Category: Hermès Watches

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HERMÈS Arceau Mon Premier Galop

The French house of Hermès began creating watches as early as 1912, but it was only in 1978 that the house would launch a signature design of its own. That design is the Arceau, created by the brand’s prolific artistic director Henri d’Origny. A round watch in a sense, but with a witty twist: the Arceau name translates to and takes its inspirations from the shapes of stirrups from the house’s favoured equestrian world. The circular case is framed by asymmetrical lugs, and the collection is immediately recognisable by the curved numerals which are meant to evoke the gallop of a horse in movement. Think of it as horological classicism done in a distinctly Hermès way.
More than four decades on, and the Arceau has become an emblematic canvas for watchmaking at Hermès. The collection is regularly transformed to house some of the brand’s most playful and unusual creative experiments. There are the poetic complications, like Le Temps Suspendu which ‘freezes’ the time display at the push of a button, and Le Temps Voyageur which beautifully reimagines displaying different time zones. These are often some of Hermès’ best examples of horological ingenuity.
This year, the brand has crafted on its Arceau timepiece a cheery reinterpretation of the Mon Premier Galop design by the Chinese-born artist Tong Ren. It’s an almost naïf depiction of a horse taking its first steps—hence the name. In its original shawl form, the design is printed on a cashmere-silk blend, with printed textures that evoke the artist’s fondness for traditional crafts like wicker baskets and woven straw hats.
Now as a Hermes Arceau Mon Premier Galop watch, these ideas have been realised through a host of artistic crafts applied to the Arcea Mon Premier Galop’s dial. There is leather marquetry, in which different pieces of leather are cut to precise shapes and sizes in order to fit into the larger design as though pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. These pieces of leather are trimmed to just half a millimetre thick. There’s also silk threads in blue and gold shades, painstakingly arranged and set to complement the leather pieces. And to achieve the luminous blue and yellow of the sky and sun, layers of enamel are applied with a brush by hand to create the limpid colours that contrast against the grain and textures of leather and silk.

The level of artistic work almost outshines the preciousness of the Hermes Arceau Mon Premier Galop watch case, which comes in 18-carat white gold and set on the bezel with 82 diamonds. The Arceau Mon Premier Galop adds one last touch of Hermès’ leather expertise: a Swift calfskin strap in a shade of zephyr blue to match the palette on the dial.
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most valuable luxury brands, Hermès is still a family-run business with a flair for producing exquisite products. Renowned for its superlative leather goods and silk scarves, you might be surprised to know that the sale of watches at Hermès is enjoying a record high. Creativity, artisanship and a unique and often whimsical spirit infuse all the brand’s products, watches included. Faithful to its origins as a purveyor of quality saddles and harnesses in the early 19th century, the Maison is fond of equestrian motifs. Following the latest trajectory of taking designs from silk scarves and incorporating them on the dial of watches, the latest 38mm Hermes Arceau Mon Premier Galop watch is a joyful interpretation of a shawl designed for the brand by Chinese-born artist and illustrator Tong Ren.

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HERMÈS Slim d’Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons

