Hermes’s intriguing details transport you to a dimension of unlimited imagination

Intriguing details transport you to a dimension of unlimited imagination

HERMÈS INTRODUCED the world to a vision where time is not a measure, but an emotion. In 1978, Henri d’Origny imagined a watch marked by rigour and style ‒ playful yet refined ‒ in the now iconic Arceau watch. A perfect picture of elegance, it was first inspired by the magnificence and grace of galloping horses, making the Swiss-crafted timepiece an appropriate representation of the Hermès brand itself.

Juxtaposed to the classic blue lacquer and hazelnut tone of the original, the Arceau Space Derby is a burst of vibrant colour and an explosion of imagination. The creative vision of illustrator Ugo Bienvenu propels us into the future and into an iridescent universe. The man behind the essential Derby Silk Scarf is guided by his love for 20th Century American comic book superheroes, translating his muse into brightly coloured illustrations of equestrian teams playing a breathless derby in the stars.

The Arceau watch’s round case with asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs is the setting for a futuristic horse race among mysterious planets and constellations. The jockeys seem to race at full speed across your wrist, on a proverbial and dynamic track that winds through space.

The timepiece is equipped with the same Manufacture Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding movement and a 50-hour power reserve. It is also available in two sizes ‒ a dainty 38mm with a diamond bezel and pink opaline glass dial, or two larger 41mm models with dials in aventurine glass. Both sizes are limited to 24 and 12 pieces respectively. The glass is crafted out of antiglare sapphire crystal. A circular-grained and snailed mainplate, oscillating weight, and bridges featuring a “sprinkling of Hs” decorate the watch.

The Arceau Space Derby watch is available in three limited series re-interpretations of the original Space Derby silk scarf. The white gold and adventurine interpretation displays a jockey and his aerodynamic chariot, pulled by a majestic thoroughbred clad in armour, beneath a star-studded sky. The brightly coloured cosmic motif is paired with an abyss blue alligator strap.

On the other, the crimson moon-phase is joined by an unruly, flame-haired driver holding the reins of a horse-drawn carriage. They represent the face of the diamondset white gold watch. To complement the diamonds as a finishing touch is a rose alligator strap.

Hermès creates objects. Shaped by true artisans, the timepieces make true personal companions. This piece of art requires extreme care, a sure touch, and a keen sense of colour to compose. The multitude of layers of micro-painting has given life to a palette of nuances, contrasts and unique details; all meticulously and skilfully hand-painted.

This multi-faceted piece is more than just another watch. It is a work of art that belongs in any connoisseur’s collection.

THIS MULTI-FACETED PIECE IS MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER WATCH. IT IS A WORK OF ART THAT BELONGS IN ANY CONNOISSEUR’S COLLECTION.