At the Watches and Wonders 2024, Parisian watch brand Hermès unveiled its three novelties, two of which include the brand’s signature equestrian-inspired timepieces in the Arceau line. The third, Hermès Cut, reflects the elegant geometrics with its “a circle within a round shape” aesthetics.
Hermès Arceau Duc Attelé
Originally designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978 with a round-shaped case and asymmetrical stirrup lugs, Hermès has extended the Arceau line with the new Arceau Duc Attelé in a 43mm case crafted in polished titanium or rose gold. The highlight of the watch lies in its triple-axis tourbillon and minute repeater complication. It features a lozenge-type striped guilloché motif dial with an anthracite coating, a domed chapter ring with a sunburst finish, white-transferred Arabic numerals, and a power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, all visible through a domed anti-glare sapphire crystal.
It houses a manual-wound Manufacture Hermès H1926 movement, with a 48-hour power reserve. Its central triple-axis tourbillon comprises 99 components, counteracting gravity's effects on accuracy. The mirror-polished titanium tourbillon carriage is topped with the double H “Lift” motif.
The minute repeater chimes the hours, quarter-hours, and minutes, featuring U-shaped ‘tuning-fork’ gongs in tempered steel and mirror-polished equestrian hammers. Through the sapphire caseback, you can see the equestrian minutes rack shaped like a horse with its mane, reflecting the brand's equestrian heritage.
Water resistant up to 30 metres. The watch is secured with a matte anthracite or matt abyss blue leather strap and polished folding clasp in titanium or rose gold respectively. Each model is a limited edition of 24.
Arceau Chorus Stellarum
Another timepiece by Hermès in its equestrian line Arceau is the 41mm Arceau Chorus Stellarum crafted in 750 white gold. There are two timepieces here, each a limited edition of 6, where one is set with 70 diamonds on the bezel.
The Arceau Chorus Stellarum houses an intricately designed dial that brings alive the celestial symphony with champlevé, lacquer, miniature paintings, and engravings. There’s a 2N yellow-gold horse applique that can be activated through a spring mechanism by the pusher at 9 o’clock. Drawing inspiration from the Chorus Stellarum silk scarf crafted by Daiske Nomura, the design features skeleton riders on their majestic horses set in a celestial backdrop inspired by the Émile Hermès collection. These figures are represented by movable yellow gold appliques, meticulously engraved and hand-painted.
Powered by the automatic Hermès Manufacture movement H1837, it offers a 50-hour reserve.
The watch is offered with a matt abyss blue leather strap and the diamond version with a matt pearly grey alligator strap. The water resistance is 30 metres.
Hermès Cut
The Hermès Cut timepiece showcases the “circle within a round shape” case, available in four variations. One is entirely crafted in steel, the second comes with a diamond set bezel, the next has the bezel and crown in 750 5N rose gold, and the last features a rose gold bezel with diamonds. The unique crown placement at 1:30, adorned with a lacquered or engraved “H,” adds to its originality.
The bevel-cut bezel frames a spacious dial with luminescent Arabic numerals in exclusive embossed font. The hands include polished baton shapes for hours and minutes, with a large seconds hand featuring a luminous dot. The silver-toned dial is bordered by a grey and orange-accented minutes track.
The automatic Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement drives the hour, minute, and seconds display, and boasts a power reserve of about 50 hours. The metal bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, mirroring its finish, while an alternative rubber strap in eight Hermès signature colours offers personalisation.
Images: Courtesy Brand