The Pendentif Boule features the fine art of cloisonné enamelling on one side, and a timepiece with a mother-of-pearl dial on the other. Dangling gracefully from a white gold chain, it whirls and twirls, presenting its two faces as desired.

Hermès has introduced an unusual interpretation of its Pendentif Boule, which explores the art of cloisonné enamelling. However, the unique demands of that skill are further complicated by the rounded nature of the back of the watch, on which the enameller must work.

The complex operation of cloisonné enamelling begins with simple geometry: a white gold half-sphere on which the artisan marks off the centre using a compass. From there on, geometry turns to art. The artisan continues by placing white gold cloisons (partitions), which is a change from the traditional yellow gold used in cloisonné enamelling.

Section by section, petal by petal, with seemingly infinite patience, the artisan then positions the individual partitions that will eventually house the various shades of enamel. To do so, slim gold ribbons are individually shaped by hand until they mould the curve of the sphere, producing a tapered or staggered effect. This is indeed the critical step, because without the meticulous fitting and joining process, the enamels would seep out of their golden compartments.

Once the structure is in place, it’s time for colour. Using his brush, the artisan applies the finely crushed enamel powder to the individual white gold-hemmed petals. The various nuances of each shade will only reveal their radiance after numerous firings at a temperature of 800°C.

Given the intricacy and beauty of the multi-coloured corolla motif, it is easy to forget that the opposite side of this piece houses a watch. Based on white mother-of-pearl, the time ticks by with exquisite delicacy thanks to a Swiss-made quartz movement.

Technical information

Movement

• Quartz movement, crafted in Switzerland
• Diameter: 11 mm
• Thickness: 2.5 mm
• Jewelling: 5 jewels
• Functions: Hours, minutes

Dial

• White natural mother-of-pearl

Case

• Shape/dimensions Sphere, 21 mm diameter
• Material: 750 white gold (≈ 13.2 g)
• Back: Spherical in cloisonné enamelling
• Crystal:Anti-glare sapphire crystal

Necklace

• 750 white gold (≈ 13.33 g)
• 73 cm length