The elegant asymmetrical Arceau watch by Hermes reveals its openworked mechanical heart through a smoky sapphire crystal on the dial. Following in the footsteps of the former 41mm Arceau Squelette watches, this new model shrinks slightly in size to 40mm and features an intriguing smoked sapphire crystal that gets darker as it reaches the chapter ring. Let’s look at the new Hermes Arceau Squelette.BackgroundThe stirrup-shaped lugs and galloping' slanted Arabic numerals of the Arceau watch take us back to the origins of Hermes that started life in 1837 as a producer of harnesses and saddles in Paris. Equestrian motifs have always been popular at Hermes, one of the oldest family-owned and run luxury companies in France. The distinctive lines of the Arceau were designed by Henri d'Origny in 1978, the celebrated artistic director of Hermes who defined le gout Hermes during his six decades at the Parisian Maison. Perhaps the most famous iteration of the Arceau was the poetic Temps Suspendu that could literally suspend time on demand. More recently, the cosmic Arceau l'Heure de la Lune, with its rotating indications and two moons, won the Calendar and Astronomy watch prize at the GPHG 2019. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Gradient smoked crystalThe 40mm round stainless steel case of this Hermes Arceau Squelette?is polished and features the distinctive asymmetrical stirrup-inspired lugs designed by Henri d’Origny. The top lug has a larger space separating it from the case corresponding to the part of the stirrup where a horse rider would place his boot. The gradient-shaded sapphire crystal over the dial is smoked in the centre and gradually intensifies to black on the chapter ring. The galloping' Arabic numerals are also openworked and outlined in silvery powder like the round minute markers.Mechanical movement revealedThe contemporary finishes of the mechanical Swiss automatic movement powering the hours and minutes appear from underneath the smoked glass. The openworked bridges and mainplate are treated with circular graining and the anthracite wheels play a game of hide and seek, depending on the light. The oscillating weight is also skeletonised and features a stylized H. The movement is outsourced and based on a Sellita SW 300 architecture that has been skeletonised. The movement beats at 28,800vph and has a 42h power reserve.Hermes strapsAs you would expect from a brand that is famous the world over for its exquisite leather goods, watch straps are handcrafted with as much care as the famous Kelly bag. This Arceau Squelette is offered with a choice of five different colours of alligator leather: black, graphite, abyss blue, Havana and the classic and highly versatile Hermes etoupe (warm greyish-brown). Alligator straps are made from the softer belly skin of the alligator, which yields material for just four to six straps. Every strap is stitched by hand to create the distinctive saddler's seam and made from start to finish by the same artisan. The price of this Hermes Arceau Squelette has not yet confirmed but expect around EUR 7,000.More information at hermes.com.