Hermès Shrinks an Iconic Silk Scarf Design Onto a New Cubist White Gold Timepiece

The new Arceau Cavalier en Formes wristwatch merges cubist equestrian art with high-end watchmaking, using master engraving and miniature painting to recreate a classic scarf motif on the dial.

Hermès

Hermès has unveiled the Arceau Cavalier en Formes, the Maison's newest embodiment of the fusion between Haute Horlogerie and exquisite decorative arts.

The latest timepiece, derived from the illustrious Arceau series that has showcased asymmetrical lines and horse motifs since 1978, features a 43mm circular casing crafted from white gold, serving as a backdrop for a striking graphic design. The captivating dial design is created by artist Gianpaolo Pagni, who reinterpreted a cubist geometric pattern initially conceived for a renowned Hermès silk scarf. Pagni's design, influenced by an equestrian lithograph from the renowned Émile Hermès collection, disassembles the rider's figure into a sequence of boldly hued circles and squares, while preserving the noble silhouette of the steed. Blue geometric patterns and intricately etched leaves encircle a hand-engraved yellow gold horse, producing sculptural depth and interplay of light.

Hermès

Underneath this visual display resides the hand-wound Manufacture H1924 movement, an intricate mechanical caliber functioning at 3Hz and offering an ample 90-hour power reserve. At 6 o’clock is a Lift tourbillon, including a carriage designed in the “double H” style, inspired by the antique lift located at the Hermès boutique at 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. Besides the tourbillon, the clock incorporates a minute repeater, an imperceptible yet profound complication that loudly indicates the time.

The Arceau Cavalier en Formes, produced in an ultra-exclusive limited edition of only six pieces, is accompanied by a bleu abysse alligator strap made in the Hermès workshops and is priced at $468,190 USD. Visit Hermès' website or boutiques for additional information.