When Henri d’Origny created the Arceau watch in 1978, he revisited the aesthetic codes of the round watch. Eager to escape the con nes of its classicism, he fitted it with asymmetrical lugs in a shape inspired by stirrups. Four decades later, iconic French brand Hermès returned to the classic piece to give it a contemporary twist with vivid primary colours and a detailed, but minimalist, dial.
The case of the Arceau Casaque becomes an equestrian manège, an arena marked with curved hoof prints on the sand. Outlined against this background is the Cavale motif. The dial is crafted using champlevé, lacquer and transfer techniques. Hollows are first created in the dial base, then filled with lacquer. A matt tone-on-tone transferred chevron motif lends the final touch to this colourful composition. Their bright tones bring to mind the horse-head pawns of a classic French children’s board game.
Each of the watch’s 36mm case is made from steel and is powered by a quartz movement. The watch is available in a choice of red, blue green and yellow and each comes sporting a matching calfskin strap. What’s your favorite color?