Link and Tag x JSV Engraving: A Collaboration That Turns Timepieces into Art
In the world of horology, collaborations often bring fresh perspectives and unique designs. But when Link and Tag, a Taiwanese media known for its bold creativity, collided with JSV (Jacky)—Taiwan’s only dedicated watch dial engraver—the result was more than a watch. It was a statement: timekeeping can be art.
The Vision Behind the Partnership
Link and Tag has always sought to break away from the ordinary, crafting watches that tell stories rather than just time. JSV, led by master engraver Jacky, shares that philosophy. With over three decades of experience in precision work and a passion for traditional hand engraving, Jacky brings an artisanal touch rarely seen in modern watchmaking. Together, they aimed to create pieces that celebrate craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and individuality.
Velvet: Elegance in Every Detail
The first fruit of this collaboration was the Velvet series, a tribute to vintage aesthetics and meticulous artistry. Each dial is made from copper, hand-cut and engraved without any machine assistance. The 12 Arabic numerals are individually carved and painted, a process that takes more than 60 hours per dial. The result? A surface that shimmers like velvet under light, paired with teardrop lugs reminiscent of 1970s–80s design.
Powered by the Swiss ETA 7001 manual movement, Velvet is as refined inside as it is outside. Limited to just 8 pieces worldwide, this series is a collector’s dream—an embodiment of rarity and elegance.
Orbit: Where Art Meets Motion
Next came Orbit, a series that pushes boundaries with its dynamic design. Each watch features a rotating sub-dial, hand-engraved with motifs that carry deep cultural meaning:
- Shippou (七寶): A Japanese pattern symbolizing harmony and eternity.
- Gingko (銀杏): Representing vitality and hope.
- Dragon Scales (龍鱗): A mark of strength and nobility.
These motifs are paired with vibrant, hand-painted main dials, creating a striking interplay of color and texture. Orbit runs on the ST3620 manual movement, offering a robust 40-hour power reserve. With only 100 pieces available, it’s a rare opportunity to own a watch that blends mechanical precision with artistic soul.
Why This Collaboration Matters
In an industry dominated by mass production and machine finishing, the Link and Tag x JSV partnership is a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that watches can be more than accessories—they can be expressions of culture, craftsmanship, and individuality. Each piece is a testament to slow creation, where every line engraved and every color applied tells a story.
For collectors and enthusiasts, these watches are not just timekeepers; they are wearable art, crafted by hands that value tradition and creativity over shortcuts.
The Future of Taiwanese Watchmaking
This collaboration also shines a spotlight on Taiwan’s growing presence in the global watch scene. By merging microbrand innovation with artisanal expertise, Link and Tag and JSV have proven that world-class craftsmanship isn’t confined to Switzerland or Japan. It can thrive wherever passion and skill converge.
1. LT Project Watch x JSV – Velvet
- Case Size: 37 mm
- Thickness: 8.4 mm
- Design Highlights:
- Dial made entirely by hand-cutting and engraving copper, with no machine processing.
- All 12 Arabic numerals are hand-engraved and painted by artisan Jacky, requiring over 60 hours per dial.
- Special engraved texture creates a “velvet” effect with shimmering gold dust under light.
- Vintage teardrop lugs inspired by 1970s–80s designs.
- Movement: ETA 7001 (Swiss-made, manual winding), small seconds module removed for a two-hand layout.
- Strap: 18 mm genuine leather.
- Limited Edition: Only 8 pieces.
- Price: NT$45,000. (Order Link)
- YouTube Intro (Chinese)
2. Orbit
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel
- Size: 40 mm × 10 mm (thickness)
- Design Highlights:
- Features a polished minute ring + hand-painted colorful main dial, paired with a hand-engraved rotating sub-dial (originally the small seconds position).
- Three engraving themes:
- Shippou (七寶): Japanese circular petal chain pattern, deep blue dial.
- Gingko (銀杏): Symbol of vitality and hope, green dial.
