W&W 2020: Hermès Arceau L’heure De La Lune

At this year’s Watches and Wonders 2020, Hermès introduced five new Arceau L’heure de la lune models, including three with meteorite dials. These 43 mm timepieces simultaneously display the moon phases from the perspective of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are available with the following designs: a Black Sahara meteorite dial with a white-gold case (30 pieces), a Lunar meteorite dial with a white-gold case (36 pieces), or a Martian meteorite dial with a platinum case (2 pieces).

The Arceau L’heure de la lune‘s 43 mm Arceau case was designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978. Notably, it has asymmetrical lugs. Furthermore, the white-gold and platinum cases now incorporate a sapphire crystal caseback, which benefits from anti-glare treatment. Meanwhile, the two moons are created using mother of pearl. Additionally, it is worth noting that the moon displays have swapped cardinal points, with the south above and the north below.

The two satellite-like, lacquered counters gravitating on the dial use a sloping font for the Arabic numerals. One displays the time, while the other displays the date. These counters move thanks to a patented module, exclusively developed for Hermès. With a total thickness of 4.2 mm, the module’s 117 polished and bead-blasted components are incorporated within the watch’s H1837 movement. The counters take 59 days to sweep around the dial – the same duration as two lunar months.

Powering the Arceau L’heure de la lune is the in-house, self-winding H1837 movement. The Swiss-made movement has a frequency of 4 Hz and a 50-hour power reserve thanks to the twin spring barrels. Additionally, it has a total of 193 components, and 28 jewels. As can be seen through the caseback, it showcases a circular-grained, snailed baseplate as well as satin-brushed bridges. Furthermore, the oscillating weight features the brand’s signature ‘H’ pattern.

Finally, Hermès’ Arceau L’heure de la lune limited editions are presented either on matt black, Havana, or Veronese green alligator straps – the latter of which has a platinum, rather than white-gold folding clasp. They are water-resistant to 30 m. The Black Sahara meteorite version costs 44,000 euros, and 30 pieces are available. Meanwhile, the Lunar meteorite version’s price is 35,000 euros, and 36 pieces are available. Finally, the Martian meteorite version’s price is available upon request and consists of only 2 pieces.

hermes.com

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