The Slim d’Hermès watch epi- tomises quintessential simplicity rooted in precision and balance. Designed by Philippe Delhotal in 2015, its round case accentuated by angular lugs provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing numerous exceptional skills, while its dainty curves highlight bold, whimsical motifs sometimes featuring animals. Here, the king of the jungle displays his incredible mane on the openworked cover of the Slim d’Hermès Roaaaaar! pocket watch, revealing a dial in vert cyprès or bleu saphir Grand Feu enamel.
Created for a silk scarf by British artist Alice Shirley, the Roaaaaar! design depicts a roaring lion with its mouth wide open. Its profile is reinterpreted here in wood marquetry. The artisan begins by miniaturising the design to fit the watch’s cover, then carefully selects the wood types according to their natural hues. Amaranth, burl, bubinga, tulipwood, maple: in all, ten precious woods species chosen for their shades faithful to the original design make up the animal’s mane and silky coat. Cut into a multitude of tiny fragments assembled like a jigsaw puzzle, sanded and then varnished, they reveal a feline of astonishing depth.
The openworked cover provides a glimpse of an enamel dial featuring a herringbone pattern reflecting the light playing across it from various angles. The technique involves mixing coloured glass powder with oil, before applying the material evenly to the white gold base that has been previously engraved with the motif. Next comes the trial by fire – the dial is heated to over 800 °C – revealing the intensity of the colours and permanently fusing the layers of enamel to the underlying metal.
The purity of the overall design highlights the finesse and understated elegance of the 45 mm white gold case, framing the hours and minutes hands driven by the ultra-thin self-winding Manufacture Hermès H1950 movement. Showcasing the House’s leather craftsmanship, a cord strap and pouch in matt vert cyprès or bleu saphir alligator highlight the two shades of this limited edition of three in each colour.
