Hermès Cape Cod Crépuscule Paints Dial Motif Using Nanotechnology
Silicon is more commonly used to produce more reliable watch movements.
Hermès has called on the services of one of Switzerland’s foremost silicon experts for a creative project sculpted using nanotechnology.
Neuchâtel-based Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), which has developed technical silicon-based watchmaking solutions for Patek Philippe, Girard-Perregaux and Swatch Group, first met with Hermès in 2018 to discuss the venture.
The decision was made to create a dial from a silicon wafer featuring the “intimate and refined Crépuscule” motif from design and graphic artist, Thanh-Phong Lê.
The appearance and color of silicon is dependent on how much of the material is deposited on the 0.5mm thick dial plate during production, allowing “an infinite palette of subtle and unique shades.”
Through photolithography, blue light is used to print the motif before a final “gold-coating stage.”
The 29mm x 29mm stainless steel case is paired with a blue calfskin strap, while a quartz movement keeps time.
The Cape Cod Crépuscule is available now via Hermès, priced £3,900 USD (approximately $5,300 USD).
Elsewhere in watches, Michael Jordan spotted wearing custom $160,000 USD URWERK.
