Henri d’Origny, legendary artistic director at Hermès, created the first Arceau collection in 1978 when he linked the maison’s association with horse-riding to horology in the form of mismatching lugs on a round watch that look a bit like a saddle’s stirrups.
40 years on, the family has constantly evolved, and returns in its anniversary year with a chronograph function in a lightweight and sporty 41mm bead-blasted titanium case.
Its sloping numerals are back, giving the impression of having been blown in on a playful breeze, says Hermès. The watch is sold on a Barnia calfskin strap with saddle stitching.
The watch’s black dial has white Arabic numerals and rhodium plated red hands.
The face also sports a small seconds function at 3 o’clock, date between 4 and 5 o’clock, a 30 minute counter at 9 o’clock, 12 hour counter at 6 o’clock, and a central chronograph 60 second hand.
