First Look: Hermès Médor Watch

Design is sometimes about reinventing fine objects and the Médor watch is a perfect example of this principle.First created in 1993, the Médor watch originated from one of the first objects produced by Hermès alongside the harness: the dog collar.

For while a dog is a man's best friend, it has also always – just like horses – been a source of inspiration for the venerable House.Initially intended for hunting parties, dog collars were adapted to serve as belts during the1930s.From there it was but a short step from the waists of elegant women to their wrists, which Médor thus adorned in the form of a bracelet.Since one creative idea often leads to another, the leather strap with its iconic “Clous de Paris” pyramid-shaped studs was then transformed into a ‘secret’ watch.

The ingenious and slightly mischievous Médor watch has fun with the passing of time by alternately concealing it under a domed cover or discreetly revealing it.This inspired creation comes in several colourful versions.Available in two sizes and graced with gold or steel pyramid studs, the Médor watch may be gem-set along its edges or entirely paved with diamonds, further underscoring the precious nature of this jealously safeguarded time.

Like our fan page on Facebook here, or follow My Vitrina on Twitter here.

*Photo: Courtesy of Hermès

Exclusive: Hermès 'Of Mastery And Time' Exhibition

La Montre Hermès hosted 'Of Mastery and Time', a special horological exhibition at The Dubai Mall.The exhibition displayed some of the Maison's exceptional timepieces within a unique setting that played with time and offered visitors a captivating insight into Hermès' savoir faire in Haute Horlogerie.

On display was the Arceau Lift, the first Hermès flying tourbillon watch, inspired by the historical premises of Hermès at 24, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.The double H topping the tourbillon carriage and the barrel bridge of the Arceau Lift reproduced one of the emblematic motifs featured in the interior design of the boutique, above the door of the Lift after which it was named.Limited to 176 pieces, the watch was driven by Calibre H1923 visible from the dial side and was also revealed through an opening carved out in the back of the gold case.

Another highlight was the Arceau Millefiori, an unusual encounter between watchmaking and glassmaking.Beating to the tune of in-house created mechanical calibres, the pieces were inspired by 19th century paperweights, crafted by the Cristalleries royales de Saint-Louis.The 'millefiori' motif (a combination of Italian words meaning 'a thousand flowers') was created through a long and complex glassmaking process, with intricate patterns and a unique floral beauty.

'Of Mastery and Time' also featured the Pendentif Boule, the Heure H with baguette diamonds and the Cape Cod in gold also set with baguette diamonds, amongst others.The exceptional timepieces were inspired by the imagination of the Hermès universe, embodying a unique level of artisanal innovation and the know-how of the Maison in creating high quality objects.

Like our fan page on Facebook here, or follow My Vitrina on Twitter here.