28 Jul Hermès’ New Limited-Edition Watches

The Hermès silk scarf series of metiers d’art dials is becoming one of the most consistent and dependably creative series of themed limited editions. It’s a niche audience, to be sure, and that’s what makes it such a bold endeavor. The idea that “it’s not for everyone,” is the definition of a high-end rarity.

The dials of each watch replicate Hermès scarves—in this case, designs from the 2022 collection—the patterns of which are scaled-down and recreated using various watchmaking crafts, including wood marquetry, enameling, miniature painting and engraving—not an easy task.

The replica of “Story” dials represents an expression of the “all-digital” world, according to Hermès. The scarf was designed by British designer John Burton. He reinterprets the uses of social media and “the singular art of staging, an offbeat universe depicted beneath the gaze of various fauna amused by the selfie exercise,” according to a brand statement.

The animals include a peacock, a rabbit, a playful monkey, a toucan with a top hat (Hermès loves toucans) and a turtle wearing a bowler hat—a nod to the British designer. This being Hermès, a horse takes center stage in the scene, ridden by a princess taking a selfie using a selfie stick…something that may one day look archaic, but will surely still elicit interest in the navel-gazing era. All are hand-painted on mother-of-pearl. The 38 mm case comes in 18-karat white gold, with 82 diamonds set into the bezel and is set with alligator leather straps. It is limited to 24 pieces and priced at $63,200.

curated by ozzie small