The new Hermès Arceau Squelette features a mysterious new dial.

You may know Hermès for their expertise in crafting highly-coveted leather goods, vibrant scarves, and makeup products; it’s safe to say that the brand puts in nothing but unquestionable quality into everything they do – and their watches are no exception.

The legendary Henri d’Origny-designed Arceau watch is the French marque’s true classic that fully encapsulates the rich heritage of Hermès. First introduced in 1978, the timepiece’s original design gets a contemporary makeover with the new 2020 Arceau Squelette.

For the past four decades, its asymmetrical lugs and sloping numerals have been part of the Arceau’s distinctive character. This new iteration sports a skeletonised movement, and gives a nod to the brand’s equestrian heritage with a round, polished 40mm stainless steel case with stirrup-shaped lugs.

What makes the Arceau Squelette so enigmatic is its smoked sapphire crystal dial; it’s fashioned with a gradient effect that increases in transparency towards the center to reveal the self-winding, mechanical Sellita SW300 Skeleton movement. It beats at 28,800vph, boasts a 42-hour power reserve and is water-resistant up to 30 meters. The mysterious dial contrasts with silvered Arabic numerals and beaded minute markers that is inscribed on the perimeter.

The Arceau Squelette comes in the iconic Hermès strap with a folding buckle, and is offered with a choice of five different muted colours of alligator leather: black, graphite, abyss blue, Havana and Hermès Étoup. It will be available via the Hermès website and in boutiques retailing at $8,600.

Photos: Hermès.