Artur Akmaev at Griffin & Sloane
Artur Akmaev is a master engraver and enameller whose work spans hand engraving, micro-sculpture, and some of the most demanding decorative techniques in contemporary watchmaking.
At Griffin & Sloane, Artur is responsible for executing the most complex decorative elements of bespoke commissions, where precision, restraint, and irreversible craftsmanship are essential.
Artur’s formative training was undertaken to the standards of Fabergé, where decorative work is governed by permanence, precision, and restraint rather than surface effect. This foundation continues to inform his approach to engraving and enamel, particularly in work intended to endure decades of use.
Why Artur’s work matters
Decorative watchmaking is not surface ornament. Engraving and enamel alter structure, affect legibility, and must endure decades of use without compromise.
Artur’s expertise lies in understanding how decoration interacts with form—controlling depth, rhythm, and negative space so that beauty serves coherence rather than overwhelming it.
Within the Griffin & Sloane programme, his work is applied deliberately, where it strengthens the integrity of the piece as a whole.
A range of techniques
Artur’s work encompasses a broad range of traditional and contemporary techniques, including hand engraving, micro-sculpture, guilloché-integrated engraving, cloisonné and champlevé enamel, and—on exceptional commissions—painted enamel.
Each technique is selected for its suitability to the commission. Not every watch requires decoration, and not every decoration is appropriate.
This restraint is central to the outcome.
Process, not products
Artur’s work is slow and unforgiving. Lines are cut directly into metal. Enamel is fired repeatedly at high temperatures. Decisions cannot be undone.
This is why such work cannot be improvised or ordered from a catalogue. It must be specified, governed, and executed within a coherent commissioning framework.
Examples of realised work
The following examples illustrate engraving and enamelling executed by Artur Akmaev as part of bespoke commissions and independent works.
They are shown as illustration of capability. Availability, where applicable, is limited and subject to discussion.
Working with Artur through Griffin & Sloane
All commissions involving Artur Akmaev are governed by Griffin & Sloane. We define intent, scope, and context before any work begins, ensuring that decoration serves the design rather than dominating it.
This approach allows Artur’s skill to be applied where it adds the greatest value, while preserving discretion and coherence throughout the process.
As Seen In
