Introducing: The Herms Arceau Squelette (Live Pics & Pricing)

March 23, 2020

The Herms Arceau is one of the company's older watch designs, going back to 1978, but the execution we have here is something entirely new. The classic form has been fitted with a skeletonized movement and a smoked black sapphire dial to show off the new caliber. The rest of the package is pretty familiar C?40mm stainless-steel case, the distinctive swirling numerals, and, of course, a killer Herms strap (in your choice of a few colors) finishing things off. Some people knock watchmakers for "variations," but this is very much a case of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Those few design changes do make a big difference, though. To me, the Arceau has always had a certain crispness about it, with the lithe hands, the fine lines of the numerals, and the clean shape of the case. This watch still has those things, but the multi-layer effect of the crystal, gradient-smoked sapphire dial, and open movement underneath adds a bit of cloudiness and extra depth. The watch has a totally new dimension. It's making its way into Herms boutiques now, and while it's not a limited edition, production is limited on the new model. Initial Thoughts If you're not yet a believer in Herms as a real-deal contemporary watchmaker worth paying attention to, I honestly don't know what watches you've been looking at. While watches like the Cape Cod have been very popular in certain circles for more than two decades, the Parisian luxury house has put out a consistent parade of interesting, wearable, and distinctive models over the last few years. From the Slim d'Herms, with its custom typeface and micro-rotor movement, to the Arceau LHeure De La Lune and its special double-moonphase display, the watches blend artistic creativity with no-nonsense watchmaking in a pretty unique way. Like its predecessors, the Arceau Squelette strikes that same balance. The Arceau is one of those models that's always felt quintessentially Herms to me. The case subtly references a stirrup, but it doesn't go full-on equestrian, and the numerals on the dial are funky in a way that makes them feel decidedly old-school and really modern at the same time. Taking that basic structure and adding a smoked sapphire dial and an openworked movement sounds good on paper, but the execution is even better in person. There's also a hint of mystery about this watch C?I found myself constantly leaning in to look closer when checking it out C and it's the rare piece that's both distinctive and easy to wear.? The Basics Brand: HermsModel: Arceau SqueletteDiameter: 40mmThickness: 9.5mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Gradient-shaded black sapphireIndexes: Rotating Arabic numeralsLume: NoneWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Choice of strap with folding buckle (Black alligator, Graphite alligator, Abyss blue alligator, Havana alligator, toupe alligator) The Movement Caliber: Sellita SW300 Skeleton (a variation that's currently exclusive to Herms)Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsDiameter: 25.5mmThickness: 3.6mmPower Reserve: 42 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 25Additional Details: Skeletonized rotor with "Herms" motif Pricing & Availability Price: $8,600Availability: Herms boutiques and retailers, as well as hermes.comFor more, click here.