The Stellar Face of the Hermés Arceau Petite Lune Ciel Étoilé Watch

Hermès, renowned for its luxurious and poetic mechanical timepieces, has a rich history rooted in Parisian elegance and equestrian origins. The Arceau collection, a testament to the brand's heritage, showcases the unique blend of Hermès' horological expertise and artistic flair. Henri d’Origny, the influential artistic director, crafted the Arceau design in 1978, establishing a timeless aesthetic that remains central to Hermès. This collection is celebrated for its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs and slanted Arabic numerals, both reflecting the brand's equestrian beginnings.

Aesthetics

The latest Hermès Arceau Petite Lune Ciel Étoilé is a marvel of design and craftsmanship. This iteration features a 38mm stainless steel case, a shift from the previous white gold version, adorned with 70 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel and a rose-cut diamond on the crown. The star attraction is the midnight blue dial, meticulously crafted from textured mother-of-pearl and enhanced with blue lacquer to create a dynamic gradient effect. This chiaroscuro technique brings depth to the dial, while the moon phase aperture and a sprinkle of diamonds and white dots evoke a starry night sky. The absence of hour markers and the presence of elegant rhodium-plated leaf-shaped hands further enhance the dial's allure.

Movement: The Heart of the Watch

At the core of the Hermès Arceau Petite Lune Ciel Étoilé lies the H1837 automatic movement, a nod to the year Hermès was founded. Developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture in 2012, this slim 3.7mm movement is equipped with a double barrel, operates at 4Hz, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. The movement's aesthetics are equally impressive, featuring a circular-grained and snailed mainplate, with ‘H’ motifs adorning the satin-brushed bridges and rotor, showcasing Hermès' attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Availability & Pricing

The Hermès Arceau Petite Lune Ciel Étoilé is available for purchase at €15,777, including tax.