Hermès Arceau Cheval Natté Silk Watch
Hermès releases the Arceau Cheval Natté, a limited edition watch featuring a dial made from nearly 400 woven silk threads forming a horse's head.
Hermès has unveiled the Arceau Cheval Natté, a limited edition watch that weaves nearly 400 silk threads directly into its dial. The French luxury house is issuing just 24 pieces of each of the two available versions, according to a report from Hypebeast.
The new timepiece represents a significant exploration of silk marquetry within watchmaking. The technique involves meticulously laying individual silk threads to form a graphic portrait of a horse's head. This geometric motif was originally created by designer Tong Ren for the brand's home accessories line.
Dial Craftsmanship and Design
The dial is the centerpiece of this artistic endeavor. Nearly 400 individual silk threads are woven together to create the equine silhouette, resulting in a composition rich with texture and depth. The technique allows the dial to play with light in a distinctive way.
Two distinct interpretations of the motif are available. One version features a luminous dial with vivid, bright hues. The other presents a darker palette, utilizing tones of black, red, and brown. Both dials are further enhanced by 123 diamonds and detailed champlevé engraving, creating a layered effect where the silk interacts with precious stones and metal.
Case and Movement Specifications
The artistic dial is housed within a 38mm rose gold case. The bezel is set with 70 diamonds, and the crown is adorned with a single diamond. A key feature is the anti-glare sapphire crystal caseback, which allows a view of the mechanical heart of the watch.
Powering the Arceau Cheval Natté is the self-winding Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. This caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of 50 hours. The movement's decoration includes the brand's signature pattern, described as a "sprinkling of Hs."
Limited Availability
Hermès is enforcing strict exclusivity for this model. The production is capped at just 24 pieces for each of the two dial color variations. This extreme limitation highlights the piece's position as a collector's item focused on rare craftsmanship.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Rose Gold |
| Case Diameter | 38mm |
| Bezel Diamonds | 70 |
| Dial Diamonds | 123 |
| Movement | Hermès H1912 (self-winding) |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Production per version | 24 pieces |
The release continues Hermès's long-standing tradition of integrating its equestrian heritage with advanced artistic crafts. The transformation of a home decor motif into a micro-art form for the wrist highlights this approach. Interested clients can seek further information through Hermès's official boutiques and website. The watch's defining detail remains the intricate web of silk threads, each one carefully placed to build the iconic image.
