REACHES BEYOND THE MOON
Reprising the ethereal moon phase watch that was for many a highlight of the 2019 SIHH , Hermès during the virtual Watches & Wonders 2020 unveiled five new Arceau de la Lune models .
IF YOU RECALL , HERMÈS IN 2019 PRESENTED THE 43MM GOLD-CASED ARCEAU DE LA LUNE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE CLASSIC MOONPHASE WATCH . Instead of a single moon display showing monthly moonphases in the northern hemisphere , the Hermès Arceau de la Lune offers a simultaneous display of moon phases in both northern and southern hemispheres . Two discs , one indicating the date and one showing the hour and minute , rotate around the dial . As they do , their position above two mother-of-pearl moon discs syncs exactly with the moon ’ s phase at the time and date indicated .
In an interesting – and appropriately quirky – Hermès touch , the southern hemisphere ’ s moon is displayed at the top of the dial while the moon as seen in the northern hemisphere rests at the 6 o ’ clock position .
Jean-Francois Mojon ( who has worked with MB & F and Harry Winston , among others ) devised the dial ’ s 59-day lunar dance for Hermès by developing a patent-pending module linked to the Hermès H1837 automatic caliber .
While the first two Arceau de la Lune models in 2019 had the time and date counters floating over an aventurine or a meteorite dial , the new releases extend the celestial exploration . Among the five new models Hermès includes a platinum-cased limited edition ( of two ) with a greentinged Martian meteorite dial and two new lunar meteorite models .
In addition , Hermès debuts two stunning stone dials , made from Lapis Lazuli and from Blue Pear stone .
Also found on the dial , within the moon at 12 o ’ clock , is an image of Pegasus , which links the equestrian origins of Hermès even more tightly to the Arceau de la Lune collection . The second moon at 6 o ’ clock is a more realistic depiction of the lunar surface .
As you ’ d expect from Hermès , each watch is matched to the appropriate color matte alligator strap in black , Havana or Veronese green , depending on the Arceau de la Lune versions . Prices begin at $ 33,200 for these models and rise to $ 54,100 . The price of the platinum-cased model with the Martian dial
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