Hermès Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Arceau Timepiece

Luxury watchmakers Hermès are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic Arceau model in style. Designed in 1978 by Henri d’Origny, this watch is distinguished by its upper horseshoe-shaped attachment and the slanting numerals around the dial. To mark the occasion, the famed French luxury house have unveiled the Arceau Petite Lune, a feminine take on the classic model, bolstered by the addition of the moon phases.

This timepiece begins with a 38mm-diameter steel case with asymmetrical lugs evoking the curves of a stirrup. The dial – in either white or black mother of pearl – displays the hours and minutes. There are also two complications, delicately framed by a rhodiumed ornamental fillet; the moon phases at, which appear on a deep blue disc with silvered moon and stars, as well as a pointer-type date indication which marks off the days of the lunar cycles.

At its heart beats a Swiss-made, mechanical self-winding movement complemented by a Dubois-Dépraz Small Moon module, which powers the moon-phase indication. Working at 28’800 vibrations per hour, this timepiece has a 42-hour power reserve, while its plates and bridges are circular-grained and snailed, with an oscillating weight adorned by a Côtes de Genève motif.

An alligator leather strap in either indigo blue, elephant grey or black, crafted by hand at the brand’s French ateliers, completes the look.

Source and photos courtesy Hermès.