Regarded as one of the most refined luxury retailers, Hermès is renowned for its exquisite artisanal craftsmanship and intrepid artistic flair. The Maison’s unique style, safeguarded by current creative director Philippe Delhotal, is often transversal, taking design cues from one product line and incorporating them into another. Recently, Hermès watchmaking sector has turned to the brand’s famous line of silk scarves as inspiration for its dials. The latest quartet of Slim d’Hermès models revisits a series of silk scarves designed by artist Pierre Marie, brought to life with a variety of métiers d’art.
Pierre Marie has been a creative partner of HERMÈS Slim d’Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons since 2009. His quartet of scarf designs – Le Sacre des saisons – personifies each season with a fantastical animal executing a dance step. Inspired by the Baroque costumes designed by Henri de Gissey for the ballet “Les Fêtes de Bacchus” in the 17th century and the exotic, colourful costumes created by Leon Bakst for the Ballets Russes in the early 1920s, Pierre Marie’s imaginary animals are richly attired.
The stage chosen for the performance is the elegant 39.5mm Slim d’Hermès dress watch designed by Philippe Delhotal in 2015. Defined by its pure lines and slim profile, the watch is fitted with the ultra-slim 2.6mm Vaucher manufacture calibre H1950 with a micro-rotor.
Deploying the brand’s extensive artisanal skills, each dial is decorated using a different technique. The HERMÈS Slim d’Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons Winter model comes in a white gold case set with 52 baguette-cut diamonds and depicts a wolf. Using miniature enamel painting, the ice wolf is caught leaping through a wintry scene as he offers a golden fruit in his left hand. The beautiful combination of blues used to depict the enamel scenery is complemented by a series of golden details in relief that are the result of the delicate art of paillonné enamel. Paillonné involves inserting wafer-thin gold foil to highlight a particular area, which is then coated with translucent enamel. You can appreciate the intricate work on the ice wolf’s cape, the details of his costume and the fruit.
A horse represents spring with a beautiful flower-strewn mantle framed by a rose gold case with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel. The apple-green chrysoprase dial is the background for the impressive miniature painting to depict the horse. Instead of being a flat representation, the artist has applied layer after layer of paint to create relief, bringing the flowers and horse to life.
As the HERMÈS Slim d’Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons advance, the colour palette gets bolder, and Summer explodes with a vibrant display of bright yellows, greens, oranges and pinks. Summer is represented by a lion with beams of light emanating from his mane and a collar of sunbeams. More contemporary in attitude, the lion makes the peace sign with his left hand and holds two cherries in his right. Housed in a white gold case with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel, the lion is engraved in sapphire crystal and painted from the back of the dial, exalting the bright lemon chrysoprase and the radiant colours of the scenery.
Finalising the HERMÈS Slim d’Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons is the dial dedicated to the rich colours and textures of Autumn, framed by a white gold case. The animal representing autumn is a majestic eagle carved by hand in gold using traditional burins and chisels. The micro-relief engraving is highlighted with a vivid colour palette of rose, russet, pink, orange and gold, also meticulously applied by hand. Caught in mid-dance, his wings and cuffs are depicted by a flurry of autumn leaves, while his arms are festooned with swirling gold ribbons.
There is art in nature, but not everyone has the gift of channeling its splendour. HERMÈS Slim d’Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons is among the luxury marques blessed with sensitivity and savoir-faire to not just capture nature’s beauty but elevate it with poetic flair.

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HERMÈS Arceau Petite Lune

At the Hermes Arceau watch and Wonders 2023, Hermès introduces its charming feminine interpretation of the Arceau line-up of watches with the launch of Arceau Petite Lune, a timepiece with a dazzling dial that sparkles with planets crafted from fine and precious stones in a gold and diamond case.

A realization of the imaginative wonders of Henri d’Origny, the Arceau watch symbolizes a true elegant construction and combines understatement and creativity. Its round white gold case set with 70 diamonds rests on a stirrup, creating a timeless yet singular shape.

Revealed at Watches and Wonders, this timepiece showcases a cosmic orchestra of materials and features aventurine, mother-of-pearl, aragonite, and opal, framed by a halo of diamonds. The exceptional artisanal work results in a unique depth for the watch and the process involving refining aventurine until it becomes translucent and associating hermes h08 replica with mother-of-pearl is a statement endeavor for the offering and arouses an iridescent shimmer that replicates the Northern Lights. In the Hermes Arceau watch Petite Lune launched at Watches and Wonders 2023, a generous mother-of-pearl moon stages a cosmic animation and faces the luminescence of a planet made of aragonite. Amid a backdrop of a constellation of diamonds, an opaline star shines bright.

Choreographing the cosmic orchestra to absolute precision is the Manufacture Hermès H1837 self-winding movement equipped with a moon phase module. The hermes h08 replica movement drives the displays of the hours and minutes, as well as the moon phases between 10 and 11 o’clock. The watch is paired with a sapphire-blue alligator strap crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops to render a fashionable final touch to the Arceau Petite Lune watch launched at Watches and Wonders.

The pure lines of the Hermes Arceau watch tell the story of a new journey: that of a wristworn space voyage. Viewed through a porthole, the planets of the solar system are majestically depicted around variously coloured stones and textures, delicately set into orbit against a gemset aventurine backdrop. The mischievously gravitating moon is turned upside down, playing with the codes of time and following its trajectory until it gradually disappears behind the stars.

