Hermès Arceau Casaque

Press Release – SIHH 2018

Hermès Arceau Casaque

When Henri d’Origny created the Arceau watch in 1978, he revisited the aesthetic codes of the round watch. Eager to escape the con nes of its classicism, he fitted it with asymmetrical lugs in a shape inspired by stirrups. Four decades later, the story continues.

The case of the Arceau Casaque becomes an equestrian manège, an arena marked with curved hoof prints on the sand. Outlined against this background is the Cavale motif. The dial is crafted using champlevé, lacquer and transfer techniques. Hollows are first created in the dial base, then filled with lacquer. A matt tone-on-tone transferred chevron motif lends the final touch to this colourful composition. Their bright tones bring to mind the horse-head pawns of a classic French children’s board game. Yellow, red, green or blue: which will prove the fastest in outing time?

Hermès creates objects born of craftsmanship that revisits existing uses. Under its impetus, exacting know-how combines with creative freedom. Beyond their functional role, Hermès objects make everyday life their playground, each instant a uniquely special moment, and lightness a cardinal virtue. For Hermès, time is also an object. It is embraced with open arms or taken by the hand in a spirit of joyful companionship. The house dares to offer a time designed to open up interludes and create spaces for recreation.