Beyond Bags: The Watchmaking Mastery of Hermes with the NEW Arceau Duc Attele

A Unique Fusion of Equestrian Elegance and Watchmaking Mastery

Hermes has significantly elevated its watchmaking game in recent years. Traditionally celebrated for its impeccable leathers and highly coveted designer handbags, Hermes has long been at the pinnacle of Haute Couture fashion. However, their watches were often seen more as fashionable accessories than as serious timepieces. Recently, they have shattered these perceptions, mastering the art of watchmaking to such an extent that they now claim some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Their timepieces are now as coveted by seasoned watch collectors as their iconic handbags.

The NEW Hermes Arceau Duc Attele is a symbol of the luxurious blend of high-end horology and equestrian grace. Born from a tradition that dates back to 1978, designed by Henri d’Origny, this watch preserves its heritage while innovating with modern horological complexities. The Arceau’s iconic round shape and asymmetrical stirrup lugs embody a timeless design, reinvented to showcase some of the most ambitious expressions of craftsmanship and mechanical art.

Haute Horlogerie Features: Triple-Axis Tourbillon and Minute Repeater

At the heart of the Hermes Arceau Duc Attele lies a complex mechanical orchestration featuring a central triple-axis tourbillon and a “tuning-fork” minute repeater. These features not only enhance the watch’s aesthetic but also its functional prowess. The tourbillon’s triple mirror-polished titanium carriage, interlacing double “Hs”, harks back to the union of Émile Hermès and Julie Hollande in 1900, adding a layer of historical depth to the watch’s modern mechanics.

Design and Symbolism: A Nod to Heritage

The interlaced “H” motif is a nod to the iconic ironwork in the original Parisian boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré. The triple-axis tourbillon features axes rotating at different speeds and is visibly showcased under a sapphire dome on the dial, reflecting a commitment to both aesthetic beauty and mechanical precision. This intricate feature operates within a curved hour-circle, with numerals inclined to evoke the image of a galloping horse, enhancing the equestrian theme.

Acoustic Innovation: The Minute Repeater

The minute repeater mechanism of the Arceau Duc Attele, designed to chime the hours, quarters, and minutes, features elongated U-shaped branches of a hardened steel gong, reminiscent of cathedral chimes. This structure not only maximizes resonance but also reflects the horse-themed design, with hammers sculpted in the shape of a horse and visible through an openworked sapphire-crystal bridge, amplifying the sound while showcasing the intricate internal mechanics.

Technical Specifications and Aesthetics

The Arceau Duc Attele is available in polished grade 5 titanium or 18kt rose gold, measuring 43mm with a domed AR-coated sapphire crystal, ensuring visibility and protection. The Swiss manual-wind Hermes in-house caliber H1926 movement ensures precision with a power reserve of 48 hours. The watch’s striking visual appeal is complemented by a lozenge-type striped guilloché motif on the lower dial, available in anthracite or Aventurine, with a sunburst finish that plays with light and shadow.

At the End of the Day…

The Hermes Arceau Duc Attele is a limited edition masterpiece, with only 24 pieces available, each offering a unique testament to Hermes’ legacy in crafting objects of unparalleled beauty and functionality. At the end of the day, this watch not only tells time but also tells a story of artistic dedication and innovative craftsmanship, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts of fine horology.