Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

9 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he Arceau watch was designed by the lauded Hermès designer Henri d’Origny in 1978. At this time, he had already been with the legendary luxury goods Maison for 20 years. Last year, Henri d’Origny celebrated an incredible six decades at the address of 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint- Honoré – the home of Hermès since the 1880s (be sure to visit the Hermès Museum above the shop on your next trip to Paris). Issued in a limited edition of 300, the new Arceau Ronde des Heures watch honours d’Origny by retaining a poetic expression of time that is unmistakably Hermès. The dial reveals a crescent moon that is by turns revealed and concealed as the hours pass. According to the brand, the design is “A playful and paradoxical creation that diverts the moon from its expected role. Here, the Earth’s satellite itself indicates the time as the numerals whirl in the moonlight, while the minutes hand points to the distant stars of a constellation. “Ever since its creation, the round case of the Arceau has rested on a rectangular stirrup, tracing a timeless silhouette. Its black bezel adorned with black spinels radiates an intense nocturnal light. Its sunburst glossy black dial is enlivened by a carousel of sloping numerals sweeping over an iridescent moon. Standing out against this radiant darkness are a moon and stars crafted in mother-of-pearl and revealed by luminescent lacquer.” It is a worthy new iteration of a classic timepiece that Henri d’Origny is certain to approve of. The wonderful new watch is mounted on a black alligator strap, handmade in the Hermès dedicated leather manufacture in Switzerland.