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The Orchestration of Time – An arrangement of the slim d’Hermès watches. This is the theme for the mini art installation for VIP guests of Hermès which is also open to the public. It began on 16 June 2016 and runs till 26 June 2016. Located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the art installation features videos by French multidisciplinary artist Eric Vernhes (commissioned by Hermès), clocks with “mysterious” hands and displays of Slim d’Hermès timepieces. A xylophonist was also on hand to provide live music accompaniment. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Timmy / Elfa. 2016 Marina Bay Sands.

A mini art installation by Hermès for the brand’s VIP customers is also open to shoppers and visitors to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from 16 to 26 June 2016.

Known as “The Orchestration of Time: An arrangement of the Slim d’Hermès watches”, this installation is currently located along the pathway between the Hermès watch boutique and the Chanel boutique at The Grand Colonnade South’s Bay Level (level one).

This is a travelling art exhibition featuring installations and videos by French multidisciplinary artist, Eric Vernhes.

From what we understand, Vernhes, who has a degree in architecture, works on films and documentaries, and operates his own production company, les productions polaires.

According to vimeo.com, he began what is termed “deferred time video” in 2008, built into “dedicated projected paths and objects, using methods of dissociation and staging of text, sound, projections and images”.

With some understanding of “deferred time videos” as described above, one will better appreciate his work for this travelling Hermès exhibition which started in France before moving on to South Korea and Malaysia, followed by Singapore.

The videos by Vernhes are inspired by the Slim d’Hermès collection that was launched in 2015.

The Slim d’Hermès collection was designed by Philippe Delhotal, creative director at La Montre Hermès, and the main attraction is the stencilled-type Arabic numerals used for the hour indexes. The original typography was created by Philippe Apeloig.

This typography, unique to the watch dials of the Slim d’Hermès collection, are a noticeable aspect in the Vernhes videos.

Slim d’Hermès midnight blue in a 39.5mm steel case. This model was introduced in 2016 and houses the Manufacture H1950 automatic ultra-thin movement that is 2.6mm thick. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Timmy / Elfa. 2016 BaselWorld.

The art installation includes displays of the Slim d’Hermès watches. In addition, what appears to be clocks are mounted on the structures of the installation.

While these clocks have revolving hands, they will not make sense to passerbys as these are not the typical hour and minute hands.

Yes, these clocks with white dials feature artistic hands and they do make sense, especially for those who understand the fonts created by Philippe Apeloig and used in the Slim d’Hermès collection.

The two hands on each clock will actually form a different Arabic numeral as seen on the dials of the Slim d’Hermès collection.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon. On the left is the regular production piece (non-limited, priced at CHF14,900 or SGD21,800) and on the right is the Black Phantom limited edition of 250 pieces, priced at CHF19,900 or SGD29,100. Photo: © TAG Heuer

Why did the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T create a storm within the Swiss watchmaking industry?

Simple, given its key features – the in-house Manufacture movement with the chronograph function and tourbillon, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T, priced at CHF14,900 or SGD21,800, is a fraction of what a typical Swiss-made tourbillon would retail for.

Case back of the Carrera Heuer-02T where one can view the skeleton oscillating weight. The main technical challenge, according to the brand, was to house a single barrel, chronograph and automatic mechanism with the flying tourbillon within a diameter of 32mm. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016 BaselWorld.

In addition to the regular production piece offered, there is also a limited edition Carrera Heuer-02T, the Black Phantom, so-named because of its stealth look. Limited to 250 pieces, this version is priced at CHF19,900 or SGD29,100.

With such unheard of prices for a tourbillon, let alone a chronograph with tourbillon wristwatch, this Carrera Heuer-02T has gained attention worldwide as the cheapest Swiss-made tourbillon that also features the chronograph function.

What’s more, one must also note that the self-winding Carrera Heuer-02T is chronometer-certified, has a power reserve of more than 65 hours and is water-resistant to 100 metres.

The TAG Heuer Black Phantom Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon. Limited to 250 pieces and priced at CHF19,900, this model has the stealth look. The Calibre Heuer-02T is COSC-certified, features more than 65 hours of power reserve when fully wound and is water-resistant to 100 metres. Photo: © TAG Heuer

The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T COSC-certified automatic chronograph with tourbillon symbolises “technology, exemplary quality, performance, manufacture expertise and the perfect mastery of industrial processes and manufacturing costs,” states the brand.

The price tag would definitely not have been possible if traditional watchmaking handcraftsmanship was involved as it would be economically unviable. We do note that traditional watchmaking handcraftsmanship was not mentioned as part of what the Carrera Heuer-02T symbolises.

This Carrera Heuer-02T further represents the continued investment and creativity of TAG Heuer, the brand adds, where avant-garde is the guding spirit, culture and philosophy.

A related article on timewerke.com is:
i. TAG Heuer’s Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon explained.

THE ART OF TIME

Hermès – The Orchestration of Time: An art installation at Marina Bay Sands

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T chronograph with tourbillon: Why it created a “storm”