GALAXY DREAMS
The moon’s phases are unveiled on a sparkling dial. Charm and grace reign supreme in this ever-so delicate scenography imagined by the Parisian house.
Our Earth’s satellite beguiles us with its power of attraction more than ever. For centuries on end, astronomers have been pointing their instruments towards its shining, crater-strewn face. Watchmakers have also been bewitched by its immutable cycles. At Hermès, it even lends its name to a range in the Arceau watch collection, created back in 1978 through Henri d’Origny’s inspirational design. This year, with its Arceau Petite Lune, the manufacture invites us on a novel, elegant journey to greet the Moon. An exquisite dial, crafted in incredibly-fine aventurine that infuses it with translucence and unveils the iridescent glimmers of Polynesian mother-of-pearl, is embraced by a 38 mm-diameter white gold case set with 70 diamonds. In this scenescape scattered with a handful of diamonds, three planets fashioned in aragonite, opal and water pearl surround the hour- and minute-hand duo. What’s more, the lunar cycles are center staged as the days roll by in an aperture set at 10:30.
This delicate ensemble is driven by a H1837 caliber. This selfwinding movement, assembled using some 193 components, stands out with its one-of-a-kind finishes. Its baseplate is circular-grained and snailed, its bridges and oscillating weight are satin-brushed and adorned with an H. This mechanism also delivers a 42-hour power reserve. The Arceau Petite Lune is worn on a smooth sapphire-blue alligator strap attached to Hermès’ iconic stirrup-shaped lugs. When a journey is precious. Forever.
