Hermès Dazzles With Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase

Hermès has always been a brand that feels very passionate about the metiers d’art. Many of their watches celebrate a great diversity of crafts. With that, Hermès is also playing a vital role in safekeeping these often rare forms of expertise for future generations. For their latest creation, the Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase, they give center stage to a mythical animal brought to life through engraving, miniature painting, and straw marquetry.

Photo Credit: Johann Sauty

Another tradition at Hermès is that the dials on their metiers d’art watches are inspired by the design of one of their famous vintage scarfs. With the Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase, this is also the case, drawing inspiration from the unique pattern designed by French artist Pierre Marie. On the image, we see the winged horse displayed most colorfully, while it hits a rock with its hoof, where according to the legend, it started the Hippocrene spring on Mount Helicon. Making such an image come to life is very challenging. The canvas Hermès is using is that of the Slim d’Hermès. This watch was launched in 2015 and has elegant and understated lines. As is typical with Hermès are the lugs inspired by the world of horseback riding, going back to the brand’s origin.

Photo Credit: Claude Joray.

Creating the Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase is a daunting task. First, the background is crafted in Grand Feu enamel. After that comes the Pegasus itself. To make it truly come to life, it has a dimension to it, for which a multitude of enamel layers are used, which are then engraved. This requires a lot of expertise and patience, as each layer needs to dry before it is being fired at 800 degrees Celcius. Even the most minor mistake in this process, or the engraving later on, would render the dial useless. The finishing touch is the fan-shaped wings which are created by using straw marquetry set on a gold place, which is then fixed on the dial. A second model is created in a similar fashion, yet here is the background painted mother-of-pearl, and are the feathers of its wings made from brightly colored gold-leaf threads.

Photo Credit: Claude Joray

These watches share a white gold case, with the yellow, orange, and pink version the bezel is also set with 52 baguette-cut diamonds. Both are limited to 12 pieces and powered by caliber H1950. This ultra-slim automatic movement is created in the brand’s own manufacture. With the Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase, Hermès is proving once more its dedication and determination to keep unique and rare crafts alive in the most vibrant way.