- Dragon Scales (龍鱗): Represents strength and nobility, purple dial.
- Each pattern is hand-engraved by Jacky and hand-painted in Taiwan.
- Movement: ST3620 (similar to Unitas 6498, manual winding, approx. 40-hour power reserve).
- Water Resistance: 50 m.
- Strap: Hasnobound handmade leather strap.
- Limited Edition: 100 pieces.
- Price: Early bird NT$26,000 / MSRP NT$32,995. (Order Link)
- YouTube Review (Chinese)
Shared Features
- Both are collaborations with Taiwanese engraver JSV (Jacky), emphasizing handcrafted engraving artistry.
- Limited production, positioned as collectible microbrand watches.
- Design blends vintage aesthetics with artistic craftsmanship, with meticulous attention to detail.
3. Orbit Fumé
The new Orbit collection introduces three captivating fumé dialvariations, each inspired by one of the Seven Treasures (Shippou) of Buddhism.
Red Dial – Carnelian/ Red Pearl
The red dial represents Carnelian or Red Pearl, symbolizing the spiritual wisdom of discernment and the transformative power of compassion, wealth, and purity. Its warm hue reflects both vitality and the enlightened energy that nurtures growth and benevolence.
Green Dial – Crystal
The green dial represents Crystal, one of the Seven Treasures that symbolizes the perfection of wisdom and spiritual wealth. In Buddhist tradition, crystal adorns the Buddha’s PureLand, embodying both physical and spiritual abundance. Its clarity serves as a metaphor for the purified mind and the illumination of truth.
Black Dial – Agate
The black dial represents Agate, a treasure associated with honesty, understanding, and harmony.Revered in Buddhist texts as a gem of the Pure Land, it embodies inner balance and wisdom — the light that brings peace and joy through self-awareness and sincerity.
Watch Specification
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Case Dimension: 40mm x 10mm x 48mm
- Dial: Fume Dial + Polished Chapter ring + Hand engraved pattern rotating second dial
- Movement:ST3620 (Power reserve 40hr)
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Strap: handmade genuine leather strap (by Hasnobound)
- Purchase link: LT Project Watches E-shop
Customisation by Atelier Series
Beyond our standard collection, Link and Tag x JSV Engraving collaboration offers customisation by Atelier Series, transforming watches you selected into a unique masterpiece that tells your personal story.
Who is JSV (Jacky)?
- Jacky, the artisan behind JSV Engraving, is considered one of Taiwan’s only dial engravers specializing in micro-metal engraving for watches. His work is highly regarded for its precision and artistry, making him a unique figure in Taiwan’s horology scene.
Background & Origins
- Jacky’s journey into engraving started by chance, but he quickly became deeply passionate about the craft.
- He has over 30 years of experience in dental technology, which gave him a strong foundation in precision work. This background helped him develop his own pneumatic engraving tools and techniques for metal micro-engraving.
Craftsmanship & Philosophy
- Jacky emphasizes traditional hand engraving, avoiding shortcuts like machine or laser engraving for his artistic pieces.
- His designs often incorporate symbolic motifs, such as:
- Shippou (七寶) – representing harmony and eternity.
- Gingko (銀杏) – symbolizing vitality and hope.
- Dragon Scales (龍鱗) – signifying strength and nobility.
- He also explores Buddhist and cultural themes, integrating elements like the Eight Auspicious Symbols and personal philosophies into his work.
Signature Style
- Jacky’s engraving is deeply artisanal, requiring dozens of hours per dial.
- He combines engraving with hand-painting, creating dials that are not only functional but also miniature works of art.
- His approach is “learn by doing”, often customizing movements, dials, and even cases to achieve a holistic artistic expression.
Why is He Unique?
- In Taiwan, JSV Engraving is virtually the only studio offering this level of bespoke dial engraving for watches.
- His work bridges traditional craftsmanship and modern horology, making each piece a collectible art object rather than just a timekeeping instrument.
JSV has been exploring new materials for dials and designs :
