2020 Hermès ARCEAU Cheval Cosmique Released

by Chamath Gamage

Hermès uses everyday life as the source of inspiration to create their uniquely special watches. Watches that don’t just tell the time. They are shaped by highly skilled artisans that make timepieces real partners for those that wear them. Not only being functional and practical, but they also bring life to their objects of passion. 

The Arceau Cheval Cosmique are two limited-edition models that combine graphic waves with the silhouette of a horse from Emile Hermès’ private collection. The Arceau Cheval Cosmique takes the creativity behind the Arceau watch that was designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, to explore new contemporary styles with Hermès expertise. The design for the ‘Cheval Cosmique’ was imagined by the artist Gianpaolo Pagni.

To achieve the miniature artwork of the silhouetted horse, the artesian works for almost a week to bring it to life. The waves on the dial are created by working on a gold plate which is approximately less than half a centimetre thick, which is then engraved with waves followed by accentuating them with fine black lacquer. The wave engraving is then fixed in place on the dial, where the uncovered portion is then taken up by aventurine, or enamel and mother-of-pearl. The beautiful silhouette of the horse is then carefully put it place, as the final touch to this artistic creation. 

The two watches in the Arceau Cheval Cosmique collection do differ in dial designs. The first features a larger version of the silhouetted horse, at the heart and centre of the dial. The horse is then surrounded by the intricate wave patterns. The background of the dial features deep shades of aventurine to bring out a fantastic contrast and make the horse and the waves stand out. All of this is encased in a 41mm white gold casing. The movement behind this model is the mechanical self-winding Manufacture Hermès H1837. The movement functions the hour and minute hands and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. To match the beautiful aventurine on the dial, the watch comes equipped with an abyss blue alligator strap. 

The second variant of the Arceau Cheval Cosmique features a 38mm case set with 82 diamonds around the bezel. The dial features the silhouetted horse in a smaller version compared to the first model, which is now also facing the opposite direction. Along with the wave pattern, the luminous dial features mother-of-pearl along with enamel. Further differing from the first model, on the mother-of-pearl, sloped Arabic numerals have been used to indicate the hour indexes (9, 11, 12, 1 and 2). The movement used for this model is the manufacture of Hermès H1912 movement. This mechanical self-winding calibre also comes with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. To match the enamel on the dial, this variant of the Arceau Cheval Cosmique features a Chantilly alligator strap. 

With both watches limited to 24 pieces each, The Arceau Cheval Cosmique watches is designed by expert artisans to evoke emotion, and not just tell the time simply. 

HERMÈS Arceau L’heure De La Lune Specification:

  • Case diameters : 41mm and 38mm for the diamond bezel
  • Case material : White gold
  • Dials: Aventurine with white gold engraving and Enamelled white gold, mother-of-pearl and engraved gold applique
  • Crystal : Sapphire crystal and case-back with anti-glare treatment
  • Water resistance : 3 atm/ 30 meters
  • Movement : Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement , 50 power reserve
  • Functions : Hours, minutes

Pricing : Upon request

You may also like