PURE-BREED WATCHMAKING

At Herm e s time is magically turned into a spellbindingly-attractive object. These one-off pieces diffuse emotion that s even more powerful as they combine two major complications.

In every watchmaking creation, a detail or a stylistic composition opens the door to Hermes ever-so elegant realm, unaffected by trends. The equestrian passion is brought to life in manifold guises such as the lugs in the shape of riding-boot stirrups in the Arceau collection imagined by Henri dOrigny. For the Lift Tourbillon Repetition Minutes model, the link is incredibly-visible as the white-lacquered or abyss-blue dial, depending on the version, boasts a stylized cut-out of a horses head. This openworked motif is not just a nod to the Parisian brands esthetic identity. It serves to center stage two captivating watchmaking complications.

At 6 oclock, a flying tourbillon flaunts its rhythm. Its architecture features a double H, a wink to the iconic logo of the historic Parisian Faubourg Saint-Honore boutique. This perfectly-rounded design tops the barrel cage and bridge. Inside the horses head, a minute repeater with double gong chimes the hours, quarters and minutes. A discreet pusher set at 9 oclock in the caseband triggers the sound. The prestigious engineering of the H1924 caliber is protected in a 43 mm-diameter rose gold or white gold case. The sapphire-crystal caseback invites to admire other components of the hand-wound movement which is equipped with an impressive power reserve: 90 hours!

The Arceau Lift Tourbillon Repetition Minutes is complemented by a Havana or dark blue alligator strap fashioned in the saddlers studios.

Price on request hermes.com

By Dan Diaconu