Bangkok--5 Nov--Francom Asia
The Arceau watch, designed by Henri d'Origny in 1978, lends itself to a new expression of expertise: wood marquetry. Its discreet gold case, topped by asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs, frames a dial crafted from tulipwood picking up the design of the Astrologie Nouvelle silk scarf. Reinterpreted by Cyrille Diatkine in 2012, it expresses the rhythmical cadence characterising the flow and acceleration of time. The designer has infused it with a modern touch, breaking down and alternating the original motifs to form a kind of 'orderly chaos'.
To freely transpose this theme to the scale of a dial, Hermes artisans begin by miniaturising the motif. They then rigorously select the essence and colour of the material that will serve as a medium of expression: tulipwood. Also known as «yellow poplar» or Virginia tulip tree (its f lowers resemble large green- yellow tulips), this tree native to North America has a precious heart that changes colour over time, evolving from white to very dark blue. The wood is thus chosen for its shades close to the original design, but also for its fine and firm grain, perfectly adapted to the meticulous art of wood marquetry. The artisan cuts out the multitude of tiny elements forming the pattern, before assembling them like a jigsaw puzzle, gluing them in place and finishing them by sanding and varnishing. Combining rigorous discipline, patience and dexterity, three weeks of work are necessary to create a dial, which is by nature
unique.
The Arceau Astrologie Nouvelle watch, available in a limited edition of eight, comes in a 41 mm-diameter white gold case with a matt black alligator strap. Hours and minutes hands are driven by a mechanical self-winding movement crafted by the Manufacture, as indeed are the dial, case and strap, all governed by the Hermes Horloger rules of expertise.
ARCEAU Astrologie Nouvelle
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Numbered eight-piece limited edition
- MOVEMENT
- Manufacture Hermes H1837 movement Mechanical self-winding, Swiss made Diameter: 26 mm
- Thickness: 3.7 mm
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4Hz
- Functions: Hours, minutes
- CASE
- Shape / size: Round, 41 mm in diameter
- Material: White gold
- Glass: Sapphire crystal and caseback with anti-glare treatment
- Water resistance: 3 bar
- DIAL
- Wood marquetry
- STRAP
- Black alligator
Hermes creates objects. Objects shaped by the hands of artisans to make them true companions for those who wear them. Practical, functional and stemming from uncompromising expertise, they radiate the lightness of the unexpected. They make everyday life their playground, and each instant a uniquely special moment.
For Hermes, time is also an object. Its inherent tension is translated by the house into a singular characteristic. Rather than measuring, ordering, and seeking to control it, Hermes dares to explore another time, designed to arouse emotions, open up interludes and create spaces for spontaneity and recreation.