Much like Cartier, Hermès is a brand that has historically been about design first, function second.
That being said, in recent years, the maison has shaken the watch world with not only new, modern, and original designs — but also with their push into developing their own movements in partnership with Voucher.
One of the finest examples of the brand’s watchmaking savoir faire is the H08. Launched at Watches & Wonders in 2021, it utilizes a somewhat unconventional, elongated octagonal form in both steel and newer, more cutting-edge materials. Powered by an automatic manufacture movement and water-resistant to 100m, it’s a thoroughly modern sport watch with a ‘chic’ factor that only a luxury good manufacturer such as Hermès could deliver!
The particular H08 we have here is perhaps the stealthiest variant available, the Graphene. Housed in a 39.5mm composite and ceramic case with a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a ceramic bezel with mirror-polished chamfers, it features a luminous matte black dial with applied Arabic indices, a matching handset, an orange-tipped seconds hand, and a date window at 4:30.
Powered by the automatic Hermès H1837 manufacture movement, it comes paired to a textured black rubber strap with a signed push-button deployant clasp.
While many brands are stuck firmly in the past, reissuing streams of vintage-inspired fare, Hermès is heading boldly into the future of horological design.
We say: bravo!