Press release
By placing 2012 under the theme of “The Gift of Time,” La Montre Hermès this year turns to the wonders of the sky and offers the Arceau pocket collection a new celestially inspired design. The Maison has created an enamelled model studded with star-like paillons or spangles.
In a twilight sky spangled with stars, the emblematic “Duc Attelé” Hermès emblem stands out discreetly. With perspective created by the age-old technique of grand feu paillonné enamelling, the dial of the Arceau Attelage Céleste watch pays a moving tribute to the artistry perpetuated in the Hermès workshops, where the human hand brings matter to life. Only a few craftsmen have achieved mastery of the complex and demanding paillonné enamel technique. First meticulously hand-engraved on the gold dial, the pattern reproducing a detail of a Hermès trinket dish is then covered with translucent blue pigments and repeatedly fired in a kiln at nearly 800 °C.
Star-shaped gold paillons, delicately placed one by one during the enamelling, spangle the sky. The enamel artist herself made the gold confetti stars that intensify the depth of field on the dial. Behind the astral face lies the H1928 movement exclusively crafted by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, and its solid gold oscillating weight adorned with a sprinkling of H symbols, visible through the sapphire crystal case-back.
Extending the round white gold case radiating an air of imperturbable elegance, the asymmetrical lugs bridle an indigo alligator cord-strap subtly echoing Hermès' cherished equestrian universe.
Technical characteristics
Movement
H1928, mechanical self-winding
25.6 mm in diameter (11 1/2 lignes)
3.5 mm thick
28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
55-hour power reserve thanks to series-coupled twin barrels
220 parts including 32 jewels
Hand-chamfered and polished bridges and mechanisms
Dedicated Hermès decorative motif (H symbols)
Gold oscillating weight
Functions
Hour, minute
Case
Round, 41mm in diameter
White gold (55 g)
Water-resistant to 3 atm
Dial
Grand feu paillonné enamelling dial
Inspired by a Herme`s trinket dish
Glass
Glare proofed sapphire crystal (on one side) both front and back
Strap
Matt indigo blue alligator with 17 mm white gold pin buckle (5.75g)
Reference: 038099WW00