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Hermès Arceau Chronographe

In its inaugural appearance at Geneva’s SIHH, Montres Hermès Arceau Chronographe presented two titanium executions in its Arceau line, a long-lived collection originally designed by Henri d’Origny that first appeared in 1978. The idea behind the collection at its inception was to channel the spirit of equestrian sports through a case design with lugs that recall a stirrup. As you can see, there’s really just one new watch here, available on either a tan Barenia calfskin strap or a black embossed Barenia calfskin strap. The watch is notable for its 41mm bead-blasted titanium case with asymmetrical lugs and rounded piston-type pushers. This is easily among the sportier watches you will encounter from Hermes. Its case size of 41mm puts it in what the company calls the TGM category ( Hermès Arceau Chronographe TGM being short for “Tres Grande Modele,” or “Very Large Model.” Its true, this watch does wear larger than its nominal 41mm size, in part owing to those large asymmetrical lugs. But any potential weightiness is mitigated by the fact that the case is made from titanium. In fact, the case feels downright light on the wrist. The watch comes with a beautiful textured galvanic black dial that features a sloped cursive font for all of the indications for the time, the chronograph, and the date. Hermes says that the numbers look like they’ve “been blown in a playful breeze,” and there is definitely an appealing design element here. I think the font adds to this dial’s beauty and fits exceptionally well with the case design. And yet, reading the chronograph sub-dials at glance presented a slight challenge. Granted this was during a 30-minute product presentation at SIHH. If you want a beautiful contemporary Hermès Arceau Chronographe that can be dressed up or down, this would be a fantastic choice. If you require a real instrument to time events, you should probably be looking to a more traditional maker of sports watches instead. Unsurprisingly, the straps here are perfectly soft and comfortable, just as you’d expect them to be. The stitching on the tan calfskin version makes for a great daytime look. Placing the same watch on a black calfskin strap totally changes the look, and that’s especially true with this strap, which has ridges near the lugs inspired by classic racing straps.
The movement inside this Hermès Arceau Chronographe watch is not made by Hermeès, though the company has made its own movements for other watches in its collection since 2012 (through it’s partnership with Vaucher, the movement-making arm of Parmigiani Fleurier), and has even made some very interesting models featuring original complications over the years. But since this one isn’t their own caliber, Hermès has opted to close the back with a stamped “H” Hermes crest. In case you’re curious, the caliber is an ETA 2894, which is an automatic chronograph with 37 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.

