Grade One Replica Watch

W&W 2025: Herm¨¨s Arceau Rocabar de Rire

04 April 2025

The Herm¨¨s Arceau Rocabar de Rire watch is a delightful fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. First designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau line has been a canvas for Herm¨¨s’ creative expressions. This latest iteration, adorned with horsehair marquetry, engraving, and miniature painting, captures the whimsical essence of a mischievous horse, a nod to the Rocabar de rire silk scarf by Dimitri Rybaltchenko. This limited-edition watch with an ‘on-demand impulse’ function offers collectors a piece that is as exclusive as it is enchanting.CaseThe Arceau Rocabar de Rire is housed in a round 41 mm white gold case, which elegantly frames the playful dial. The case design, with its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs, is a hallmark of the original Arceau watch created by Henri d’Origny. This distinctive feature not only adds to the watch’s aesthetic appeal but also pays homage to Herm¨¨s’ equestrian roots. The case is equipped with an anti-glare sapphire crystal, both on the front and the caseback, allowing for a clear view of the intricate dial and the beautifully finished movement. Water-resistant to 3 bar, the case ensures that the watch is suitable for everyday wear, albeit with a level of care due to its precious materials. The 9 o’clock pusher is a unique addition that activates the delightful “on-demand impulse” animation, which is driven by a spring mechanism.DialThe dial of the Arceau Rocabar de Rire is where Herm¨¨s’ mastery of craftsmanship truly shines. It features a mischievous horse, inlaid on a brass base, brought to life through a combination of horsehair marquetry, engraving, and miniature painting. The dial’s creation is a labor-intensive process, requiring artisans to meticulously select and glue horsehair strands onto the dial, creating a vibrant striped background reminiscent of Herm¨¨s’ iconic Rocabar blankets. The horse itself is crafted with precision, using traditional engraving tools to sculpt its form, followed by layers of micro-painting to achieve a rich palette of colors and textures. This elaborate process results in a dial whose motif resembles a photograph. As a playful feature, the ‘on-demand impulse’ animation enables the horse to stick out its tongue, adding a touch of humor to the timepiece.MovementAt the heart of the Arceau Rocabar de Rire is the mechanical self-winding Manufacture Herm¨¨s H1837 movement. With a diameter of 26 mm and a thickness of 3.7 mm, this movement is finely crafted. It features circular-grained and snailed mainplates, along with satin-finished bridges and an oscillating weight adorned with a sprinkling of Hs. This meticulous finishing is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of the watch. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and boasts a power reserve of 50 hours, ensuring reliable performance. The inclusion of the ‘on-demand impulse’ function, activated by a pusher at 9 o’clock, highlights Herm¨¨s’ innovative approach, blending traditional horology with playful mechanics.StrapComplementing the vibrant dial of the Arceau Rocabar de Rire is a Bleu abysse alligator leather strap. The choice of Bleu abysse, a deep and rich shade, is a deliberate one, designed to harmonize with the anthracite, red, and straw-colored hues of the dial. The strap is meticulously crafted, reflecting Herm¨¨s’ expertise in leatherwork, a cornerstone of the brand’s heritage. It is secured with a white gold buckle, ensuring both style and security.Price & AvailabilityThe Arceau Rocabar de Rire is a limited-edition timepiece, with only 12 pieces available worldwide. Each watch in this limited series is individually numbered, underscoring its uniqueness and rarity. With a price tag of 168,000 euros, the timepiece is placed in the upper price segment of the luxury watch market. Interested collectors are encouraged to contact Herm¨¨s boutiques or authorized dealers for more information on availability and pricing...................