Hermès unveils a sporty new watch
The new Hermès ‘H08’ runs rings around the competition – get set!

Leon Chew - Photography
In 1912, one of Emile Hermès’ four daughters was photographed wearing a pocket watch on her wrist, securely held in place with a bespoke strap of leather from her father’s saddle-making workshop. It marked the start of a horological flirtation for Hermès, which culminated in the creation of a watchmaking division in 1978.
Based in the Swiss town of Bienne, the watchmaking division of Hermès has since grown to encompass a workshop solely focused on creating leather straps and another that produces in-house movements. An Hermès watch is characterised by a clean design that belies the robustness of the whole. It is a point simply drawn in the lines of the new Hermès ‘H08’, which takes its name from the rounded forms of the font. The negative space of the 0 and endless loops of the 8 underpin the geometrical whorls of the case, which juxtaposes a circular dial with its softened edges. The convex font, more voluptuously drawn then the blunt minimalist numerals of the Slim d’Hermès, are another nod to the cushion-shaped whole.
In its emphasis on a comfortable cut and tactile materials, it is consistent with the codes set out by artistic director of menswear Véronique Nichanian, who this season rethought leisurewear with hooded parkas, fleece jackets and relaxed cuts. The casual theme continues in the muted hues of the ‘H08’, which takes on a sporty bent when paired with straps in satin-brushed titanium, webbing or vivid colour pops of rubber.
INFORMATION
This article features in the May 2021 issue of Wallpaper* (W*265), available to download
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
A new concrete family house in Slovakia slots seamlessly into its naturally landscaped site
In Slovakia, Banánka family house by Paulíny Hovorka Architects is a generous contemporary sanctuary in the heart of a mature forest
-
‘Wundercar’ celebrates the ineffable aura of the Porsche 959, the first true hypercar
Curated by London creatives INK, ‘Wundercar’ is a London exhibition dedicated to the image and influence of Porsche’s seminal 959, a true icon of 1980s engineering
-
A scented ring? Wouters & Hendrix makes Hannelore Knuts’ dreams come true
Wouters & Hendrix collaborates with legacy model Hannelore Knuts on L’Issence, a collection of two scented rings. Here, Knuts tells Wallpaper* how they were made
-
Hermès cuts a dash with its first sports watch for women
The Hermès Cut epitomises the clean design codes of the house
-
Apple and Hermès reveal how their ultra-connected design could help us unplug
-
Apple Watch Hermès collection impresses loyal clients of both brands
Picky Nicky (quality maniac-at-large) reviews the Apple Watch Hermès collection