The Sporty-Chic Hermès H08 Returns in Titanium with Signature Hermès Colours

When Hermès launched its sporty cushion-shaped H08 men’s watch four years ago, it was welcomed with open arms – and not just among Hermès devotees. Characteristic of the brand’s flair for enigmatic shapes, the H08 is a playful juxtaposition of shapes highlighted with different finishes and textures. Continuing the success story, the H08 collection expands with two new time-only models featuring lightweight titanium cases with signature Hermès colour accents and a range of strap options.

Background

Hermès, the iconic French luxury brand founded in 1837 as a saddle and harness atelier, is renowned for its unique design ethos and exceptional quality that extends throughout its product lines, including watches. Models like the Cape Cod, with its paradoxical square within a rectangular case, and the stirrup-inspired Arceau watch, both designed by Henri d’Origny, are considered design icons.

Another strong selling point is the brand’s solid watchmaking credentials. As CEO Laurent Dordet explained, since the establishment of La Montre Hermès in Brügg, Switzerland, in 1978, Hermès has expanded its operations and, in 2006, acquired a 25% stake in Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, where the brand’s proprietary movements are produced. Consolidating its clout, Hermès also acquired case manufacturer Joseph Érard and dial maker Natéber to form Les Ateliers d’Hermès Horloger in Le Noirmont. For more complicated calibres, Hermès relies on top-end watch movement designer Agenhor.

The handsome H08

Designed by Philippe Delhotal, creative director of La Montre Hermès, the 39mm x 39mm cushion-shaped case of the H08 has a fluid ergonomic presence and reflects the brand’s penchant for playing with proportions, shapes and volumes. Crafted from lightweight titanium, the smooth contours of the case middle are satin-brushed. The bezel, which varies in width and pinches in at the waist, is sunray-brushed with gleaming, mirror-polished bevels. In contrast to the square bezel with rounded corners, the area framing the dial is round and mirror-polished to attract light. A versatile, all-terrain watch, the H08 has a screw-down crown and can fathom depths of up to 100 metres.

Like all things Hermès, the design of the numerals has been carefully studied, and the font is unique, with the numbers 0 and 8 echoing the cushion-shaped case and name of the collection (H08). The wide chapter ring, featuring the stylish, luminescent Arabic numerals, is sandblasted to produce a grained effect, matching the central area of the dial. Evidence of the designer’s hand can be found in all the tiny details, such as the counterweight of the short, arrow-tipped seconds hand that echoes the shape of the case, and the shape of the date window tucked into the circular-brushed track at 4:30 with numerals matching the hour markers.

New, lighter colours

The difference between the two models resides in the bezel material, the colour of the Arabic numerals and hands and the variety of strap choices. The monochrome titanium reference features a titanium bezel, an orange-tipped seconds hand – an iconic Hermès colour -, silver-coloured hands and numerals with white lume. The second model, in contrast, boasts a black ceramic bezel, Hermès Bleu Saint-Cyr (lilac blue) numerals, and hands treated with blue Super-LumiNova.

Powered by the slim, high-grade H1837 calibre, made by Vaucher, this automatic movement delivers a robust 50-hour power reserve and the rotor and bridges are decorated with a sprinkling of the brand’s signature H pattern.

The titanium model can be paired with a sleek titanium bracelet with rounded and mirror-polished central links, an orange or blue abysse textured rubber strap and blue or black textile straps, all with titanium folding buckles. The blue reference comes with a dark grey or bleu Saint-Cyr rubber strap.

Availability & Price

Prices for the new Hermès H08 models are EUR 7,500 or USD 7,200 on a titanium bracelet (grey model), EUR 6,900 or USD 6,650 on a rubber or webbing strap (grey model) and EUR 7,900 or USD 7,600 on a rubber strap (bleu Saint Cyr model). All models will soon be available from the permanent collection. More information at Hermes.com.