Responsible for the style direction of watches, the artistic director of leading luxury house Hermès discusses this year’s releases
Which novelty from Watches & Wonders 2020 is your favourite?
Arceau L’Heure de La Lune is our highlight because it runs counter to industry trends. We presented it last year in a limited edition and we had the great pleasure of being awarded by the Foundation of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
We come back this year with new versions on lunar, Martian or Black Sahara meteorite dials. It’s both useful and mysterious. The complication is really playful, with counters gravitating around topsy-turvy moons. Hermès loves to dream with its head upside down.
Why is it important that Hermès continues to pull from its archives?
Indeed, our sources of inspiration are mainly based on the extraordinary creative wealth of the Hermès universe. Hermès watchmaking offers a different interpretation of time: a time full of fanciful touches, which goes well beyond style.
We don't seek to replicate what already exists. We want to be audacious and follow our intuition by creating objects that don't only indicate the time, but that tell stories.
See also: Richard Mille Introduces The RM 72-01 Lifestyle In-House Chronograph
Exceptional craftsmanship defines your brand...
Hermès has always been about craftsmanship. Our craftsmen bring about new approaches in terms of creativity. It is always a big challenge for them to work on a smaller scale but they appreciate this new field of expression.
These values are really showcased when we work on our exceptional objects, including Arceau Cheval Cosmique.
