Timepieces from the house’s latest Metièrs d’Art collection feature a bit of humor.
It has become one of the most consistent and creative limited edition series of themed dials made from Hermès silk scarfs. A high-end rarity is defined as someone that is not for everyone. The idea that “it’s not for everyone” is the essence of a high-end rarity.
Due to their scale and the fact that they are reproduced in a variety of watchmaking crafts, such as wood marquetry, enameling, miniature painting, and engraving, replicating Hermès scarves on the dials of each watch is not an easy task.
Designed by British designer John Burton, the scarf symbolizes the “all-digital” world of Hermès. “Story” dials represent the expression of the “all-digital” world. According to a brand statement, he reinterprets the use of social media and staging to create an offbeat universe hidden under the gaze of wildlife amused by selfies.
In a nod to the British designer, there are peacocks, rabbits, monkeys, a toucan in a top hat, and turtles wearing bowler hats. As it is Hermès, there’s a horse in front of us, ridden by a princess taking selfies with selfie sticks…something that might look archaic one day, but will certainly continue to evoke interest in that navel-gazing era. Each one is hand painted on mother-of-pearl. There are 24 pieces available and the price is $63,200 for the 38 mm white gold case with 82 diamonds set in the bezel. There are 24 pieces available.
Second, the tiger is made of wood marquetry, including 290 individual pieces made of tulipwood, plum, ash-olive, maple and sycamore. It takes five days for the artisan to assemble the tiger, which includes turquoise eyes, after selecting pieces based on type, grain, color and texture. Each butterfly, hummingbird, peacock, and turtle is hand engraved and painted in gold, and all of them are surrounded by a bowler hat. With arose gold case and 82 diamond-studded bezel, this watch features a rabbit and praying mantis miniature painted in layered enamel, all set against an agate dial. Limited to 12 pieces, it is priced at $82,600. The strap is chantilly alligator. A Hermès caliber H1912 automatic movement provides hours and minutes as well as a 50-hour power reserve.
