Horological Meandering

mell0822
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Hermes 2011 Basel Novelties (and more)

Few days ago, Hermes Watch Boutique at Marina Bay Sands showcased its Baselworld novelties.  Two complications were the Arceau le Temps Suspendu (i.e.Time Suspended) and Arceau moonphase.

The le Temps Suspendu represents Hermes’ concept of playing with time (as was with the Grand Hours it launched earlier).  The actual time/ suspended time modes are activated via a pusher at the 9 o’clock position.  At the suspended time mode, the date hand disappears.  More interestingly, the hour hand is in between 11 and 12 positions, while the minute hand is in between 12 and 1 positions.  Time is suspended in this “unreadable” virtual timing, which again shows Hermes playing with time.  It differs from the Franck Muller Secret Hours which is always showing the virtual time as noon, unless the pusher is depressed.

Depress the le Temps Suspendu’s pusher again sees the hands showing the actual time and date.

At first glance it looks like only the date hand is retrograde.  However, in actual fact, le Temps Suspendu is a triple retrograde complication.  The retrograde systems on the hour and minute hands enable the hands to show the actual time instantly (with the activation of the pusher at the time suspended mode) without having to use a "rattrapante" system. Without the retrograde system, the hands would have to "catch up" with the actual time by making all the movement/circles that weren't made while time was suspended.  The retrograde systems and the 2 column wheels (for the hour and minute hands individually), the hands each only has to make a movement of less than 360 degrees to go to the actual time.

I asked why was the crown at 2 o’clock and was told it was more for aesthetics.  Agree, having the pusher at 9 and crown at 3 is probably less pleasing.

The other is the moonphase, which I find is more ordinary, especially having played with the le Temps Suspendu.  Having said that, the le Temps Suspendu isn’t the only timepiece which interests me the most that evening.  I’ll come to that shortly.

But first, I was also shown the Dressage Perpetual Calendar.  The design of the dial and the overall appearance made the watch rather unconventional compared to others I had seen.  I didn’t quite like the design at first glance.  However, having physically touched the piece, it grew on me.  [By the way, I didn’t like the look of the PP 5217 initially, but now it’s one of my favourite.].  Perhaps, the good finishing of the Dressage Perpetual Calendar was one of the reasons I was attracted to it.  I was pleased to note it was reasonably priced. 

Now, the piece that I was most fascinated with is the 8Days Spiral Boule Clock .  It is a spherical table clock.  It is heavy (just above 1kg), perhaps mainly attributed to the white gold dial and movement.  To wind and to set the time, one turns the two halves of the sphere in opposite direction.  The pushing of the button at 6 o’clock alternates between winding and time setting.  Interesting.  But its retail price is even more so to say the least.

I wished I could spend more time taking photos, but I was engaged with the very friendly Mr Jerome, General Manager (SE Asia), Hermes.  Shall subsequently share on some of the information Mr Jerome kindly shared about Hermes watches.  Thanks to Hermes Watch Boutique and its friendly staff, particularly Steven and Ivanka.