Company Overview:

Hermès is a Paris-based luxury goods manufacturer established in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. Though primarily recognized for its leather goods, fashion accessories, and fragrances, Hermès also boasts a respectable watchmaking arm that brings together the distinctive Hermès craftsmanship and a spirit of innovation. Since the introduction of its first watch in the 1920s, Hermès timepieces have been an expression of elegance and high quality, further enhancing the brand’s prestigious image.

Hermès began crafting watches in its workshop in Bienne, Switzerland, bringing its distinct Parisian sensibility to the art of Swiss horology. With every watch produced, Hermès exhibits its dedication to fine craftsmanship and timeless design. The brand draws on its rich heritage and mastery in dealing with leather and precious materials to create beautifully designed, reliable watches that are synonymous with luxury.

Over the years, Hermès has developed an impressive range of men’s and women’s timepieces, all carrying the brand’s sophisticated aesthetic and unparalleled commitment to quality. Each Hermès watch is a blend of tradition and innovation, with carefully selected materials and meticulously crafted details. The brand’s watchmaking approach adheres to the philosophy of creating ‘objects for a life well lived’, elevating functional items to the realm of art.

Though not as old as some Swiss watchmakers, Hermès has earned its position in the luxury watchmaking sector through the artistic flair that permeates its collections and its persistent pursuit of technical excellence.

Notable Achievements:

Hermès has accomplished numerous milestones throughout its horological journey. In 1928, the brand launched its first watch collection, displaying its designs in the store at 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. In the 1970s, Henri d’Origny, a longstanding artistic collaborator, designed the now-iconic Arceau watch with its asymmetrical lugs resembling a horse stirrup, signifying the brand’s equestrian heritage.

Hermès demonstrated its commitment to high horology in 2006 by collaborating with Swiss movement manufacturer Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, purchasing a 25% stake to guarantee its supply of top-quality mechanical watch movements. One of its remarkable achievements is the creation of the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu watch, introduced in 2011. This timepiece allows the wearer to “suspend” time, showcasing Hermès’ creativity and technical prowess.

Key Collections:

Hermès has several key collections each bearing the brand’s aesthetic sensibilities and commitment to craftsmanship. The “Arceau” collection, designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, is renowned for its equestrian-inspired design, including asymmetrical lugs that echo the shape of a stirrup. The “Cape Cod” collection, launched in 1991, features a square-in-a-rectangle case design inspired by a nautical motif.

The “Hermès Slim” line, on the other hand, emphasizes the brand’s focus on elegant, minimalist design with ultra-thin cases and clean dials. The “Heure H” collection takes a more playful approach with its distinctive H-shaped case, representing the brand’s initial.

Brand Philosophy:

Hermès’ brand philosophy revolves around creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. The brand aims to fuse practicality with beauty, transforming everyday objects into works of art. Each watch is designed to be not just an instrument for telling time but a piece of wearable art that reflects the wearer’s personality and taste.

Hermès carries its equestrian heritage and leather craftsmanship into its watchmaking, preserving tradition while embracing innovation. With the watchmaking mantra “We don’t have time, we take it”, Hermès emphasizes its dedication to taking the necessary time to ensure exceptional quality and meticulous detail in all its creations.

Craftsmanship:

The craftsmanship of Hermès watches is a testament to the brand’s uncompromising attention to detail and adherence to traditional horological methods. Each Hermès watch is created in-house at the brand’s own watchmaking facilities in Switzerland, ensuring the highest quality and performance.

Hermès showcases its leather-working expertise in the exceptional straps of its timepieces, often made from Barenia calf, alligator, or even ostrich leather. The brand’s dial-makers employ ancestral lacquering and varnishing techniques to achieve the perfect aesthetic effect, while their movements, whether quartz or mechanical, are made with the utmost precision, often in collaboration with esteemed movement manufacturer Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.

Celebrity Affiliations:

Hermès does not rely heavily on celebrity endorsements for its timepieces. Instead, it allows the quality and craftsmanship of its products to speak for themselves. However, many celebrities and influential figures have been spotted wearing Hermès watches, reflecting the brand’s popularity among the elites. For instance, English actor Daniel Craig and former United States First Lady Michelle Obama have been seen wearing Hermès timepieces, appreciating the elegance and sophistication they bring.