Hermes Arceau Cavils watches with white mother of pearl dial and Cavales horse motif.
True to its equestrian roots Hermes unveils the Arceau Cavales watch. Designed for the first time in 1978 by Henri d’Oringy, a master of design and a key to many of the important Hermes collections, the Arceau Cavales collection is special in a host of different ways from most classic timepieces. Top among them: the unusual lugs, with bottom lugs in classic form and top lug recalling a stirrup design. Additionally, the exquisite mother-of-pearl dials are created using marquetry that – at first glance – looks like swirls, but with a closer look, depicts the profile of the famed Cavales equestrian horse head in the center.
Crafted in stainless steel, there are two versions of this watch with signature Cavales motif on the dial. The version with a white mother-of-pearl dial is offered in multiple sizes: a medium size at 36mm, or a small size at 28mm. Each watch features an inner bezel ring set with Top Wesselton V.V.S. rare white to rare white plus diamonds. The 36mm version is set with 70 diamonds, while the 28mm version boasts 60 diamonds. This unusual setting of an inner bezel ring adds even more shimmer to the “Cavales” motif. The timepiece is outfitted with a Chantilly matt alligator strap.
Hermes Arceau Cavils watch in black lacquer with horse motif.
There is also an Arceau Cavales black, however this version is only available in a 28 mm size. It features a bezel encrusted with 56 diamonds. The deep black dial utilizes a combination of champlevé enameling and lacquering with metal inlays. A matt black alligator straps complement the refined look.
Hermes Arceau Casaque watch in green, red, blue and (not shown) lemon lime.
Additionally, the brand has been inspired by board games and chess pieces, and unveils the Arceau Casque watches in vibrant colors such as electric green, blue, red and lemon-lime.A Swiss quartz movement powers these watches. They offer hours and minutes only, and feature sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment to avoid glare and to be able to see the beautiful dial design. The watches are water resistant to 3 bar. The retail price ranges from $7,550 to $9,100. And they are in stores beginning in May.
While we are not a big fan of the colorful Casque versions, we were pleasantly surprised by the Cavales timepieces. The marquetry dials and the subtleness of the pattern makes it almost as though one has a “sort of” secret on the wrist. These are watches you need to see in person, so don’t be afraid to walk into the store and check them out.
