Posted By: Sorbet
The Arceau Samarcande takes centre stage as Hermès unveils a masterful equestrian-inspired skeleton watch, joined by a new edition of Hermès’ H08, the H08 Squelette.
Courtesy of Hermès
Courtesy of Hermès
Hermès has never hidden its equestrian heritage, but rarely has it woven so seamlessly into haute horology as it does with the new Arceau Samarcande. Combining intricate skeletonization, mechanical artistry, and the Maison’s unmistakable design language, the latest addition to the Arceau collection transforms a watch dial into a theatrical study of light, shadow and movement.
Designed around the asymmetrical stirrup-inspired case created by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau Samarcande places a sculpted horse’s head at the heart of its composition. Carved beneath Saint-Louis crystal, the motif frames and obscures the movement in equal measure, creating a playful tension between what’s revealed and what remains hidden. The result is a watch that rewards closer inspection, drawing the eye deeper into its mechanical landscape.
Courtesy of Hermès
Powering the piece is the new H1927 self-winding skeletonised calibre. Visible through the dial and sapphire caseback, the movement showcases the intricate architecture of its bridges and wheels while partially concealing the minute repeater mechanism beneath. Turn the watch over, and the craftsmaship continues, with repeater hammers on display alongside a micro-rotor decorated with the Duc attelé motif. In 38mm white or rose gold cases, the Arceau Samarcande balances technical complexity with the effortless elegance that defines Hermès watchmaking.
Courtesy of Hermès
Courtesy of Hermès
Courtesy of Hermès
Alongside, the H08 Squelette, an openworked evolution of one of the Maison’s most contemporary designs. First unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026, the H08 returns in its familiar 42mm soft-square form, now rendered in black DLC-coated titanium. The rounded geometry remains intact, but the skeletonised treatment lends the watch an entirely different character.
At its core sits the new H1978S skeletonised titanium calibre, whose layered architecture creates a constantly shifting display of depth and transparency. Bridges, gears, and open spaces interact dynamically with changing light, turning the movement into an ever-evolving visual spectacle. The blue model is particularly striking, pairing vivd Super-LumiNova markers with the darkened movement beneath to amplify the watch’s technical appeal.
Courtesy of Hermès
Finished with woven-pattern rubber straps matched to each model’s color palette, the H08 Squelette offers a more contemporary interpretation of openworked watchmaking. Yet even with its modern, architectural execution, it remains unmistakably Hermès.
Together, the Arceau Samarcande and H08 Squelette showcase two distinct approaches to skeletonisation: one rooted in poetic storytelling and equestrian artistry, the other in contemporary mechanics and industrial design. Different paths, perhaps, but both leading to the same destination – a deeper appreciation of what lies beneath the dial.
Courtesy of Hermès
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