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hermes carre h watch

For 2023, Hermès joined the expanding roster of SIHH brands for the first time and reintroduced their Carré H watch with a new dial design, size, and updated movement for the occasion. With a square but rounded case, the hermes carre h watch for 2018 aims for a distinctive presence that will appeal to fans of Hermès fashion, but also some horological cred for picky watch snobs. This has been Hermès’ general approach to watches for years now. You will have to be the final judge of their success, but here are our hands-on impressions of the hermes carre h watch.
One might not realize sometimes just how ambitious a non-round-cased watch can be and how difficult it is to get right. You see the very few “iconic” successes a lot, but naturally, you don’t see much of the many, many others. Carré means “square” in French, and it is also the name of other product lines from Hermès such as women’s scarves. The Hermès Carré H watch for 2018 is 38mm wide in steel and square-shaped with kind of wire-style lugs and a round dial design. The original Hermès Carré H from 2010 designed by designer/architect Marc Berthier was 36.5mm wide in titanium with a squarer dial, and it cost almost double this version. See the 2010 version and more background along with our initial coverage of the 2018 Hermès Carré H watch here. The new 2018 Hermès Carré H is also designed by Berthier, I believe, and it is not the brand’s only attempt at a square/rectangular/non-round watch design that will stick – our hands-on with the Hermès Cape Cod watches here, for example. Personally, first impressions of the 2018 hermes carre h watch immediately conjured a number of other watches for me. From dead-on, it was inevitably the well-known shape of Bell & Ross’ square cases, and I couldn’t quite put my finger on what the dial reminded me of – and then I remembered these also design-driven Gorilla watches with the combination of squarish case, round dial, and large double-digit numerals all around. The rounded caseback plus the lug shape said (oh no!) “Apple Watch” – and, of course, there is the further connection that Hermès makes straps and exclusive faces for the Apple Watch. Note, however, when making that comparison, that these traits were present in the Hermès Carré H in 2010, well before the Apple Watch existed. The Hermès Carré H straps measure 21mm where they meet the lugs, but Hermès’ straps that have the more common measurements of 22mm (for the 42mm Apple Watch) or 20mm (for the 38mm Apple Watch) might even fit since the lugs’ bended corners seem give some leeway. What is distinctive and elegant about the case profile, however, is that it curves subtly, and the lugs are angled downwards to follow the arc. Above, these were called “wire” lugs, but they are in fact angular and appear well integrated and executed – they have also been compared to towel racks. Thanks to the aforementioned curves and rounded edges, the Hermès Carré H wears very comfortably even though it is not among the brand’s thinner watches. At 38mm wide, we will again remind you that square watches wear larger than the same measurements would suggest for a round watch, so the Hermès Carré H has a definite presence on the wrist. Leather is the brand’s forte, of course, so the straps are also going to be some of the best in the business, and there will be a range of choices too. These straps come with a buckle designed to match the case’s angles and bead-blasted finish, and they reflect Hermès’ expertise in belts. The next thing that catches the eye are the hands – which I rather like, especially the hour hand’s arrow. The red (on the black dial version) or yellow (on the gray dial) seconds hand with its prominent counterweight also stands out, and works to tie the other elements of the dial together, in my mind. The dial texture is pleasing and functional, as the lumed hour and minute hands are pretty legible against it. Also lumed are the prominent, applied numerals that are in a font designed especially for this watch – they are all in double digits for dial balance and a slightly sporty vibe. Brands such as Hermès that come from a fashion and couture background should be expected to approach hermes carre h watch from a fresh perspective that’s a bit different from the traditional watch industry. If they didn’t add that personality and identity, how would their watches stand out or compete? Hermès always has a touch of the fun and whimsical in their design, but before being distracted by the aesthetic alone, let us remind you that they have their own manufacturers of dials, cases, and movements – the movements, through Vaucher in Fleurier, Switzerland, who Hermès acquired a 25% stake in and who continue to make high-end movements for a variety of third parties. The H1912 movement, on display at the caseback, is made exclusively for Hermès by Vaucher and was introduced in 2012 as the first the brand could claim as an “in-house” movement (alongside the H1837 at the same time). The automatic H1912 has fairly standard specs, operating at 4Hz with a power reserve of 50 hours, and offering three-hand time telling – but it is more interesting than a common stock movement, for sure, and it is decorated with Hermès’ characteristic “H” pattern on its bridges and rotor. The movement does offer a date also, as in the Cape Cod watches (linked to above), but as per the apparent taste of many collectors, it has been omitted here. The 2010 hermes carre h watch used a Girard Perregaux/Sowind GP3200 movement.

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Hermes Galop d’Hermes

It is a transformed stirrup. A dreamlike arch. A futuristic space vessel. Flowing and luminous, it plays with time. It is the new Hermes Galop d’Hermès watch. “More than a piece of jewellery and more than a watch, Galop d’Hermès is a style object devoid of any formalism. It is free-spirited, witty and passionate.” It’s almost nothing, yet it changes everything. In the Hermès watchmaking workshops, a choreography of controlled actions led by skilled hands polish and smooth cases. Dials are crafted and then given their colour. Straps are made using the finest leather and Hermès expertise. All Hermès craftsmen are virtuosos with the materials they shape.
Created by Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel in 2006, Hermes Galop d’Hermès watch is inspired by the equestrian universe and embodies freedom of movement: “At Hermès, I discovered the true femininity of leather. I composed Galop d’Hermès like a painting with two materials emblematic to Hermès and to perfumery: leather and rose.”
“At Hermès I discovered all the femininity of leather. I composed Hermes Galop d’Hermès watch like a painting with two main colours… Two raw materials that are emblematic to Hermès and to perfumery: leather and rose.”
Christine Nagel

Hermes Galop d’Hermès watch is a contemporary manifesto that expresses absolute freedom in feminine expression and in a perfume. The leather livens up the rose and the rose carries away the leather in a fiery dance.

