Introducing the Arceau Le Temps Voyageur Only Watch by Hermès – a creation that not only tells time but invites us to journey through its intricate design and symbolism. Crafted by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau line has continuously evolved, emerging for the 2023 Only Watch event as a captivating embodiment of vibrant colors and horological innovation.
At its core, the Arceau Le Temps Voyageur honors the concept of time travel, reflecting the sense of wanderlust and discovery within Hermès’ heart. The circular design with asymmetrical lugs frames a stunning rendition of global timekeeping, which is crafted from pure platinum and topped with a black DLC titanium bezel. A gravitational counter journeys across continents and time zones, connecting horology with adventure.
A key feature is the satellite-like counter gliding over an imaginary map, a creation of Jérôme Colliard inspired by the “Planisphere d’un monde équestre” silk scarf. This captivating mechanism transforms the watch’s face, offering a dynamic view of time’s passage and engaging wearers with Hermès’ imaginative universe. As the counter glides, the watch transforms, merging tangible and intangible, capturing Hermès’ journey through time.
Vibrant hues against a dark backdrop elevate the Arceau Le Temps Voyageur, revealing continents, oceans, and meridians. Intricate finishes decorate these pieces, creating a symphony of lacquered, transferred, and powdered silver tones. The watch’s mechanism, which was designed particularly for Hermès, redefines haute horlogerie by displaying 24 time zones on a circular disc. This 122-component “traveling time” complication functions within the compact profile of the Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding movement.
For Only Watch’s tenth edition, the Arceau watch radiates in red, blue, green, and yellow, harmonizing with Hermès’ iconic orange. These shades adorn the city disc in a captivating gradient, infusing life into the timepiece. The 41mm-diameter case features a matte black DLC-treated titanium bezel and an orange-yellow crystal seal. The blue-lacquered mobile counter at the center shines with luminescent hands and powdered Arabic numerals, a delicate dance between form and function.
Completing this symphony, a matte Mykonos blue alligator strap with cactus green lining is meticulously crafted in Hermès’ Horloger workshops. This strap ensures comfort and accentuates the timepiece’s radiance.
The Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur is a tribute to craftsmanship, ingenuity, and the wanderlust that drives travel. It’s more than a mechanism; it’s a portal to a world where time bends, colors dance, and adventure takes flight. The Arceau Le Temps Voyageur leads us on an imagined voyage with each tick and tock, transforming time travel into an art form rather than a fantasy.
