Hermes Arceau Le Temps Voyageur 41mm Platinum/Titanium

While some are quick to dismiss so-called 'luxury' or 'fashion' brands, the fact is that companies like Hermes and Bulgari are making some of the most interesting pieces on the market today, and their eye for visual design is at a level above most Swiss companies. Combine that with some pretty serious technical specs and they're absolutely worthy of sitting with the established greats.

The Arceau Le Temps Voyageur was released in 2022, and was based around the innovative movement architecture of the GPHG winning Arceau L'heure de la Lune. Why are we talking movement first? Simply because the movement dictates the entire design and architecture of this watch, in-line with Hermes' ethos of making the complication the star rather than than merely an add on. Created for Hermes by genius watchmaker Jean-François Mojon of Chronode, it reimagines the way a travel time watch displays the time for both home and current destinations. Utilising a discreet pusher on the left side of the case, the user moves the time display disc around the dial to coincide with the city ring that sits suspended above the dial, while the home time is displayed in the window at 12. Not only is it novel, but it's genuinely intuitive and super easy to use, while also adding a level of theatrics you'd expect of the most innovative independent watchmakers. There's some fantastic videos of exactly how the system works on YouTube, and they're well worth checking out regardless of whether the watch is for you.

Look below the time telling disc and you'll see what appears to be a map of the world...it is, just not our world. It is inspired by the "Planisphere d'un monde equestre" motif designed by Jerome Colliard for Hermes, and is an imaginary equestrian world. This level of whimsy is very much in keeping with Hermes' playful spirit, and part of the reason we love the brand so much. The combination of engraving, galvanization and lacquering changes shades and highlights depending on how light hits it. You'll get an idea of it from the images, but it is truly wonderful in person. This, combined with the grained finish of the outer ring of the dial, and the travel time dial itself, is an exercise in cohesion as you'd expect of Hermès.

So, onto the case. The Arceau case has been around since the 70's, and is defined by its asymmetric lugs. They are so well integrated into the design that most people we've shown the watch to do not see it at first, which is truly telling given how pronounced it is once you notice. The lugs are part of the lower section of the case, which actually measures in at around 39mm despite the watch being listed as a 41mm as that is the measurement across the bezel, and combined with the almost lug-less 6'oclock section, makes it wear quite a bit smaller than a traditional 41. This section is crafted from platinum, while the extended bezel that sits above is coated titanium. This mix of industrial and luxurious is inspired, and perfectly suits the aesthetic of the rest of the components of this watch. Combined with the incredible wearability of the small caseback and larger bezel, it is a shining examples of why we believe these luxury houses do design better than anyone else.

One of the major plus' of buying a Hermes watch is the Hermes strap, and this reference is fitted with an anthracite Hermes American 'gator with Hermes tang buckle in titanium that is unbelievably supple, and suits the watch to a tee.

This particular piece was first sold at a Hermès Boutique in Norway in 2024 and presents in TZ 'Near Mint' condition, with only the very lightest of swirls present on the polished surfaces. The strap is also in fabulous condition, and has clearly been worn sparingly. Please see images for full condition details.

Currently keeping COSC time measured dial-up on a timegrapher at 300+ degrees of amplitude, and operating as it should as you'd expect of such a young watch. Remains under the balance of Hermes warranty.

Comes with outer box (shows some minor damage), inner box, warranty booklet, instruction manual and original CITES certificate.

RRP is $61,940 AUD. This is an absolute bargain at the asking price, and you will not find a more elegant travel time watch.

Brand: Hermès

Reference: W057198WW00

Circa: 2024

Case Material: Titanium/Platinum

Case details: 41mm

Movement: Hermès Manufacture Automatic Movement H1837

Strap: Hermes 'gator with Hermes Tang Buckle

Dial: Black

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner box, warranty booklet, instruction manual, cleaning cloth, hang tag and original purchase receipt

TZ Grading: Near Mint

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.