Each year has its own theme. After exploring that of “The Gift of Time” in 2012, the Paris-based house is dedicated 2013 to sport. “Sport has always played an important role at Hermès”, explains Luc Perramond, CEO of La Montre Hermès. “Passion, fair play, team work and elegance in motion are all sports-related values that also define us.”
Three sports models
The Dressage line, first launched in 2003, has been beating since last year to the tempo of exclusive Manufacture movements testifying to the brand’s passion for fine mechanisms. In collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, Hermès has this time interpreted it through a chronograph version with an opaline silvered or black dial.
Still in the equestrian world, the Arceau collection welcomes the Chrono Bridon model, which highlights an extremely original strap. Inspired by riding bridles, the small leather bit known as a bradoon reinforces the strap attachment to the case with distinctive saddle stitching.
In the nautical world, the sports theme is expressed in three new Clipper Sport models featuring vivid colours. The iconic bezel inspired by the portholes of the large 19th century sailboats is extended by a strap in orange, blue or Hermès red rubber.
New interpretations of the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu model
A world away from that of sport, Hermès continues to provide glimpses of a poetic universe that it has been exploring in particular depth recently. “Time to dream is a territory that we began charting two years ago with ‘Le Temps Suspendu’. In this concept, technical expertise is dedicated to serving Hermès poetry and we offer people a chance to experience a very special relationship with time,” points out Luc Perramond. The Arceau Le Temps Suspendu watch enables the user to bring the hours and minutes hands to a halt at around 12 o’clock, at an imaginary time, while the seconds hand in the graduated subdial continues turning, but backwards. “It is basically a playful nod,” adds Luc Perramond. “This seconds hand is designed to serve as an indicator that although time has been suspended, it is in fact still running. It is also a means for us to show that one can indeed play with time and not take oneself too seriously.” Available in a 38 mm diameter that is ideal for ladies’ wrists, the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu 43mm equipped with a large retrograde date display now comes in two new versions: platinum and platinum set with baguette-cut diamonds.
Finally, Luc Perramond emphasises the presence of two exceptional creations at this year’s edition of Baselworld, and notably the Arceau Pocket Volutes which highlights the perfect sobriety of Grand Feu enamelling on the dial, the refinement of gold marquetry, and the meticulous precision of the hand engraving adorning the cover. A unique creation testifying to Hermès’ determination to perpetuate traditional crafts.
