The Hermès Arceau Cheval Natté brings together the Maison’s equestrian heritage, artistic craftsmanship and watchmaking expertise in an exceptionally detailed limited edition. At its heart is an intricate horse motif created from nearly 400 individually placed silk threads, transforming the dial into a miniature textile artwork.
The Hermès Arceau Cheval Natté transforms the traditional watch dial into a miniature work of textile art. Its 38 mm diamond set rose gold case houses the Manufacture Hermès H1912 self winding movement, while nearly 400 individually positioned silk threads create a geometric horse motif designed by Tong Ren.
Created in 1978 by Henri d’Origny, the Arceau has become an important expression of Hermès watchmaking, defined by elegant simplicity and equestrian motifs. With the Arceau Cheval Natté, Hermès takes that identity in a more artistic direction, using silk as a key element of the watch dial.
The horse motif was originally conceptualised for Hermès home accessories by designer Tong Ren. For the Arceau Cheval Natté, the design has been given a new setting within the carefully controlled space of the watch dial. The horse’s head is formed from geometric lines that create a playful, graphic silhouette.
Nearly 400 carefully selected silk threads are individually laid in precise directions to create a sense of movement and introduce a relief effect to the composition. Thread by thread, silk becomes a watchmaking material, transforming the dial into a miniature fabric design. As light moves across the surface, it reveals the depth of the textures and the richness of the colours.
Hermès offers the watch in two artistic interpretations. The first is a luminous version inspired by the vivid hues of the original design, while the second presents a more intense combination of black, red and brown tones. Both versions combine silk with diamonds and precise champlevé engraving, creating a layered composition in which the different materials interact with one another.
The artistic treatment continues into the case, which measures 38 mm and is crafted from rose gold with diamond setting. The precious metal provides an elegant frame for the colourful and highly textured dial, while the diamonds introduce additional brilliance to the composition.
Inside the case is the Manufacture Hermès H1912 self winding movement. Its finishes can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back, along with the distinctive “sprinkling of Hs” pattern. This visible decoration adds another expression of Hermès craftsmanship to the watch, connecting the artistic work on the dial with the mechanical work beneath it.
The watch is completed with an alligator strap crafted in the Hermès workshops. This final detail brings together the Maison’s expertise in leather craftsmanship with its approach to watchmaking and decorative arts.
Rarity is another defining characteristic of the Arceau Cheval Natté. Hermès is issuing each interpretation in a limited series of just 24 pieces. The extremely small production run complements the intensive craftsmanship involved in creating the silk dials, where every individual thread must be carefully positioned.
The Hermès Arceau Cheval Natté is currently reported at US$95,200. This price is listed by The Watch Pages for the 38 mm rose gold limited edition. The official Hermès press release does not disclose pricing, so the figure should be treated as a reported market price and confirmed with Hermès or an authorised retailer before publication as an official retail price.
The Arceau Cheval Natté demonstrates Hermès’ distinctive approach to watchmaking by bringing together materials and techniques that extend beyond conventional horology. Silk, diamonds, champlevé engraving, precious metal, leather craftsmanship and mechanical watchmaking all contribute to the finished creation.
The concept also reflects the Maison’s broader philosophy of craftsmanship. Hermès describes its objects as creations shaped by the hands of artisans and guided by uncompromising expertise. Its approach to time is similarly presented as an opportunity to create emotion, spontaneity and uniquely special moments rather than simply measuring and controlling every passing instant.
With its geometric horse motif, intricate silk construction, diamond set rose gold case and Manufacture Hermès movement, the Arceau Cheval Natté represents an especially expressive interpretation of the Arceau. Limited to only 24 pieces of each version, it combines the Maison’s equestrian language with an unusual and highly detailed form of textile craftsmanship.
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