ARCEAU AWOOOOO MODEL, REF. AR8.790, CASE NO. 3'336'309, NO. 3⁄8, CIRCA 2019

Crafted in enamel, the dial of the present timepiece depicts a wolf set against the deep tones of a nocturnal sky, illuminated by a slim crescent moon. This evocative miniature scene is elegantly framed by a white gold case with pronounced upper lugs, reminiscent of the Hermès Arceau design. A new addition to the bestiary imagined by Alice Shirley, this howling wolf follows the endearing Grrrrr! bear unveiled in autumn 2016. The design itself originates from a motif first created for a line of men’s scarves, illustrating the seamless dialogue between different artistic expressions.

The creation of the dial is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. The artisan works both sides of the transparent white enamel base, meticulously polishing it to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. The outlines of the motif are then carefully drawn, after which finely ground enamel powders, mixed with natural oils, are delicately applied using an extremely fine brush. Multiple stages of layering follow, each combined with drying and repeated firings in the oven, gradually bringing the composition to life with remarkable depth and realism.