The Hermès Arceau Rocabar de Rire watch is a delightful fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. First designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau line has been a canvas for Hermès’ creative expressions. This latest iteration, adorned with horsehair marquetry, engraving, and miniature painting, captures the whimsical essence of a mischievous horse, a nod to the Rocabar de rire silk scarf by Dimitri Rybaltchenko. This limited-edition watch with an ‘on-demand impulse’ function offers collectors a piece that is as exclusive as it is enchanting.
The Arceau Rocabar de Rire is housed in a round 41 mm white gold case, which elegantly frames the playful dial. The case design, with its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs, is a hallmark of the original Arceau watch created by Henri d’Origny. This distinctive feature not only adds to the watch’s aesthetic appeal but also pays homage to Hermès’ equestrian roots. The case is equipped with an anti-glare sapphire crystal, both on the front and the caseback, allowing for a clear view of the intricate dial and the beautifully finished movement. Water-resistant to 3 bar, the case ensures that the watch is suitable for everyday wear, albeit with a level of care due to its precious materials. The 9 o’clock pusher is a unique addition that activates the delightful “on-demand impulse” animation, which is driven by a spring mechanism.
The dial of the Arceau Rocabar de Rire is where Hermès’ mastery of craftsmanship truly shines. It features a mischievous horse, inlaid on a brass base, brought to life through a combination of horsehair marquetry, engraving, and miniature painting. The dial’s creation is a labor-intensive process, requiring artisans to meticulously select and glue horsehair strands onto the dial, creating a vibrant striped background reminiscent of Hermès’ iconic Rocabar blankets. The horse itself is crafted with precision, using traditional engraving tools to sculpt its form, followed by layers of micro-painting to achieve a rich palette of colors and textures. This elaborate process results in a dial whose motif resembles a photograph. As a playful feature, the ‘on-demand impulse’ animation enables the horse to stick out its tongue, adding a touch of humor to the timepiece.
At the heart of the Arceau Rocabar de Rire is the mechanical self-winding Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement. With a diameter of 26 mm and a thickness of 3.7 mm, this movement is finely crafted. It features circular-grained and snailed mainplates, along with satin-finished bridges and an oscillating weight adorned with a sprinkling of Hs. This meticulous finishing is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of the watch. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and boasts a power reserve of 50 hours, ensuring reliable performance. The inclusion of the ‘on-demand impulse’ function, activated by a pusher at 9 o’clock, highlights Hermès’ innovative approach, blending traditional horology with playful mechanics.
Complementing the vibrant dial of the Arceau Rocabar de Rire is a Bleu abysse alligator leather strap. The choice of Bleu abysse, a deep and rich shade, is a deliberate one, designed to harmonize with the anthracite, red, and straw-colored hues of the dial. The strap is meticulously crafted, reflecting Hermès’ expertise in leatherwork, a cornerstone of the brand’s heritage. It is secured with a white gold buckle, ensuring both style and security.
The Arceau Rocabar de Rire is a limited-edition timepiece, with only 12 pieces available worldwide. Each watch in this limited series is individually numbered, underscoring its uniqueness and rarity. With a price tag of 168,000 euros, the timepiece is placed in the upper price segment of the luxury watch market. Interested collectors are encouraged to contact Hermès boutiques or authorized dealers for more information on availability and pricing.
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