Hermès Introduces 4 Novelties at Watches and Wonders 2023

Hermès has introduced four captivating novelties at the Watches and Wonders 2023 exhibition, being held in Geneva. 

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As we all know, Hermès is a household name, insofar as leather goods of unmatched quality are concerned. Over the years, the brand has elevated its approach to watchmaking as well, setting new standards. The following timepieces, sporting celestial themes, equine motifs and so on, are proof.

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The Hermès H08 watch

The Hermès H08 watch, designed by Philippe Delhotal, Creative Director of Hermès Horloger, in 2021, is a perfect amalgamation of artistic discipline and daring originality. Through its circular dial, distinguishable font and square case with softened edges, this timepiece encapsulates the very essence of the brand. At Watches and Wonders 2023, Hermès has introduced two new models of the watch. The dynamic interplay of shapes and materials results in a multifaceted design, harmonising form and function.

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Hermès H08: The Monopusher Chronograph

The Hermès H08 Chronograph features a cushion-shaped 41 mm case, crafted from a block of multilayered composite material, composed of carbon fibre and graphene powder. This high-performance material is both resilient and lightweight, making it perfect for the watch's sporty spirit. The textured case middle is topped with a satin-finished and polished titanium bezel, which is surrounded by a sunburst satin-brushed ceramic bezel with mirror-polished chamfers. The black PVD-coated crown features an orange-rimmed monopusher at 3 o'clock.

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The black gold-treated and blackened dial of the Hermès H08 Chronographe, enlivened by two counters and a cushion-shaped date at 4.30, has rhodium-plated applied Arabic numerals and black gold hands, coated with Super-LumiNova®. These are highlighted by a white-and-orange transferred minutes track and orange-varnished seconds and counters hands. The watch's movement is powered by an Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding mechanism, paired with an orange rubber strap reminiscent of Hermès weaves.

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The Hermès H08 Colourful Variations: A Unique Natural Pigment with Subtle, Silvery Reflections

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Another addition to the collection, the Hermès H08 Colourful Variations, features a cushion-shaped 39 mm case, crafted from a block of composite material, braided and aluminised glass fibre, and slate powder. This gives it a unique natural pigment with subtle, silvery reflections. The black ceramic bezel and the crown stand out against this background, creating an interesting play of light and shade that accentuates the varnished and grained, concrete-grey dial. The silica composite hour markers, coated with Super-LumiNova®, and black gold hands are complemented by touches of yellow, green, blue or orange on the watch glass seal, the minutes track and the varnished seconds hand — all these ensure a clear display of time. This model is powered by an Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding movement and features a rubber strap with a structured ‘woven’ effect that matches the colours of each model.

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The Arceau Petite Lune: Sparkling like the Night Sky 

Henri d'Origny's 1978 Arceau watch is a perfect combination of creativity and subtlety. The 2023 Watches and Wonders novelty is all about a new version of the masterpiece — a round, 38 mm, white gold case with 70 diamonds, resting gracefully on a stirrup. 

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The Arceau Petite Lune watch boasts a dial that features an intricate design. Planets are meticulously crafted from fine and precious stones set within a gold and diamond case. The use of mother-of-pearl creates an iridescent shimmer that evokes the Northern Lights. At the same time, the translucent aventurine has been refined through artisanal work to achieve the desired level of transparency. The moon phase display of the watch is a key feature, with a freshwater mother-of-pearl moon set against a planet made of aragonite, creating the impression of an impending eclipse. An opaline star, set amidst a constellation of diamonds, adds to the celestial charm of the piece.

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The watch is powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1837 self-winding movement and the moon phase module, ensuring precise timekeeping and reliable performance. The display also includes hours and minutes as well as moon phases between 10 and 11 o'clock.

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The Arceau Petite Lune watch is completed with a sapphire-blue alligator strap, crafted at the Hermès Horloger workshops. This final touch elevates the timepiece to a work of art. 

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The Slim d’Hermès Watch: Depicting the Legendary Equine Figure

The Slim d'Hermès watch, introduced in 2015, embodies a philosophy of simplicity. The watch's understated design is balanced and thorough. It features an enamelled white gold dial adorned with a galloping horse motif that is masterfully transposed from a silk scarf created by artist Benoit Pierre Emery. The horse is adorned with 52 baguette-cut diamonds for added opulence.

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At Watches and Wonders 2023, two new versions of the Slim d'Hermès watch have been presented. These watches feature round white gold cases, each measuring 39.5 mm in diameter and housing the ultra-thin Hermès H1950 self-winding movement. Each watch comes with a strap in either Chantilly-coloured or sapphire-blue polished alligator.

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The first model is created using a delicate process that involves laser carving tiny cavities into a gold surface that has been enamelled and polished by hand. The artisan places 1,678 rose gold beads into the cavities, firing them in the oven to set them in the enamel. The second model follows the same process, using blue enamel beads on a gold base coated with multiple layers of white enamel. These limited-edition watches are a numbered series of 24, further adding to their exclusivity and allure.

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