Back in 1978 Henri d’Origny designed The Arceau and this year, at Watches & Wonders, Hermès has revealed a new take on the classic with “Cheval Cosmique”. Imagined by artist Gianpaolo Pagni, the “Cheval Cosmique” composition combines graphic undulations with the silhouette of a horse from Émile Hermès’ private collection. This singular interpretation is transposed here in relief, on a dial in aventurine or mother-of-pearl and enamel.
To create just one example of this timepiece, the artisan works for almost a week on a gold plate less than half a centimetre thick. First, by engraving the waves and accentuating them with a fine black lacquer; and then, by fixing this engraving in place on the dial before covering the surrounding area with aventurine or enamel and mother-of-pearl. Finally, the beautifully engraved horse is put in place.
The Arceau Cheval Cosmique watch is produced in two limited series of 24 each. The first, in white gold, displays its equestrian motif on a dial featuring deep shades of aventurine. The second, in white gold set with diamonds, frames a dial in mother-of-pearl and enamel. The new Arceau with its hours and minutes display is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement which is developed in the Hermès Horloger workshops.
Technical information
Movement:
Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement
Mechanical self-winding, Swiss made
Diameter: 23.9 mm or 26 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Power reserve: 50 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4Hz
Functions: Hours, minutes
Case:
Shape/size: Round, 38 mm diameter or 41 mm diameter
Material: White gold set with 82 diamonds or White gold
Crystal: Antiglare sapphire crystal and caseback
Water resistant: 3 bar
Dial:
Enamelled white gold, mother-of-pearl and engraved gold applique
or Aventurine with white gold engraving
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