Hermès Introduces The Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh! Minute Repeater

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English artist Alice Shirley has been creating illustrations for Hermès by creating a pure piece of luxury spectacle, not just as a mechanical watch but also as a one-of-a-kind mechanical pocket watch that is a fine expression of the art form of watchmaking, as it stands unshackled from the restraints of practicality. Also, it has a Tyrannosaurus Rex on it. The beautiful pocket watch named Hermès Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh!

The brand has fully embraced the playful, expressionistic side of haute horlogerie, combining the intricate complications of a minute repeater and a tourbillon into a thoroughly impractical, stylized white-gold pocket watch case emblazoned with finely detailed leather work.

The Tyrannosaurus is a pocket watch is unusual in itself, which combines both a minute repeater and tourbillon. In addition to the complicated mechanics, the motif is executed more elaborately than on the earlier watches, which admittedly were substantially more affordable, most notably with the three-dimensional enamel eye and intricate leather inlays. This pocket watch is simple the polished 48mm white gold watch case features a single, wide attached wire lug for its alligator leather cord strap, along with a small signed crown at 2 o’clock. The pocket watch cover is the real star of the show. Nearly the entire cover is dedicated to “Aaaaargh!,” the complex leather mosaic designed by noted English artist Alice Shirley. Which results in an intriguing, fun, and imaginative watch that is very much in keeping with Hermès’ quirky, elegant, and expensive house style. Arceau Aaaaargh! Is refreshing Compare to the typically safe and practical high-end complication.

Appropriately the Aaaaargh! Will be produced in just two examples, both one-off creations, in white and pink gold respectively. Though arguably less relevant given the audience, at US$338,000, it is priced within the ballpark of comparable highly complicated, metiers d’art watches.

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Key facts and price

Hermes Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh! Minute Repeater

Diameter: 43 mm

Height: Unavailable

Material: Rose or white gold

Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: H1924

Features: Hours, minutes, tourbillon, and minute repeater

Winding: Hand-wind

Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)

Power reserve: 90 hours

Strap: Alligator cord

Limited edition: In white or rose gold respectively

Availability: Upon request at Hermes boutiques

Price: €748,000; or US$338,000

Tags: Luxury Watch, Expensive Watch, Expensive Pocket Watch, Luxury Pocket Watch, Luxury Spectacle, Mechanical Watch, Mechanical Pocket Watch, Art Work