Hermès transforms silk into a miniature work of art with the Arceau Cheval Natté.
What happens when silk becomes a material for watchmaking? Hermès answers with the Arceau Cheval Natté, a striking timepiece that turns its dial into a canvas for craftsmanship.
Created by designer Tong Ren for home accessories, the Cheval Natté motif finds a new expression here. A horse’s head, defined by bold geometric lines, is woven from nearly 400 individually selected silk threads. Carefully positioned in different directions, the threads create movement, texture and a subtle sense of relief, transforming the dial into a miniature textile artwork.
It is a natural evolution of the Arceau, designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978 and known for its elegant simplicity and distinctive equestrian character.
The watch comes in two interpretations: a luminous version inspired by the vivid hues of the original motif, and a more dramatic combination of black, red and brown. Both feature silk-thread marquetry accented with 123 diamonds and precise champlevé engraving.
The 38 mm rose-gold case is itself set with 70 diamonds, while the Swiss-made Manufacture Hermès H1912 self-winding movement offers a 50-hour power reserve. Through the sapphire crystal case-back, you can admire its intricate finishing and signature sprinkling-of-Hs motif.
Finished with a leather strap crafted in the Hermès workshops, the Arceau Cheval Natté is limited to just 24 pieces in each colourway, making it as much a celebration of artistic craftsmanship as it is a timepiece.