Two years of development were needed by Hermès artisans and their partners to create this true piece of technical prowess. Pulling off what is considered to be one of the greatest complexities today is all thanks to the audacity of the brand at 24 du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Worked in several different levels, an elevator inspired the watch’s design. It is indeed the same double H cage seen on the elevator of their mythic boutique, built in 1923, that here protects the Arceau Lift’s fragile tourbillon volant mechanism. The name Lift is completely appropriate, as this is the British word for elevator. But the double H has a double meaning: it was incorporated into the elevator’s metalwork as a symbol of Emile Hermès and Julie Hollande’s marriage in 1900.
Animated by an H1923 caliber, this mechanism developed in collaboration with Lajoux-Perret adds all of its splendor to a dial of 43 mm in diameter. By injecting their patrimony into this timepiece, the saddler is creating an ultra pure watch/accessory that is also extremely sophisticated. Even better, it’s even possible to admire the mechanism of this very first tourbillon volant watch through a rose gold casing. Finishing that were made entirely by hand allow for the spirit of Hermès to shine through on the reverse side. An alligator leather bracelet clasps it around the wrist. Unfortunately, some of us might end up feeling left out, as this splendid piece is limited to only 176 copies.
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