Arceau Chorus Stellarum

This Hermès Arceau watch, its round case paired with asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs, is a lesson in the arts of engraving, lacquer work and miniature painting. Two interpretations, each limited to 6 pieces, showcase a design taken from the Chorus Stellarum silk scarf by Daiske Nomura. Dashing skeleton riders on their noble steeds are crafted as hand-painted and hand-engraved yellow gold appliques. These "Gothic vanities" come to life, on demand, by means of a spring mechanism that connects to a pusher at 9 o’clock. This animation takes place against a gilded constellation, created using the champlevé technique, where colourful lacquer-coated motifs combine with applied rhodium-plated stars. This compendium of métiers d'art is served by a 41mm case in white gold – framed by 70 diamonds for the version with a female rider. Worn on an alligator strap, the Arceau Chorus Stellarum is fitted with the H1837 manufacture movement, 3.7mm thick, with Haute Horlogerie finishing and 50 hours of power reserve.