Hermès Arceau 78

Press Release – SIHH 2019

Hermès Arceau 78

The Arceau 78 watch features the understated and elegant allure of a timeless object paradoxically in tune with its time.

In 1978, Henri d’Origny ‘unbridled’ aesthetic codes by combining a round case with asymmetrical lugs inspired by stirrups, and a sloping font evoking a horse’s galop. This Very Large Model in stainless steel with a 40 mm diameter now comes with a grained anthracite dial, cream-coloured numerals and hands, as well as a natural Barenia calf strap.

Ever since its creation, Arceau by Hermès has played with different styles, a natural privilege afforded by its understated design and its deliberately simple lines. Arceau 78 features a round case in mirror-polished stainless steel, topped by a beadblasted bezel in matt brushed stainless steel and distinctive equestrian-inspired asymmetrical lugs reflecting the origins of the Maison founded on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré.


Bearing hours, minutes and 6 o’clock date displays powered by a Swiss made quartz movement, the finely grained anthracite dial is punctuated by slender cream-coloured luminescent hands and Arabic numerals. This delicate contrast accentuates the characteristic design of its sloping numerals. The Arceau 78 is fitted with a natural Barenia calf leather strap crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops, as indeed are the case and dial.