Cubist Equestrian Art Meets Haute Horlogerie in the Hermès Arceau Cavalier en Formes Wristwatch
Spanning miniature painting and master engraving, this new white gold timepiece transforms an iconic Hermès silk scarf design onto the wrist.
Summary
- Hermès unveils the Arceau Cavalier en Formes, an exquisite timepiece limited to six pieces only
- Crafted in white gold, the 43mm timepiece features a dial that combines engraving, miniature painting and a Lift tourbillon, powered by the H1924 minute repeater movement
Hermès has introduced the Arceau Cavalier en Formes, the Maison’s latest expression on marrying Haute Horlogerie with exquisite decorative arts. Building on the storied Arceau collection, which has celebrated asymmetrical lines and equestrian themes since 1978, the newest timekeeper uses a 43mm white gold round case as a canvas for a bold graphic composition.
The intriguing dial design is the work of artist Gianpaolo Pagni, who reimagined a cubist-style geometric pattern originally conceptualized for an iconic Hermès silk scarf. Inspired by an equestrian lithograph from the historic Émile Hermès collection, Pagni’s design decomposes the figure of a rider into a series of vividly colored circles and squares while retaining the majestic form of the mount. Blue geometric motifs and finely engraved leaves frame a hand‑engraved yellow gold horse, creating sculptural depth and light play.
Beneath this pictorial dance lies the hand-wound Manufacture H1924 movement, a sophisticated mechanical caliber that operates at 3Hz and provides a generous 90-hour power reserve. Positioned at 6 o’clock is a Lift tourbillon, its carriage shaped into the “double H” motif inspired by the historic lift found at the Hermès boutique at 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. In addition to the tourbillon, the timepiece features a minute repeater, an invisible yet soulful complication that audibly chimes the time.
Produced in an ultra-exclusive limited edition of just six pieces, the Arceau Cavalier en Formes is paired with a bleu abysse alligator strap crafted in the Hermès workshops and retails for $468,190 USD. Head over to Hermès’ official website or boutiques for more information.
