Thanks to creations like the 2019 Arceau L’Heure De La Lune and the H08 released this year HermeÌ€s is fast establishing its reputation as a serious watchmaker, but let’s not forget the artistic craftsmanship that the brand as a whole is synonymous with. Known for their leather goods and scarves, which have proved to be a canvas for the brand’s prowess with intricate handwork, the latest offering from the French luxury behemoth is a timepiece on whose dial features exquisite threadwork and miniature painting.

The Hermès Arceau Wild Singapore is a watch on whose dial woven gold thread welding and a miniature painting come together to create a striking lion in natural setting. The design reinterprets the eponymous silk scarf designed by British artist Alice Shirley for the Hermès SS 2021 collection. Through it, the artist paid tribute to the biodiversity of Singapore.

Also Read | Interview: Philippe Delhotal, Creative Director, HermeÌ€s Horloger

Set inside the famed Arceau design known for its round case and stirrup shaped lugs that was created by HermeÌ€s’ famous artistic director Henri d’Origny in 1978, the dial is made of gold on which the detailed miniature painting is created using layers of micro-painting, successively applied with a brush and dried in a hot kiln. Once done, the gold threadwork starts. The thread in itself is three times finer than human hair, and the work begins by determining a starting and ending point for each thread. Divots or holes are then made at these points and the ends of the thread inserted, sealed by gold that is then poured on them. Each of the threads is placed in a specific order and position in order to play with   transparency and light and get a striking effect. The result: A stunning two-dimensional dial that personifies Hermes’ craftsmanship prowess.

Also Read |Behold the Skeletonised Slim d'Hermès Squelette Lune

The Arceau has often featured these artistic innovations. The recent past have seen the wood-marquetry-and miniature-painting Arceau The Three Graces, the colourful Toucan de Paradis, and the Arceau Space Derby.

The Arceau Wild Singapore comes in a 41mm white gold case, and features the automatic Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement, which has a power reserve of 50 hours. It is flanked by an abyss blue matt alligator strap crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops. The watch is water resistant to 30 metres, and is limited to 25 pieces.

All images: Courtesy Hermès