When Hermès opens a boutique in a new city, the maison doesn't simply cut a ribbon—it creates a horological tribute. The new Arceau On Air! commemorates Hermès' first Nashville location and captures the soul of Music City through the house's mastery of miniature painting, transforming the iconic Arceau case into a wearable celebration of American musical heritage.
Henri d'Origny's 1978 Arceau design has long served as Hermès' canvas for artistic crafts, with its 38 mm round case and distinctive asymmetrical lugs providing an ideal stage for métiers d'art. The On Air! editions—limited to just two numbered pieces in each of two colorways—push this tradition into bold new territory by stripping away the Arceau's signature Arabic numerals entirely. What remains is pure visual storytelling: a miniature painting executed on sapphire that evokes the atmosphere of a Nashville recording studio.
Artist Carine Brancowitz, who originally designed the guitars for Hermès' On Air! scarf, reimagines her work for the dial's circular format. Four electric guitars in vibrant hues stand, arranged as if captured mid-session, their bodies and necks meticulously hand-painted with extraordinary detail.
The instruments appear to float against a sapphire background, pad-printed to resemble a colored vinyl record, complete with grooves that radiate outward from the center. This clever visual metaphor reinforces the musical theme while providing subtle texture to the composition.
Here, the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement—a 3.7 mm-thick automatic calibre offering 50 hours of power reserve and beating at 28,800 vph—operates discreetly behind the scenes. The watch displays only hours and minutes, with steel hands cleverly shaped to evoke guitar picks. These "picks" appear to strum across the guitar strings before gliding along the grooves of the record, creating a dynamic interplay between timekeeping and artistic narrative.
Hermès offers two interpretations, each in an edition of just two pieces. The first features a Bleu Abysse dial with a matte Bleu Abysse alligator strap, evoking the cool tones of a classic blues recording. The second presents a Rouge H dial paired with a matte barolo Rouge H alligator strap, channeling the energy of rock and roll. Both versions share a 38 mm 18K white gold case weighing approximately 43.9 grams, fitted with anti-glare sapphire crystals front and back to showcase the miniature painting and the circular-grained movement finishing.
With only four total pieces between both editions, the Arceau On Air! represents one of the rarest releases in Hermès' horological catalog—a fitting tribute to Nashville's musical legacy and Hermès' expanding American presence.
Sticker Price USD 69,800. For more info on Hermès click here.
