The Arceau line designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978 lends itself to a new expression of style and evokes the spirit of travel according to Hermès. Crafted in platinum and titanium or entirely in steel, set with diamonds (or not), its round case with asymmetrical lugs reveals a new reading of the hours of the world.
A gravitating counter journeys across continents, moving from city to city, flying over time zones. As it travels, the face of the watch is transformed, opening up whole new dimensions. The satellite gravitates on a fantasy map created by Jérôme Colliard for the Planisphere d’un monde équestre silk scarf. A metaphor of the ties between horses and the House of Hermès, this design was inspired by a giant globe created by the French graphic designer for the 2016 Saut Hermès showjumping competition in Paris. This unique interpretation invites you to travel through the imaginary universe of Hermès.
Against an intense black, deep blue or white mother-of-pearl background, the continents and meridians of this dreamlike universe stand out in relief and depth, adorned with subtle finishes: lacquered, openworked, sandblasted, sunburst, transferred or powdered silver-toned. A stylistic, functional and spiritual interpretation of a classic haute horlogerie complication, the unique «Travelling time» mechanism developed exclusively for Hermès displays 24 time zones by means of a circular disc. The mobile counter and the home-time indication at 12 o’clock are driven by an exclusive 122-component module, housed in a thickness of just 4.4 mm and integrated within the Hermès H1837 mechanical selfwinding movement. The mechanism as a whole powers the display of hours, minutes and a dual time display with city indication.
Three Arceau Le temps voyageur models – a 41 mm-diameter platinum iteration enhanced by a matt black DLC-treated titanium bezel, as well as an all-steel 38 mm-diameter version and its feminine interpretation set with 78 diamonds – are paired with alligator or Swift calfskin straps secured by a pin buckle and crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops in accordance with the saddlery and leatherwork expertise cultivated by the House.
