Hermès has launched its first flying tourbillon watch, limited to just 176 pieces and inspired by the decor of its flagship store on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, called the “Arceau Lift”. The watch represents an authentic technical feat driven by Calibre H1923, thus named in reference to the date when the elevator was installed in the boutique.
Certain parts of the multi-layered movement forms a dial with a raised chevron motif, alternating between purely decorative and more specifically horological finishes. Vividly displaying the excellence of this exceptional mechanism, the components of the Calibre H1923 are indeed finished with the special care demanded by watchmaking traditions.
The beveling on the bridges, wheels and screws is entirely done by hand, while the 12 o’clock jewel surround, as well as the double H topping the tourbillon carriage, feature the mirror-polishing technique also known as specular polishing. This complication may be admired from the dial side and is also revealed through an opening carved out in the back of the gold case, bearing the Hermès ex-libris.
The marvelous timepiece needed to be adorned with a fabulous strap to complete its luxurious appeal, so, Hermès crafted an alligator strap in the workshops of La Montre Hermès.
[W-The-Journal]
