“…The Arceau Jour de Casting timepiece unfolds like a lyrical stage where artistry and mischief meet in perfect harmony. Hermès draws upon the charming spirit of three delightfully playful dogs, rendered through the pinnacle of artisanal craftsmanship, from miniature painting and marquetry to the most meticulous enamelwork, to create vividly lifelike portraits of impeccably groomed canine characters, each with a personality entirely their own…”
The Arceau line itself marks a significant chapter in the Maison’s design heritage, deeply rooted in the equestrian artistry that defines Hermès. Its signature round case, paired with asymmetrical lugs inspired by a stirrup, has long served as a canvas for creative reinterpretation. This distinctive silhouette re-emerges once again in the Jour de Casting collection, which takes its inspiration from the beloved silk scarf design of the same name.
The trio of dogs, Orson, Amy, and Taco, are the imaginative creations of artist Liz Stirling. Each one is adorned with an intricately patterned collar, echoing Hermès’ storied leather craftsmanship, and each strikes a cheeky pose at the centre of the dial, brimming with personality.
Orson, the black-and-white charmer, is brought to life through exceptionally refined wood marquetry. Each sliver of wood is cut and assembled with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle, forming an image of remarkable depth. Details such as his eyes, nose and tongue are hand-painted to enhance the interplay of light and texture across eight different wood varieties, resulting in a dial that appears almost animated.
Amy, sporting her playful statement spectacles, emerges from the atelier of master engravers. The artist’s skill and patience shine through layers of vibrant enamel colours, applied with the finest of brushes and repeatedly fired to intensify their brilliance. The result is a portrait filled with vitality and expressive charm.
Taco, the ever-smiling mischief-maker, is realised through a harmonious blend of miniature painting and cloisonné enamelwork. A base of soft blue enamel sets the scene, upon which delicate strokes create his fluffy white coat. Fine gold wires of varying thickness outline the curves of his fur and collar, forming miniature partitions that guide the coloured enamel. During firing, these gold cloisons fuse seamlessly with the surface, giving the dial a sculptural richness and captivating dimension.
Each of the three models is presented in a 38 mm white gold case, elegantly adorned with 71 diamonds, and powered by the self-winding Hermès H1912 mechanical movement. Paired with colour-matched Swift calfskin straps, the watches are offered in strictly limited editions of only 12 or 24 pieces.
For Hermès, time is far more than a measure. It is a tactile object of emotion, a companion to daily life and a playground for spontaneity. Through rare artisanal savoir-faire, Hermès imbues its creations with an unexpected vitality, transforming every moment into something extraordinary. Arceau Jour de Casting, with its whimsical spirit and artistic mastery, turns playfulness into poetry and artistry into a timeless memory worn on the wrist.
