At Baselworld (remember that?) 2011 Hermès launched the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu, with the Arceau case the vehicle for a movement made with the assistance of Agenhor and its founder Jean-Marc Wiederrecht.

Although it has not dated, Hermès has now ‘updated’ this complication with not just as an Arceau, but adding a new variant in their ‘Cut’ collection, which was launched in 2024.

For those unfamiliar with it, the name means ‘suspended time’. This retrograde complication is demonstrated through the pressing of a pusher at 9 o’clock which ‘suspends time’ by bringing both the hour and minute hands to the recessed area at 12 o’clock, hiding the retrograde date hand in the process.

Despite appearances however, the movement continues running and keeping time. If you press the pusher again, the hands will then fly back to the correct position as at that moment. Interestingly, the hands may stay suspended for hours, days or even weeks, but so long as the movement is wound, the watch keeps on ticking.

The 2025 version of the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu comes in a 42mm sized case with an open-worked dial that reveals part of the movement, including the module.

The case comes in either white or rose gold and three dial side colours – sunburst blue, sunburst brun désert, or suburst rouge sellier – reaffirming the timeless nature of the line with its characteristic asymmetrical lugs crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops.

Powering it is the automatic (Vaucher) H1837 which beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of fifty hours. Finishing includes circular graining, satin-brushed bridges and oscillating weight, and in case you need reminding, some Hermès Hs.

The Le Temps Suspendu entry into the Cut collection comes in the form of a 39mm sized rose gold case. Available in three variants – rose gold with a sunburst burgundy dial, rose gold with an opaline silver dial, and rose gold with a diamond bezel, the Cut Le Temps Suspendu introduces a small seconds display. Its case is a mix of satin-brushed and polished finishing, with the button for actuating the ‘suspension’ function is at 8 o’clock. The gem-set variant has sixty diamonds on the bezel.

The centre of the dial is sand-blasted and the small 24-second running indicator sub dial has sunburst finishing. The numerals are 4N gilt and the hour and minutes hands, polished 4N-plated brass. They also have Super-LumiNova. The ‘time suspended’ feature is displayed through a V-shaped lower level at 12 o’clock.

Powering it is the automatic H1912 with the ‘temps suspendu’ module, which drives the small seconds hand backwards. It beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of forty-five hours. Finishing includes circular-graining, snailing, satin-brushed bridges, and an oscillating weight sprinkled with Hermès’ signature ‘H’ motif.

The Cut Le Temps Suspendu comes on a satin-brushed and polished 750 5N rose gold bracelet, but there is a second rubber strap.

[Photo credit: Hermès]

Categories: Hermes, Watch Profile, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025, Women's watches