The house of Hermes was, for the first time ever, one of the exhibitors at this year’s edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva. On the occasion of this prestigious watch salon, which took place in January this year, the Maison Hermes introduced a couple of métiers d’arts pieces inspired by its expertise in leatherwork: the new Arceau Pocket Millefiori and Arceau Lift Millefiori.
Back in 2014, Hermes introduced its first Acreau Millefiori models, inspired by the work of Cristalleries Royales de Saint-Louis, the historic glassmaking company that is now owned by Hermes. The first Acreau Millefiori watches were adorned with unconventional crystal dials and covers inspired by the 19th century paperweights – one of the Cristalleries’s flagship products. The savoir-faire of Hermes’s subsidiary is now captured two new watches in black featuring crystal dials that recall the pattern of alligator scales.
The Millefiori technique, inspired by the historical paperweights created by the Cristalleries in the 19th century, involves adding a black dye, whose mineral composition is a closely-guided secret – to incandescent crystal. The molten material is then transformed into crystal rods, which are then assembled to create patterns evocative of animal scales.
Hermes Arceau Pocket Millefiori is issued in a limited edition of just two pieces. This perfectly round pocket watch is crafted from 750 white gold and it measures 48mm in diameter. Hermes’ legendary artistic director Henri d’Origny designed the case back in 1978. In its latest iteration, the iconic Arceau is fitted with a sapphire crystal and case-back with anti-glare treatment and a case-back cover sheathed in black matt alligator leather.
The dial, made of Millefiori glass, reveals hours and minutes hands powered by the automatic mechanical movement Hermès H1837, with a power reserve of 50 hours. The watch is presented on a matt black alligator cord strap.
The Arceau Lift Millefiori is also crafted from 750 white gold, and it measures 43mm in diameter. The upper part of the dial reveals the Millefiori glasswork resembling alligator scales, while the lower portion houses the tourbillon cage with adorned with the “Lift” motif - the double H, which is one of the emblematic motifs featured in the interior design of Hermes’ flagship boutique in Paris. The watch is powered by the hand-wound Hermès H1923 movement, offering hours and minutes indication and around 90 hours of power reserve. The watch is mounted on a black alligator strap with a 750 white gold pin buckle. Available in a numbered limited edition of only 3 pieces worldwide.
For more information about Hermes Acreau Millefiori Watches please visit hermes.com.
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