LETTING TIME GO BY

The Arceau watch was created in 1978 thanks to the mischievous pencil of Henri d’Origny. It has been continually renewed since then, without ever losing its identity. With the 78 version, filled with contrasting colours and materials, it shows time passing playfully by.

The success of the Arceau model since 1978, the year of its creation, is due first to the superb design by Henri d’Origny, with a fine bezel, asymmetrical lugs inspired by stirrups and Arabic figures evoking the flowing mane of a galloping horse. And second, by the talent and creativity of Hermès. The brand has continually given this iconic model the wonderful gift of reinventing itself, skilfully embracing arts and crafts or adopting a modern look. This is the case for the new Arceau 78, which moves between the light and the dark, the smooth and the grainy, for a highly contemporary style.

True to the aesthetic features of the 40-year-old collection (time goes by so fast!), the Arceau 78 watch has a 40mm-wide steel case. The polished structure strongly contrasts with the brushed bezel on top of it, with a sanded deep grey surface. A fluted crown has been placed in its traditional 3 o’clock position to take care of the watch’s various functions.

The delicately grained dial also comes in an anthracite colour, but is illuminated by the famous slanting typography invented by Henri d’Origny. The Arabic figures around the hour rim seem to be unsettled by speed. They are coated in sand-coloured Super-LumiNova®, a colour that blends in wonderfully well with the natural Barenia leather of the strap.

A Swiss-made quartz movement drives the blackened gold leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, discreetly highlighted by a touch of beige Super-LumiNova® and placed at the centre of the dial, as well as the date in a counter at 6 o’clock.

Price: 3,150 CHF hermes.com

By Sharmila Bertin