CIRCA: 2020
CASE MATERIAL: White gold
CASE DIAMETER: 43 mm.
DIAL: Hawk's eye
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Date, moon phases
CLASP: White gold Hermès deployant clasp
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: Yes
WITH: Unique piece Certificate, polishing cloth, winding presentation box and outer packaging
REMARK: Unique piece

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Lot Essay

Continuing Hermès’s tradition of combining ingenious mechanics with poetic and whimsical design, the Arceau L’Heure de la Lune offers a highly original interpretation of the moon-phase complication. Rather than displaying the lunar cycle through a conventional aperture, the watch features two stationary moons over which a pair of mobile lacquered counters continuously orbit, completing one revolution around the dial every 59 days. As they gradually cover and uncover the moons, the mechanism simultaneously indicates the lunar phases in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

One of the floating counters displays the hours and minutes, while the other indicates the date. Further enhancing the dreamlike character of the composition, Hermès deliberately reverses the conventional geographical arrangement: the moon positioned at 12 o’clock represents the southern hemisphere, while that at 6 o’clock corresponds to the northern hemisphere. The result is a constantly evolving dial whose appearance changes throughout the lunar cycle.

At its heart is the automatic Hermès calibre H1837, fitted with the specially developed ‘L’Heure de la Lune’ module responsible for the orbital display. The present timepiece elevates this already remarkable creation to an entirely different level of rarity. Confirmed as a unique piece, it features an exceptional hawk’s eye dial, whose naturally occurring variations and shifting reflections provide a particularly captivating backdrop to the two orbiting counters and mother-of-pearl moons.

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Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working; however, a service is recommended. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial: Excellent
Case: The case is in very good condition, with minor scratches and dents. The case back shows signs of wear.
Clasp: Minor scratches and dents.
Strap: The watch is sold and delivered with a Christie's branded strap, the original strap is not included in the sale.

Should you require additional details or pictures, please contact a specialist.
The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

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