Vernis Martin Lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal articles as brisé fans and snuff-boxes. The process of adding bronze or gold powder to green varnish was perfected by the Martin family in Paris, hence its name vernis Martin (“Martin varnish”). Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East Asian lacquerware being imported into France during the Louis XV period. Vernis Martin was made in several colours, green and a golden red being the most characteristic. Martin Family French lacquerware artists of the period of Louis XV. The four brothers ?? Guillaume († 1749), Julien († 1752), Robert (1706-1765) and Etienne-Simon († 1770) ?? are remembered for perfecting the composition and application of vernis Martin, a lacquer substitute named after them, patented by Guillaume and Robert in 1730. In 1748, their factory became part of the Royal Factory of Furnishings to the Crown. Among their commissions were coaches and rooms at Versailles. Their name is also associated with vernis Martin fans, although it is not known if they actually made these fans. It is extremely rare to find watches using this technique, especially since it remains very fragile. Few objects of the 18th century have survived in good condition, often deteriorated, while the decor of our watch is barely cracked.