Since Henri d’Origny introduced the Arceau in 1978, the collection has remained one of Hermès’ most distinctive platforms for creative experimentation. Nearly five decades later, that spirit continues with the Arceau Cheval Natté, an extraordinary limited-edition timepiece that brings together horology, equestrian heritage, and the art of silk weaving. At its heart is a dial unlike anything previously seen in the collection, featuring the geometric image of a horse’s head created entirely from approximately 400 individual silk threads. Each thread is carefully selected, positioned, and laid by hand in a precise direction, requiring extraordinary patience and craftsmanship. As light moves across the dial, the woven sections respond differently, creating a constantly shifting interplay of texture, depth, shadow, and reflection. The result is a dial that feels less like a conventional watch surface and more like a miniature work of textile art.
The silk motif was originally created by designer Tong Ren for Hermès home accessories and has now been reinterpreted for the first time on a timepiece. Its transformation into the shape of a horse’s head is particularly meaningful for Hermès, whose history is deeply rooted in the equestrian world. The maison began its journey crafting finely made harnesses and saddles, and that heritage continues to influence its design language today. On the Arceau Cheval Natté, the woven silk dial is further enhanced by 123 diamonds and delicate champlevé engraving, all framed within a 38mm rose-gold case. The surrounding details are equally refined, with a bezel set with 70 diamonds and a crown finished with a single diamond, creating a restrained sense of brilliance while allowing the intricate silk dial to remain the focal point.
Beneath the artistic exterior sits Hermès’ H1912 self-winding mechanical movement, manufactured in Switzerland. Measuring 23.9mm in diameter and 3.9mm thick, the calibre operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers approximately 50 hours of power reserve. A sapphire crystal caseback offers a view of the movement, revealing the signature scattering of Hermès “H” motifs across its architecture. Despite the extraordinary craftsmanship surrounding it, the Arceau Cheval Natté remains intentionally simple in its function, displaying only the essential hours and minutes.
Hermès offers the watch in two distinct executions: one with a luminous interpretation that closely follows the vivid colors of the original design, and another with a richer, more dramatic palette of black, red, and brown. Each version is strictly limited to just 24 pieces, making the watch exceptionally rare. Water-resistant to 30 meters, each example is paired with either a dune-colored or black matte alligator strap secured by a rose-gold pin buckle, with the straps themselves produced in Hermès’ own workshops.
Priced at $95,200, the Arceau Cheval Natté represents a different definition of haute horlogerie. Rather than relying on mechanical complications to demonstrate its sophistication, Hermès chooses to place craftsmanship, material, and artistic expression at the center of the experience. Hundreds of silk threads become a horse, centuries of equestrian heritage become a design language, and a simple display of hours and minutes becomes an object of extraordinary refinement. It is a reminder that true luxury does not always need to announce itself through complexity. Sometimes, the most remarkable expression of time is the quietest one and in the Arceau Cheval Natté, Hermès has chosen to weave it in silk.