This year, Hermès launches its Slim d’Hermès Mille Fleur du Mexique timepiece before the famed watch and jewelry show, Baselworld. Inspired by a Hermès silk scarf created by graphic designer Laetitia Bianchi, the watch’s dial is a canvas that highlights the excellence of miniature painting. Entirely manufactured in the house’s workshops, this watch is limited and numbered to 6 pieces.
The journey begins by transferring the motif onto the mother-of-pearl before handcrafting each line. After outlining the motif, the artisan prepares the color palette and delicately wields the tip of his brush to apply the first layer, followed by 20 additional ones. To dry the painting, he operates successive firings in the oven at 90oC.
Afterwards, the light touches of color become gradually seen on the dial. Evoking the 15th and 16th century tapestries, the “Mille Fleur” motif embraces an array of cut leaves and flowers. As a tribute to Laetitia Bianchi’s Mexican origins, her inspiration is drawn from the folklore of her native country. We see feathers, flowers, leaves and birds that are stunningly transformed to appear or vanish according to the perspective.
This masterpiece is housed in a white-gold case. Truthful to the codes that set the Slim collection apart, the timepiece’s lines are light. An ultra-thin Manufacture Hermès H1950 movement beats at its heart and an alligator strap constitutes the ideal finishing touch for this colorful watch that absolutely awakens our senses.
Mirella Haddad
