Stirrups and slanted numbers
By Priya Nair, Singapore ·
The lugs on the Arceau are asymmetric, shaped like stirrups, with the top one longer than the bottom, and the Arabic numerals lean as if they're galloping. It's the most Hermès thing Hermès makes, and the design dates back to 1978.
The 40 mm automatic is 10 mm thick, silver dial, date, closed caseback, leather strap, 30 m, with the H1837 automatic giving 50 hours. That's a weekend's reserve, more or less. At 4,300 to 4,800 dollars it's one of the cheaper ways into a luxury house with genuine design history.
Size is the problem. 40 mm is a lot for a dress watch, and the wide, clean dial exaggerates it, so on a woman's wrist it looks like you've borrowed it from your husband. The date window also breaks up the dial in a way I find annoying. I'd love it in a smaller size without the date. As it is, it's a better watch for men who want something elegant and a little odd.