When engraving meets enamelling
There’s nothing subtle about Hermès’ Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus. It features a zebra with blue and orange wings (with orange giving a nod to Hermes’ signature hue) in a rearing position, known to occur when the animal is excited or aggressive. The motif was first seen on Hermès’ silk scarf designed by London-born artist Alice Shirleym and now lends itself to the wrist. The beauty in the timepiece doesn’t lie in its complications, but rather, celebrates the art of two demanding techniques perfected in a small-scale setting — engraving and Grand Feu enamelling.
The dial is free of numerals, and paints an image of a miniature zebra with wings mounted on its back. The artisan first carves fine details on the wings before coating it with enamel using the cloisonné technique. He then uses gold wires to mark out the contours of the areas where translucent enamel will be applied on. The zebra is given a miniature enamelling treatment, where the artisan uses delicate brushstrokes to apply the opaque glass powder layer by layer, before receiving successive firings at 800°C to allow the colours of the artwork to shine through.
The timepiece houses a Hermès movement H1837 and comes encased in a white gold case. Only four pieces are available.
