Travel the world in style with Hermès’ new Arceau Le Temps Voyageur, combining whimsical design with serious watchmaking chops
When Hermès’ legendary designer Henri d’Origny conceived the Arceau watch in 1978, it encapsulated the maison’s equine heritage in a uniquely whimsical fashion. As with many of the company’s creations, each look unveils a new level of detail. The otherwise traditional round case is paired with asymmetrical lugs, their distinctive silhouette drawing from riding stirrups. Meanwhile even the leaning-over numerals of the dials are said to evoke the movement of a galloping horse.
The Arceau’s latest iteration roams further afield, an elegant timepiece that makes for a rather sophisticated travel companion. Showcasing the company’s continuing strides in watchmaking expertise, it features the in-house Hermès H1837 movement. This powers the hours, minutes and dual-time display with city indication, selected from the disc display of 24 time zones. Of course, the playful nature remains, seen particularly in the fantasy map that makes up the backdrop of the dial, a design imagined by Jérôme Colliard that appeared on Hermès’ “Planisphère d’un monde équestre” silk scarf.
The Arceau Le Temps Voyageur comes in two versions, a 41mm platinum model with a sleek black colour scheme, along with a slightly svelter 38mm choice in steel with blue dial. Each comes fitted with a complementary hued alligator or calfskin strap, a demonstration of Hermès’ unparalleled leather craftsmanship.
