The New Hermès Arceau Cavalier en Formes

Designed in 1978 by Henri d’Origny, the acclaimed artistic director of Hermès who defined le gout Hermès, the elegantly asymmetrical Arceau echoes the brand’s longstanding equestrian ties with its stirrup-shaped lugs. The latest Arceau Cavalier en Formes is an amalgamation of the collection’s strengths, combining a highly sophisticated tourbillon and minute repeater complication with a richly decorated, handcrafted dial inspired by a design by Gianpaolo Pagni for a silk scarf.

Founded in Paris by Thierry Hermès in 1837 as a high-end harness and saddlery workshop, the brand expanded its product lineup to include leather bags, belts and travel bags and, in 1937, the first silk scarf, consolidating its entry into the world of luxury fashion accessories. To achieve a coherent visual universe, many Hermès products crossover from one territory to another, with scarves as a prime example of inspiration for dials. The Cavalier en Formes scarf, designed by artist Gianpaolo Pagni for Hermès in 2023, depicts a horse hidden under colourful cubist-like squares and circles.

Recreating the vivid scenery, the palm leaves in the background host a series of applied elements positioned at different heights and the time is indicated by openworked hands. The hand-painted and applied squares and circles behind and above the gold horse give the dial a powerful three-dimensional presence. In contrast to the more classical depiction of the yellow gold engraved horse, with its raised right front leg, the rider is rendered in abstract geometric shapes. Employing the art of miniature painting and engraving, the lively handcrafted dial is further animated by the tourbillon at 6 o’clock.

The cage protecting the tourbillon displays the two intertwined “Hs” that appear on the wrought-iron door of the lift at Hermès’ flagship store at 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. On the reverse side, the brand’s equestrian heritage is highlighted with the barrel bridge shaped like twin horse heads. In addition to the tourbillon, this Arceau model features a minute repeater, activated by the trigger on the left side of the case, chiming the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. Powered by the H1924 manual-winding movement developed with Geneva-based movement specialist Manufacture Haute Complications and fitted inside the 2020 Arceau Lift, the movement has a 90-hour power reserve.

A limited edition of six pieces, the Arceau Cavalier en Formes is paired with an Hermès Abyss Blue alligator strap. The price is on demand.

For more information, please visit Hermes.com.