The newest addition to the Hermès Arceau watch family weaves a colorful and singular tale In the guise of a radiant miniature enamel and silk thread toucan. The Hermès Arceau watch was designed in 1978 by Henri d’Origny and it lends its classic lines with dazzling illustrations of Hermès creativity and expertise. Its 38 mm white gold case is set with 82 diamonds and its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs frame a white gold dial adorned with a brightly colored toucan, revealed by exceptional craftsmanship skills.
The Hermès Arceau Toucan de Paradis features a very unique dial that combines two highly demanding and remarkable crafts that took five years to perfect. With several enameled areas, the dial is finished with multicolored silk threads, highlighting the intensity of the miniature enamel. The unique and exclusive Hermès silk thread technique was inspired by a kimono weaving workshop in Japan. Chosen for its vibrant design, the Amazonian bird is composed of 500 individually assembled threads and is brought to life by a full week of fine craftsmanship.
To create this very unique dial, it all starts with a white gold base that is first enameled. Then, the artisan uses a very fine brush to coat it with glass powders mixed with natural oils, which are then applied in several layers, dried, and fired in the kiln. The enameled areas render a recessed surface to house the silk threads are engraved around the enameled surfaces. Each thread is meticulously positioned and fixed into place with infinite care so as to create subtly shimmering light and preserve a perfect weave.
The tropical bird with its oversized and colorful beak was reinvented by illustrator Katie Scott for the Toucans de Paradis silk scarf in 2020. The youthful British artist, who is passionate about flora and fauna and has made a name for herself with her characteristic style of botanical and animal illustrations, has created a fantastic species with decorative plumage. This exotic representation, hovering between fantasy and naturalism, lends a new artistic dimension to the Arceau watch.
Embellished with 82 diamonds, this unique dial is framed by a white gold case measuring 38 mm in diameter and housing the Hermès H1912 automatic movement with a power reserve of 50 hours. Created in the Hermès Horloger workshops, a Zanzibar blue calfskin strap highlights the colors of this exclusive watch, issued in a numbered limited edition of only 24 pieces.
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