The Hermès Arceau Costume de Fête watch is a stunning display of artistry and horological excellence, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Polish folk culture. Originally conceptualized in 1978 by the renowned designer Henri d’Origny, the Arceau watch seamlessly combines classic elegance with a touch of uniqueness. Its distinctive round shape, reminiscent of a stirrup, serves as a canvas for showcasing Hermès’ unparalleled creativity and mastery of craftsmanship.
This exquisite timepiece embodies the essence of the Hermès brand, accentuating its signature style through the innovative use of asymmetrical lugs. The Arceau watch is a tribute to traditional forms of art, as it brings to life the ‘Costume de Fête’ silk scarf, a creation of Warsaw-born artist Jan Bajtlik. The watch is available in two variants: one encased in white gold and the other in rose gold, each adorned with 82 sparkling diamonds. These watches are not just timekeeping devices but a collage of complex craft techniques, presented in a palette of colors that vary according to the version.
The heart of the watch’s design is its dial, where the joyous equestrian motif, inspired by Polish folk culture, takes center stage. Jan Bajtlik, an illustrator and graphic designer, draws inspiration from traditional Krakow costumes and paper cut-out art (wycinanki), infusing his work with vibrant characters and motifs. These elements are intricately miniaturized onto the watch dial, where Hermès artisans breathe life into them.
The creation process is intricate and layered. It begins with a sculpted metal base, uniformly painted, onto which brightly colored beads are meticulously placed. This process involves numerous layers of micro-paint, each applied with precision. The centerpiece of the dial is a spirited horse, emerging from a floral backdrop, crafted through an intricate process of leather marquetry. In this technique, thin slices of different colored leathers, trimmed to a mere 0.5 mm thickness, are carefully arranged together. This detailed work is further enhanced by the addition of delicate sequins, each one precisely chosen and sewn together with copper wire. The harness details are then hand-painted onto the leather with exceptional attention to detail.
Encased in a 38 mm diameter housing, the watch features the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. This movement is not only a marvel of engineering but also a visual delight, with its bridges and oscillating weight adorned with a pattern of Hermès ‘Hs,’ visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The watch straps, available in sakura pink or electric blue Swift calfskin, complement the vibrant tones of the watch, making each of the 24 pieces in each edition a coveted item for collectors and aficionados alike.
Price & Availability
The Hermès Arceau Costume de Fête is limited to 24 pieces per edition and is available at select Hermès stores worldwide.
- Price: Reference 403453WW00: 70’000 € / 69’000 CHF / 76’000 USD
- Price: Reference 403169WW00: 65’000 € / 64’000 CHF / 71’000 USD
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