Hermes Arceau Marqueterie de Paille

Hermès unveil two new, and very unique pieces at SIHH 2012, the Hermès Arceau Marqueterie de Paille.

The Parisian luxury goods brand launched its first proprietary movement in 2008, an indication that the brand were serious about watchmaking - a commitment which has paid off, at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix in November the prize for "Best Men's Watch" went to the Hermès Arceau Temps Suspendu.  Fleurier-based Vaucher are partly owned by Hermès, so that's the mechanisms sorted - the aesthetics?  well you wouldn't expect anything produced by La Montre Hermès to have even a shred of shoddiness and these new pieces, with their sublime dark blue hand-crafted dials are outstanding.

Rye straw, grown in just one location (a farm in France) is harvested and coloured on site before arriving at the workbench of some talented and extemely patient Artisans.  The miniature pattern is assembled on paper before being applied to the watch dial.  Expect natural variations, expect each one to be unique.  A showcase technique deserves centre stage, so the sloping numerals normally found on an Arceau dial have been removed and the brand's logo is etched straight onto the inside of the crystal.  Inside is the H1928 Vaucher Manufacture self-winding calibre with 55 hours of power reserve.

The superb Hermès Arceau Marqueterie de Paille comes presented on a matching indigo blue alligator leather strap.

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The award-winning Hermès Arceau Temps Suspendu

.... and the Hermès Arceau Grande Lune.