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Hermès Heure H Double Jeu

Have you seen it? Do you still see it? The H playing hide and seek, vanishing, the better to reveal itself. At times concealed and at others highlighted, it disappears so as to reappear more clearly. The Hermès Heure H Double Jeu plays with the codes of Hermès’ identity. In its vertical-set version, the capital letter is boldly enhanced with diamonds, while in the horizontal setting, it slips away, its lines softened. A joyful sleight of hand that reinvents the spirit of the Heure H watch, designed in 1996 by Philippe Mouquet.
Playful and contemporary, the Heure H Double Jeu watch carries within its square the paradox of lacquer and diamonds. Its steel case celebrates contrasts. In black or white lacquer, it is reinvented through two graphic compositions that subtly stage the letter H. Whether vertically adorned with 122 diamonds or embellished in its horizontal version with 93 diamonds framing a dial also set with 138 diamonds, it skilful double jeu that either accentuates the recreation_ extends an invitation to temporal recreation by playing with tones and luminescence. A H or merely hints at it. The Hermès Heure H Double Jeu black Barénia or white grained calf- skin strap, enlarged by 3 mm on either side, merges with the dial in a simple tour around the wrist. Have you seen it? Do you still see it? The loop forms an H recalling the graphic totem of this watch. Hermès creates objects shaped by artisans to make them true companions for those who wear them. Practical, functional and stem- ming from uncompromising expertise, they radiate the lightness of the unexpected. They make everyday life their playground, and each instant a uniquely special moment. For Hermès Heure H Double Jeu, time is also an object. Its inher- ent tension is translated by the house into a singular characteristic. Rather than meas- uring, ordering, and seeking to control it, Hermès dares to explore another time, designed to arouse emotions, open up inter- ludes and create spaces for spontaneity and recreation. The Hermès Heure H Double Jeu is thus the custodian of a companionable, enduring and joyous vision of time.

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Hermes Heure H TGM

The Hermes Heure H watch offers a timekeeping experience that can be endlessly customized and transformed. There are tons of case sizes to choose from, different straps and bracelet types, as well as classic and special colors and materials. Regardless of your style, if you love diversifying your accessories, the Hermes Heure H watch is a fantastic choice to add to your collection, effectively giving you “multiple watches” in one.

The Hermes Heure H watch comes in 4 different case sizes. From smallest to largest, Hermes Heure H case sizes are the Mini model (21mm), the Small model (25mm), the Medium model (30mm), and the Large model (34mm). Hermes records their Heure H watch case sizes using the lug-to-lug height measurement. The actual case diameter is what FASHIONPHILE goes by. If you know your Hermes case size, you can cross-reference the chart below whenever browsing Heure H watches at FASHIONPHILE. It is helpful to know which case size you have as that will guage which interchangeable strap size to buy.

Hermes Heure H watch cases are skillfully fashioned from stainless steel, available in both silver and gold-plated options, with some featuring a diamond-encrusted bezel for added luxury. The watch face, also referred to as the dial, typically features numerical hour markers, though some variations may lack them entirely or have only the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions marked. These subtle nuances cater to your personal preferences.

Aside from case sizes, the Hermes Heure H watch also has various straps and bracelet options. There are standard tour straps made of leather and double tour straps, which coil around your wrist multiple times to create a bolder and more pronounced look. For a dressier look, there are bracelets made of steel.

The leather tour straps on Hermes Heure H watch are interchangeable and can be removed, allowing you to transform your watch with new materials and colors! However, it’s advised to bring any Heure H steel watch to a trusted horologist to change up those – but they are interchangeable. If you need a size adjustment, the Hermes After Sales Specialists located in Hermes boutiques are always happy to assist!

Hermes regularly updates its inventory of Heure H leather watch straps, so if you have a particular item in mind, it’s advisable to check their website periodically or keep in touch with your Sales Associate (SA). Alternatively, for a more efficient option, consider setting up an item alert with FASHIONPHILE, and you’ll receive immediate notifications when we have the item you’re seeking in stock.  With the case sizes, bracelet, and strap options, the fun part is knowing all the colors and materials that you can choose from for your Hermes Heure H watch! Predominantly, leather straps come in Epsom, Swift, and shiny or matte alligator. These interchangeable straps also come with a steel pin buckle so make sure to note the color of your case so it matches your new steel pin buckle!

As for Hermes colors, the sky is the limit! As you know Hermes colors are vast and depending on the material you choose, the color can come out differently. Epsom, Swift, and alligator absorb color dyes differently.

While the Hermes Heure H watch is a chic timekeeping accessory, it also has so many options for personalization. From various case sizes to bracelet types as well as different colors and materials to choose from.

