Press release
The Arceau wristwatch imagined in 1978 by Henri d'Origny lends itself ideally to a pocket-watch version. Its asymmetrical attachment and its lugs naturally invite a cord-strap fixed to the arch like a stirrup leather to a stirrup, thus evoking the saddle- and harness-making origins of Hermès. Whether in a trouser or jacket pocket, the manner of wearing the Arceau Pocket further accentuates the innate classic chic of the original watch design.
This exceptional watch is a unique piece. The case-back featuring a motif sculpted from a block of natural mother-of-pearl depicts an equestrian scene using the relief modelling technique: the carriage, horses and protagonists are themselves engraved on two superimposed gold plates. The perspective lines, the various planes and the depth of field, underscored by the third dimension of the creation, instil a distinct sense of life and movement. This motif evokes the central detail of the Promenade de Longchamp silk carré designed by Philippe Ledoux in 1965. The white gold 43.2 mm case and shimmering grey-blue mother-of-pearl dial radiate a sense of diaphanous harmony that makes a striking contrast with the cord-strap and pouch in matt havana alligator leather.
The mechanical self-winding movement is an exclusive Hermès calibre: H 1928 (the year the company introduced its first watches). Its twin barrel ensures a 55-hour power reserve.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Arceau Pocket Promenade de Longchamp
Movement: Mechanical self-winding
Hermès Calibre H1928
25.6 mm in diameter (11½ lignes)
3.5 mm thick
28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
55-hour power reserve thanks to a series-coupled twin barrel
220 parts including 32 jewels
Hand-chamfered and polished bridges and mechanisms
Exclusive Hermès decorated motif (sprinkling of “H”s)
Oscillating weight in 916 (22ct) gold
Functions: Hours, minutes
Case: 750 (18ct) white gold (87.5 grams)
43.2 mm in diameter
Watertight to 30 metres
Glass: Anti-glare sapphire crystal on both bezel and back
Dial: Natural grey-blue mother-of-pearl, carriage and horseman in handengraved gold depicting a detail of the “Promenade de Longchamp” Hermès silk carré by Philippe Ledoux
Strap: Matt havana brown alligator cord-strap
Unique piece
