Hermès Unveils Arceau Cheval Natté Watch with Silk-Thread Dial by Tong Ren

Hermès has unveiled the Arceau Cheval Natté, a 38mm watch featuring a dial adorned with silk-thread marquetry crafted by Tong Ren, an industrial designer originally from China and now based in Finland. Initially designed for home décor, Ren's horse-head embroidery was modified to fit the watch's dimensions, blending into abstract shapes. The composition, reminiscent of stained glass, incorporates shards of red, cobalt, ochre, and green. The dial is embellished with 123 diamonds and 70 bezel-set stones, while nearly 400 silk threads are meticulously arranged by hand to catch the light. The diamonds are set using champlevé engraving, integrating them into the silk design. The Arceau case, an asymmetric stirrup shape created by Henri d'Origny in 1978, serves as a canvas for artistic innovation at Hermès. This timepiece, priced at £79,000, is offered with beige or dark brown dials and matching soft alligator straps, hand-finished at the Hermès leather workshop. For inquiries, visit hermes.com.