: 30.40 mm
- Height: 4.20 mm
- Frequency: 4 Hz
- 26 jewels
Straps
- Bordeaux or blue alligator-style leather for ‘Sequins’ and ‘Savile Row,’ hand-stitched in Geneva with visible saddle stitching
- Light gray nubuck-style leather for ‘Dentelle,’ with visible saddle stitching
- 18K gold pin buckle, exclusive TAOS design
