Grade One Replica Watch

W&W 2020: Herm¨¨s Arceau Squelette

24 April 2020

Parisian brand Herm¨¨s has introduced a new Arceau watch: the Arceau Squelette. Designed by Henri D’Origny, the brand’s Arceau watches have been in existence since 1978. Most notably, they feature a 40 mm case and italicised, swirling numerals. However, the Arceau Squelette goes a step further by including a skeletonised movement, visible not only through the caseback, but also through the gradient-smoked sapphire dial. As is typical of Arceau watches, the Arceau Squelette is housed in a round, 40 mm stainless-steel case with asymmetric, stirrup-shaped lugs. Meanwhile, the gradient-shaded black sapphire dial features a black chapter ring with silvered Arabic numerals. Furthermore, a beaded minute circle separates it from the dial’s transparent centre. The centre of the dial reveals the movement’s anthracite wheels and open-worked oscillating weight. Powering the Arceau Squelette is the automatic Sellita SW300 Skeleton a variation that is currently only available for use by Herm¨¨s. Offering hours, minutes, and seconds, it has a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 4 Hz. Additionally, the sapphire crystal caseback exposes the calibre’s skeletonised rotor, which is adorned with the Herm¨¨s motif. Finally, the Arceau Squelette is available with a number of Herm¨¨sstraps. Options include: black, graphite, abyss blue, Havana, or etoupe alligator leather straps. Although the model is not a limited edition, it is currently of limited availability in Herm¨¨s boutiques. The watch is water-resistant to 30 m and is priced at 6,950 euros...................