Hermès Cheval d'Orient Limited Edition Painted Horse Dial (Ref. 040827WW00)

History and Significance

Hermès has always approached watchmaking a little differently from the traditional Swiss manufacturers. While most brands build their identities around movements, complications, and technical achievements, Hermès has spent decades exploring the relationship between watchmaking, craftsmanship, and the decorative arts. That distinction is particularly important when looking at the Cheval d'Orient collection. The collection takes inspiration from the house's long-standing fascination with horses and equestrian culture, translating an artistic tradition into something considerably more unusual than a conventional wristwatch.

The horse has been central to Hermès since the company's founding in 1837 as a Parisian harness workshop. Over the following generations, equestrian imagery became one of the most recognizable elements of the house's visual identity, appearing across silk scarves, leather goods, porcelain, and decorative objects. The Cheval d'Orient design draws on that heritage through richly decorated horses inspired by Eastern artistic traditions. The elaborate textiles, vibrant colors, and sense of movement make the composition feel more like a miniature painting than a traditional watch dial.

What makes the reference 040827WW00 especially fascinating is the decision to abandon conventional hour markers entirely. The dial becomes a canvas, allowing the horses and their elaborate coverings to occupy nearly the entire composition. Against the deep black background, the vivid colors appear particularly dramatic, while the small golden botanical motifs provide a subtle decorative counterpoint. It is an approach that places artistic expression at the center of the watch rather than treating decoration as an afterthought.

The Cheval d'Orient also represents a particularly interesting intersection between French luxury craftsmanship and Swiss watchmaking. Hermès established La Montre Hermès in Switzerland in 1978, gradually developing a watchmaking identity that extended beyond the company's established expertise in leather goods. Artistic watches such as this demonstrate the advantages of that unusual background. The result is a creation that feels distinctly Hermès, with an identity rooted as much in the decorative arts as in horology.

Limited artistic editions occupy a special place in collecting because their appeal extends beyond conventional watchmaking. The reference 040827WW00 belongs to that category, combining the house's equestrian heritage with a striking visual composition and traditional mechanical watchmaking. Its design is unmistakable, yet it remains elegant rather than excessive. Few watches manage to communicate such a strong sense of artistic identity while remaining genuinely wearable.

Writer’s Thoughts

The Hermès Cheval d'Orient is exactly the kind of watch that makes collecting interesting. There is nothing particularly conventional about its design, and that is precisely the attraction. The dial is extraordinary, with an almost unbelievable amount of color and personality packed into a single composition. The combination of the black background, richly decorated horses, and delicate gold accents creates something that feels closer to a collectible work of art than an ordinary wristwatch. Being the first example in a limited edition of just 24 makes this particular watch even more compelling.

The case design deserves just as much appreciation. The unusual open lugs give the watch a distinctive silhouette while allowing it to sit remarkably comfortably on the wrist. Turning the watch over reveals a beautifully presented automatic movement, adding another layer of interest to an already exceptional piece. The reference 040827WW00 is a wonderful example of why collecting watches should never be limited to the most familiar names and designs. Some of the most memorable pieces are those that bring an entirely different perspective to watchmaking.

Our Promise

Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.

Brand: Hermès

Model: Cheval d'Orient Limited Edition

Reference: 040827WW00

Year: NA

Case Material: 18k White Gold

Case Size: 41mm

Dial: Black artistic dial depicting three elaborately decorated horses with multicolored detailing and gold accents

Movement: Automatic mechanical movement with exhibition caseback

Strap/Buckle: Original Hermès black alligator leather strap

Buckle/Clasp: Original Hermès 18k white gold pin buckle

Contents: Watch only

Case: The 18k white gold case presents in excellent overall condition with light surface wear visible along the polished bezel and case surfaces. The distinctive open lugs remain well defined, and the caseback engravings are clearly visible. The caseback identifies this example as number 1 of 24.

Dial: The artistic dial presents beautifully, with vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and a deep black background. The painted horses and decorative gold accents appear exceptionally well preserved, with no obvious damage visible.

Hands: The dark hands are in excellent condition and complement the artistic dial without distracting from the composition.

Crystal: The crystal is clear and well preserved, with no significant visible scratches or chips.

Strap/Buckle: The original Hermès black alligator leather strap presents in very good condition with light signs of handling and wear.

Buckle/Clasp: The original Hermès 18k white gold buckle presents in excellent condition with light surface wear. The Hermès signature and gold hallmarks remain visible.