Hermès Robe légère

Free and untameable, a horse with a flowery coat rears up on the Arceau watch, adorned with silver-spangled enamel.

The round Arceau watch with its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs was created by Henri d’Origny in 1978 appears in a subtly reinvented interpretation. Vividly embodying the Hermès style, its slender gold and diamond case frames a silver- embroidered horse.

Inspired by the Robe Légère silk scarf designed by French artist Théo de Gueltzl, the deep navy-coloured dial highlights the rare and meticulous technique of paillonné enamelling, which consists of inserting silver flakes or spangles between enamel layers to create transparent, shimmering depth effects.

The equestrian figure that appears to be rearing up in the wind reveals its swirling, sparkling finery. To create this flowery motif,the artisan uses a brush to apply a dark enamel base consisting of coloured glass powder that is ground, mixed with natural oils, dried and fired in a kiln to fix the pigments in place. The flowers are then shaped from silver leaf and applied to the enamel before setting the tiny spangles by successive firings.

The airy steed comes to life in a 38 mm white gold case set with 71 diamonds and powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. Crafted in accordance with the House’s leatherwork expertise, a matt abyss blue alligator strap accentuates the finesse of this 24-piece limited edition.