Adding just a new color to the Arceau Chronograph watch lineup with the "Ebony," and Hermes almost has you convinced you've got a totally new model. This is follow up watch to the Arceau Chronograph Alezan announced around Baselworld earlier this year. To Hermes, the Arceau line is direct extension of their equestrian heritage, making for a perfect companion to their full line of riding gear.

Hermes watches are finely designed in my opinion with flowing smooth lines and a refinement on par with other luxury watches with the names of exclusive French designers on them (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc...). The Arceau Ebony Chronograph has an almost totally black colored dial on the 43mm wide steel watch. Applied rings around the chronograph dials add a sense of depth to the mix, while the classic looking Arabic numerals have a character undeniably Hermes. The face is simple and clean, and Hermes could not resist adding the splash of their signature orange hue to the face to complete the branded look. I like the faceted window cut for the date window.

You get the distinct idea that the case shape is extremely smooth and pleasant to wear. Note the different lug structure at either end of the watch. Powering the timepiece is a Swiss ETA 2894 automatic movement. There is really nothing superfluous about the design, a fact that pleases me. Of course the watch would not be an Hermes if not fitted with a high grade calf leather strap, here in black with contrast stitching. Available soon from Hermes.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.