Requiring almost 150 hours of work for its surface design alone, the Arceau Pocket Volutes, was inspired by a 1972 Hermès silk carré by Henri d’Origny. Its scrolling pattern is known as “Volutes,” a now iconic motif for Hermès.
The watch is constructed from two white gold and rose gold discs, which are crafted separately before being assembled. Once combined the engraving of the Volutes begins, followed by the hammering of the surface for blackening. The watch is finished with a protective varnish and immersion in a ruthenium color bath. Once the varnish is removed the gold parts are revealed in three distinct colors: rosy pink, light grey, and dark grey.
Travail de gravage sur or, pour la piece Arceau Pocket Volutes de La Montres Hermes, a l’atelier Glypto au Prevoux, Le Locle NE, ce jeudi 18 octobre 2012. Photo Sandro Campardo
Breathing life into the timepiece, a manufactured mechanical, self-winding H1928 movement beats at the heart of the Arceau Pocket Volutes.
