The Hermès Arceau Temari

Hermès entered Baselworld this year with a bang presenting the Arceau Temari. The Hermès Arceau Temari draws its inspiration and name from the 15^th century Japanese art form, which entails embroidering thread balls and decorating them with geometrical designs. Symmetry doesn’t play a big part as Temari, like most Asian art forms, is about expression. Temari started off using silk scraps from old Kimonos but later evolved into a noted and well-respected art.

The case of this ladies’ watch is crafted from 18kt white gold and is pave set with a total of 675 white, high quality diamonds with a further 27 extra for the prominent main crown. The case measures a mid-sized 34mm for the diameter. What is unique is on this timepiece are the lugs, which are retro in design and hold on to the black alligator leather strap. Securing the leather is a traditional pin buckle clasp.It is implicit that the Hermès Arceau Temari is an example of Haute Joaillerie for the discerning woman.

The Temari themed design is evident on the dial, which features 176 white diamonds and black onyx for contrast. Each diamond on this model is individually set by Hermès’ master jewelers. The stunning dial carries no hour markers but does indicate the time via a pair of delicate Feuille shaped, rhodium toned hands. The contrasting hands offer great legibility of the time.

Hermès fits this lovely timepiece with a self-winding automatic mechanical movement equipped with as much as 50 hours of power reserve. Self-winding movements are not as common in ladies’ watches as you may think. The miniaturization of the movement sometimes leads to issues with the rate. Luckily, the Hermès Arceau Temari is just big enough not to require many changes to the movement. This detail oriented watch is one of Hermès’ most breathtaking designs to date.