Hermès wasn’t always a watchmaker; in fact, Hermès’ business did not begin with the creation of timepieces. The connection between Hermes and watchmaking dates back more than a century. It all started in 1912, and since then, Hermès watches have been released in a plethora of inventive, elegant, and one-of-a-kind ways.
The first Hermès watch was introduced in 1928 at the Hermes store on 24, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. It was then that they expanded their business into the field of watchmaking, and the Hermès watch was granted with the Hermès signature and armed with mechanisms designed by the most prestigious Swiss watch brands.
Hermès took its time in establishing the Hermès watch business. Hermès has worked to expand its collection of Hermès watches while also incorporating its horological skills since the establishment of this branch. Here’s a list of remarkable Hermès watches.
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1. Hermès Arceau Lift Tourbillon Watch
One of the remarkable Hermes watches is the Hermès Arceau Lift Tourbillon Watch. Hermès Arceau Lift Tourbillon is the brand’s first watch with a tourbillon complication. The company chose to make a timepiece with a flying tourbillon. The term derives from the watch’s main decoration, the brand’s double H motif, which is reproduced from the ornaments that adorn the elevator door at the company’s headquarters on the Parisian street, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Hermès established a relationship with La Joux Perret SA movement manufacturer because the brand chose a flying tourbillon complication which is beyond its manufacturing capacity.
Hermes is finally introducing its first tourbillon timekeeper, the Arceu Lift, after 18 months of development. The movement has a power reserve of 90 hours and runs at a rate of 21,600 vph. This model is housed in a round 18K 5N rose gold case that measures 43 mm in diameter and weighs 83 grams. The rest of the case-back is made of solid metal and is engraved with the brand’s logo—a Duc carriage with a horse. The water resistance is 30 meters, and the strap of choice is a matte brown Havana alligator strap from the brand’s workshops, that locks with a safety folding clasp.
2. Hermès Slim d’Hermès Titane Watch
This watch skillfully combines contemporary and traditional design elements, allowing the design to feel timeless, regardless of the era. Grade 2 titanium was chosen over grade 5 titanium to maximize the distinctive gray color of titanium, as well as the mildly rougher finishing of grade 2 titanium versus grade 5 titanium. The Slim case measures 39.5mm in width and 6mm in thickness.
Given the watch’s low overall weight, the Hermès Slim’s titanium case construction allows it to wear even lighter. The case width is noticeably medium, making this a “long-sleeve-shirt watch”. The titanium bezel is brushed, while the rest of the case and lugs are sandblasted.
An AR-coated sapphire crystal covers the dial, and the case is water-resistant to 30 meters. A beautiful Hermès alligator strap is attached to the case via the Slim’s distinctive lugs. A Hermès-style buckle in matching titanium is attached to the strap. Hermès employs the Swiss-made H1950 automatic movement developed in collaboration with Vaucher. The micro-rotor-based automatic movement is only 2.6mm thick.
3. Hermès Slim d’Hermès GMT Watch
Hermès Slim d’Hermès GMT is housed in the iconic Slim d’Hermès case, complete with short angled lugs. The case’s diameter is 39.5mm, and it’s only 9.48mm thick. Its case is made of palladium, a unique metal similar to platinum but lighter and rarer.
The crown is at 3 o’clock, and the GMT hand is adjusted via a pusher at 10 o’clock. This model comes with a handmade matte graphite alligator strap with blue stitching on the sides and a water-resistant case to 30 meters. The dial is a one-of-a-kind slate color with a sunburst chapter ring.
The dial features an eccentric font created specifically for the Slim d’Hermès collection by renowned French graphic designer Philippe Apeloig. This model movement is housed within, and it is only 2.6mm thick. The movement’s thinness is achieved through the use of a micro-rotor.
4. Hermès Carré H Watch
Carré is French for “square.” The Hermès Carré H watch is 38mm wide, square-shaped in steel, with wire-style lugs and a round dial design. The original Hermès Carré H, designed by Marc Berthier in 2010, was 36.5mm wide in titanium with a squarer dial and cost nearly twice as much as this version.
This watch’s straps measure 21mm where they meet the lugs, but Hermès straps with more common metrics of 22mm or 20mm fit because the lugs’ bent corners appear to allow for some wiggle room. The case profile, on the other hand, is distinctive and elegant in that it curves subtly, and the lugs are angled downwards to follow the arc.
Takeaway
Hermes is well-known for its distinctive collection of luxury watches. It has always created innovative timepieces that are remarkable and incomparable. Hermes watches are truly one-of-a-kind, thanks to their innovative and inventive design. With its bright and colorful collection, you can choose from a variety of watches to complement your personality and style.