Imagine being able to suspend time when you are on a date with Angelina Jolie, would it not be wonderful? Working on this basic philosophy of presenting time as a friend, Hermès hosted its gala event, Time to Dream, using the backdrop of the Great Wall of China. For the launch of its two new watches, Hermès dreamed up a journey, leading guests through a surrealist and lyrical world.

Hermès’ CEO Luc Perramond presented two unconventional complications of Arceau Le Temps suspendu and Cape Cod Grand Hours, designed by master watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, to a select gathering at Hotel Commune by the Great Wall of China on an October evening. Guests coming in from all parts of the world marvelled at the two new Hermès’ masterpieces and its formidable strategy to capture the apex of the pyramid of fine watchmaking.

Arceau Le Temps suspendu is much more than a watch; it’s a playful moment on the wrist. It conceals time and erases it from the dial whilst continuing to register a ceaseless march. Simply pressing the push-button at 9 o’clock brings its hour and minute hands to a halt around noon, while the date hand slips out of the view.