The centrepiece of the Arceau Pocket Millefori from Hermès is its crystal dial resembling that of alligator scales, presented in a precious leather sheath. But is the dial really what it seems?
In truth, the dial was actually created by a man-made technique is inspired by the nineteenth-century paperweights crafted by the Cristallerie Saint-Louis.
The black colour is derived from an alchemy of minerals of which remains undisclosed as a closely-guarded secret, is mixed with incandescent crystal. Once drawn from the mouth of the pots in the furnace the molten material is transformed into a crystal rod with the glass-maker's breath.
From the rod, a white-hot thread is pulled out, and then cut into sections. The resulting canes are then assembled to form the pattern.
Are these animal or crystal scales? Therein lies its seduction.
The Arceau Pocket Millefori is issued in a limited edition of just two pieces.
