The New Rose Gold and Titanium Hermès H08

Unveiled in 2021, the Hermès H08 is the French brand’s versatile sporty-chic watch with a smooth cushion-shaped case and contemporary design elements. By juxtaposing different shapes (typical Hermès) and playing with different finishings and textures, the Hermès H08 reveals its fluid, sensual architecture. Previously offered in titanium and black graphene cases, the latest H08 ups the luxury factor with its sleek two-tone rose gold and black DLC-treated titanium case.

Hermès, originally a saddle and harness atelier founded by Thierry Hermès in 1837, has become one of France’s iconic luxury Maisons. Rather than pursue a conservative, conventional approach to luxury, Hermès has cultivated a unique design ethos for all its product lines that gives the Maison its distinctive personality. From silk scarves to Kelly bags and porcelain dinner sets, you can always feel the hand of the designer behind its beautiful creations.

Watches are no exception, and models like the Cape Cod, with its paradoxical square within a rectangle case designed by Henri d’Origny or the poetic Arceau Temps Suspendu, capable of suspending time, are considered design icons. The Hermès H08 was designed by Philippe Delhotal, creative director of Hermès Horloger.

The square case with softened edges of the Hermès H08, which measures 39mm x 39mm, captures the brand’s predilection for juxtaposing shapes and transmits a fluid 1970s vibe. Using three different case materials, the new model has a black DLC-treated titanium caseback, a rose gold case middle and a black ceramic bezel and crown.

Differentiated by the contrasting materials, the dynamic architecture of the case is further highlighted with different finishings. The rose gold case middle, for example, features a vertical-brushed finish while the ceramic bezel is sunray brushed and the crown (screw-down to ensure the 100m water-resistance of the case) is circular brushed. To deliver more light to the dark dial, the round aperture of the bezel is bevelled and mirror polished.

The blackened gold dial also plays with different finishings. The peripheral chapter ring reveals its contemporary textured and grained surface with applied and luminous Arabic numerals. Like all things Hermès, the design of the numerals has been carefully studied, and the font is unique, with the number 8 echoing the cushion-shaped case and name of the collection (H08). The smooth black nickel minute ring, with a circular-brushed finish and white transferred indices, relies on a black nickel arrow-shaped hand with a luminous tip and an openworked counterweight that also echoes the cushion-shaped case. Again, the date window, tucked into the minute track, uses the same font as the hour numerals and has a cushion-shaped frame. Picked out in 4N rose gold, the hour and minute hands are also treated with Super-LumiNova.

Like the dial, the black rubber strap plays with contrasting textures; it has a dark grey webbed pattern in the centre and is closed with a sleek black DLC-coated titanium folding clasp.

The movement inside the watch is on par with the refined design and is made by Vaucher, a sister company of Parmigiani Fleurier (Hermès acquired a 25% stake in Vaucher in 2006). This high-grade automatic movement – calibre H1837 – operates at 28,800vph and powers the hours, minutes, seconds and date for up to 50 hours. The rotor and bridges are decorated with the brand’s signature H pattern.

The Hermès H08 rose gold and titanium model retails for EUR 15,750. For more information, please consult hermes.com.