The Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus, a brand new timepiece from Hermès, depicts the encounter between two ancient and highly demanding arts: engraving and Grand Feu enamelling. The latter is expressed through the miniature painting of the zebra and the cloisonné technique featured on the wings. Interpreted as four one-of-a-kind creations, each playing with different shades of colour, Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus features a motif borrowed from an Hermès silk scarf designed by Alice Shirley.
It all begins with a 22-carat gold plate crafted into three different layers to create the first depth effects between the zebra and its wings.
The engraving work can now begin. Patient, meticulous and extremely accurate work with the graver reveals the details of the feathers on the wings, which are then, enamelled using the cloisonné technique. To achieve this, the artisan individually places tiny gold wires marking out the contours of the areas to which translucent enamel will be applied in exquisitely refined touches.
When it comes to the zebra motif itself, the enameller expresses a true artist’s soul through miniature enamelling. Wielded with infinite dexterity and delicacy like that of a painter, the brush dances across the dial in applying the glass powder – in this case opaque. Translucent or opaque pigments, a colourful or black & white symphony: only after numerous successive firings at more than 800°C will the enamel reveal all its subtle nuances.
The wealth of colours, as well as the light, perspective and depth effects born of the encounter between engraving and enamel are gradually awakened with each firing in the kiln until the full picture finally emerges of this fascinating winged zebra, glowing and shimmering in its gold and enamel coat.
These works of art find a worthy frame within a 750 white gold case, while a Manufacture Hermès H 1837 movement imparts vibrant mechanical life to these four truly unique models.
Technical details
Model: Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus
Movement
Mechanical self-winding movement, crafted in Switzerland
Hermès Manufacture movement H1837
Diameter: 25.6 mm (11 ½‘’’)
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Power reserve: 50 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4 Hz
Jewelling: 28 jewels
Decoration: Circular-grained and snailed bottom plate, satin-brushed bridges and
Oscillating weight adorned with the special Hermès decoration (H symbols)
Functions
Hours, minutes
Case
Shape / dimensions: Rectangular 36.5 x 35.4mm
Material: 750 white gold
Glass: Antiglare sapphire crystal
Water resistance: To 3 bar
Dial
Miniature enamelled zebra, engraved feathers coated with translucent cloisonné enamel
Straps
Matt indigo blue alligator
Matt black alligator
Inter-horn width: 23 mm
Buckle: 20 mm safety folding clasp in 750 white gold (≈18.6 g)
Edition
4 unique pieces