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Hermès Nantucket TPM

Downsizing does not mean simplifying, as is admirably demonstrated by the now extremely dainty Nantucket watch. At its birth in 1991, it featured an elongated case with the “anchor chain” motif dreamed up by Henri d’Origny, who Hermès Nantucket TPM had been asked to design a square shape. In the latest instalment of a resolutely rebellious creative saga, this Très Petit Modèle (17 x 32 mm) further accentuates the outline of the original drawing. Available in steel and opaline silver-toned dial or gem-set rose gold and natural white mother-of-pearl dial versions, Hermès Nantucket TPM is teamed with single or double wrap-around straps available in alligator or calfskin and in a wide range colours. Diamonds break out of the mould as the miniature Nantucket appears in a whirl of sparkling radiance. At its birth in 1991, this model was fitted with a rectangular case featuring the “Anchor Chain” motif created by Henri d’Origny who had been asked to design a square shape. Continuing the saga of an aesthetic rebellion, this “Très Petit Modèle” further accentuates the outline of the original design and celebrates diamonds for daily wear, dotted around as if the wind had scattered them across the Hermès Nantucket TPM watch. Nantucket thus becomes a relaxed piece of daytime jewellery.

Designed with a steel case and a rhodium-plated sand-coloured dial, this Hermès Nantucket TPM watch, driven by a quartz movement, is fitted with a choice of single tour alligator straps in smooth ember or matt étoupe, Mykonos blue, cactus green, abysse blue, black variations.

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Hermes Arceau L’heure de la lune moon

Continuing its tradition of creating watches that combine interesting mechanics with whimsical ideas, Hermès has released one of the coolest moonphase watches I’ve ever seen. The Hermes Arceau L’Heure De La Lune presents a pair of stationary mother-of-pearl moons with a complementary pair of floating lacquer dials floating over the top that rotate around the dial once every 59 days, covering and uncovering the moons to to indicate the current moon phase in both the southern and northern hemispheres at once. One of the floating dials shows the hours and minutes, while the other counts the date. Hermès has further amplified the dreamy effect by inverting the moons, with the the top one showing the southern hemisphere and the lower one the northern hemisphere. Finally, the moons show different designs, with the lower moon featuring a transfer of the luner surface on top and the upper moon baring a subtle pegasus motif by artist and designer Dimitri Rybaltchenko (a work he calls “Pleine Lune” or “Full Moon”). You have a choice of two executions, one with a meteorite dial and graduated grey lacquered discs and the other with an aventurine dial and white lacquered discs – both utilize the same 43mm white gold Arceau case. Each version is limited to 100 numbered pieces.

You’re probably wondering at this point how this unusual complication works. Inside is an Hermès caliber H1837 movement fitting with a module called the Hermes Arceau L’Heure De La Lune that was designed specifically to create this display. The module alone requires over 100 components and is 38mm across (which is the resulting “wingspan” of the rotating discs), and there is currently a patent pending for the mechanism. The Arceau L’Heure De La Lune debuted a little over a year ago at SIHH 2019 and was one of the stars of the show. It combines technical mastery with artistic flourish in a way that’s quintessentially Hermès, and this was one of those watches that people stopped to look at in the windows every time they passed the brand’s booth. I count myself among them. The Hermes Arceau L’Heure De La Lune watch uses an Hermès in-house movement as a base for an exclusive complication that has a pair of discs showing the hours/minutes and date that spin over a dial with two mother-of-pearl moons. The result is a dual moon phase indicator that shows both the northern and southern hemispheres at once. It playfully reverses the usual hierarchy of displays on a watch dial and does so extremely effectively.

This year, we’re getting five new versions of the Hermes Arceau L’Heure De La Lune. They’re technically identical to last year’s two pieces, measuring in at 43mm and utilizing the same movement and module, but with new dial options. First up are two blue-tinted models, one with a dial of Lapis Lazuli and one utilizing a hard stone called Blue Pearl. The other three are made of real meteorite, with Lunar meteorite, Black Sahara meteorite, and Martian meteorite on offer. Yeah, that’s right – you can wear a sliver of the Moon or Mars on your wrist, elevating this watch’s concept to the next level. Meteorite dials are not uncommon these days, but Lunar meteorites are much more scarce, and I definitely haven’t seen a Martian meteorite available on a watch before.

The Blue Pearl and Lapis Lazuli versions are additions to the main collection, while the meteorite dials are all limited editions. The Lunar and Black Sahara versions are limited to 36 pieces each, while the Martian version is limited to just two (yes, two!) pieces with price only available on request. The Hermes Arceau L’Heure De La Lune has quite a few fans at HODINKEE, including Stephen Pulvirent and myself, and if you spend a little time with the watch and have anything like a romantic streak, you will probably find it quite captivating as well. The moon-phase complication in any form always has a whiff of the whimsical and pleasantly otherworldly about it, and the version of the complication used by Hermès is no exception.