Race Through Space

In a way, this is the Arceau going back to its roots. The watch debuted in 1978 and the Arceau Space Derby’s design revels in retro colours and style. There are two variants, each limited to 24 pieces: one 41mm across in white gold and aventurine dial, and the other in diamond-set white gold with opaline dial, 38mm in diameter. Both depict fantastical horse races and were designed by comic book illustrator

Ugo Bienvenu, who also designed the Space Derby silk scarf. The scene’s vibrant, pastel colours are expressed via the technique of miniature painting. The subject may be rooted in whimsy, but the technique is certainly not; the work is no less demanding and the detail on each watch is sublime. Both are powered by a two-hand in-house Hermès movement, while the diamondset model also features a moonphase.