The Mysterious Mechanisms collection, revealed by Hermès, offers an exclusive window into the workings of each timepiece, drawing the eye to the secrets within.
In each watch, the movement structure appears as a constantly changing backdrop where the eye travels between light and shade, between transparency and depth. Through these fine openings, each gear plays a role in a miniature mise-en-scène where function converses with aesthetics. The art of skeletonisation becomes a language in its own right, finding a new expression in the Arceau Samarcande watch. And within this theatrical interlude, Hermès transforms the moment into a lively spectacle and reveals its mysteries.
Recalling the maison’s origins, the horse permeates the Arceau Samarcande. Initially daring, now timeless, the Arceau line, designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, combines expertise and equestrian spirit. The round case, in 750 white gold, gem-set 750 white gold or gem-set 750 5N rose gold, is 38mm in diameter with stirrup-inspired asymmetrical lugs. Time rings out beneath a Saint-Louis crystal dial openworked to form a horse’s head. The crown appears at three o’clock and each piece is engraved with an H.
The cutout reveals the new H1927 skeletonised mechanical self-winding movement featuring a custom-made calibre designed and produced exclusively for Hermès. This new chiming movement activates the minute repeater gong.
Under the starry eye of the horse, the watch traces a transition between two worlds where interior and exterior meet and mingle.
This game of hide-and-seek leaves room for the imagination, while the sapphire crystal caseback enables the wearer to admire the movement details along with the minute repeater hammers and the micro-rotor, finely adorned with the Duc Attelé motif.
Operating hours, minutes and a minutes repeater, the cautiously revealed mechanism features hand-crafted mirror polishing, chamfering, circular satin finishing and bead blasting.
The dial comes in either Saint-Louis blue or Saint-Louis white crystal with the horse’s head in either sapphire crystal or diamond-set and rhodium-plated sapphire crystal. The Arabic numerals are either rhodium-plated or rendered in 5N rose-gilt and the hours studs come in the same materials.
The haute horlogerie timepiece is paired with straps in different shades matching the colours of the watch. Smooth encre alligator, matt graphite alligator, black Barénia calfskin, smooth bleu saphir alligator, bleu navy Swift calfskin, matt dune alligator, matt gris perle alligator and gris perle Athéna calfskin. The folding clasp is in 750 white gold or 750 5N rose gold.
The pieces are 28mm in diameter and 4.95mm thick with 339 components and 40 jewels. The 3Hz movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour and the timekeeper has a 48-hour power reserve.