The origins of guilloché trace back to the 16th century, where similar patterns were observed in architectural decorations by Italian artists. The term "guilloché" itself is believed to derive from the French word "guillocher," meaning to engrave or carve intricate patterns. While the exact inventor remains uncertain, some accounts attribute the development of engine-turning machines to a French engineer named Guillot in the late 18th century, who purportedly invented a pedal-driven tool for engraving interlaced curves. In the realm of watchmaking, guilloché gained prominence in the late 18th century, notably through the works of Abraham-Louis Breguet. Breguet utilized the technique to embellish watch dials and cases, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and readability. His application of guilloché set a precedent, establishing it as a hallmark of luxury timepieces. Beyond watchmaking, guilloché found applications in various domains:
Jewelry and Decorative Arts: Artisans employed guilloché to adorn jewelry boxes, serving trays, often combining it with translucent enameling to accentuate the engraved patterns.
Cutlery: In traditional cutlery, especially in French craftsmanship, guilloché is used to decorate blades and plates, adding a unique aesthetic touch to knives.
Security Printing: The intricate patterns of guilloché are utilized in banknotes and official documents as a security feature to deter counterfeiting.