Hermès invites collectors into a world where craftsmanship meets charm with the Arceau Jour de Casting — a whimsical trio of timepieces that celebrate the artistry of watchmaking and the playful spirit of man’s best friend.
Designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau’s round case and signature stirrup-inspired lugs pay homage to the Maison’s equestrian heritage while offering a poetic canvas for imagination. Inspired by artist Liz Stirling’s Jour de casting silk scarf, this latest creation features three impeccably groomed dogs — Taco, Amy, and Orson — each brought to life through an extraordinary craft technique.
Taco, with his laughing eyes and lively energy, comes to life through miniature and cloisonné enamel. The artisan begins by applying a layer of blue enamel to the dial before hand-painting the dog’s white coat. Gold wires trace his outline and collar, creating subtle reliefs that catch the light. Each firing enriches the hues and textures, resulting in a portrait as vivid as it is endearing.
Amy, ever the stylish one in her signature spectacles, is the product of engraving and miniature painting. Under the engraver’s delicate hand, her features emerge in fine relief before vibrant enamel brushstrokes give her a mischievous personality. Multiple firings reveal subtle gradations of tone, lending Amy a lifelike depth that seems ready to wink at any moment.
Orson, the refined black-and-white pup, is shaped through wood marquetry — a meticulous puzzle of eight different woods, each cut, assembled, and painted by hand. The nuanced play of grain and tone, accentuated by painted details, brings warmth and realism to his composed expression.
Each dog is framed within a 38 mm white gold case set with 71 diamonds, housing the Manufacture Hermès H1912 self-winding movement. A rose-cut diamond graces the crown, while sapphire crystal front and back reveal the precision within. Swift calfskin straps — Bleu Jean for Taco, Ambre for Amy, and Noir for Orson — echo the mood of each limited edition, with just 12 or 24 pieces available per design.
More than a showcase of technical mastery, the Arceau Jour de Casting embodies the joyful irreverence at the heart of Hermès: a maison where time is not merely counted, but celebrated with play, artistry, and imagination.