Established in Paris in 1837, Hermès forged its reputation for excellence crafting saddles and harnesses for horses.
In the early twentieth century, it extended its leather-making expertise to accessories such as belts, jackets, bags and, from the 1920s, watch straps. Working with the leading names of the day, the company fashioned “guardians of time”, objects that capture the vision of beauty of which it is justifiably proud. In 1978, La Montre Hermès SA opened production facilities in Biel, Switzerland. An entire collection of classically elegant watches followed. Since then, La Montre Hermès has continued to expand and develop its independent manufacturing resources.
A few weeks before Baselworld 2016 to start, Hermès revealed the Slim d’Hermès Manufacture 2016 collection. A perfect example of what we could call “less is more”. Hermès debuted the collection in 2015 with a Slim d’Hermès Manufacture driven by an ultra-thin H1950 movement and a Slim d’Hermès Perpetual Calendar – both measuring 39.5 mm in diameter – as well as 32 mm and 25 mm ladies’ models. The H1950 is a beautiful well built movement. IT deserves its sapphire glass back case to reveal its uniqueness. It took Hermès 4 years to develop this movement launched last year. The movement was designed and manufactured by Vaucher Manufacture, which guarantees a high-quality of manufacturing and finishing, as well as a proved technical capacity. What is so amazing about this movement? Well the main focus was on the micro-rotor. It allows a winding speed equivalent to the one achieved by a thicker traditional self-winding movement. The limits of a micro-rotor is the less economy you get while winding, so you generally need to rebalance with a heavier oscillating weight and take in consideration the reduction of friction in the gear train, escapement as well as on the barrel. In this movement we should also highlight the fact that it is a 42-hours power reserve. This means almost 2 days, which is pretty amazing for a movement of this size and thickness. It is adorned with hand-chamfered edges as well as the iconic H pattern on the bridges. Please note that Vaucher Manufacture belongs to the Sandoz Family Foundation as well as to Hermès International.
Ladies are now also treated to a Slim d’Hermès Manufacture 39.5 mm version, equipped with an ultra-thin movement and enlivened by alligator straps in vibrant colours – sapphire blue, elephant grey, geranium, cassis or simply black – while featuring versions set with white diamonds. An opaline silvered dial lights up the Slim d’Hermès Manfuacture dedicated to women. In the gemset version, 66 white diamonds delicately frame its circumference. For men, the model is enhanced by new shades with a slate grey dial and matching elephant grey alligator strap; while a matt indigo strap complements the hue of the Slim d’Hermès midnight blue. Crafted in the Hermès leather workshops, these straps stem directly from the saddlery and leather-making expertise cultivated by the Maison.
Philippe Delhotal is the Maison Creative director. He explains that this collection was born thanks to the encounter of different designers and artisans. The idea was to get into the Hermès essence with a pure and sharp design. There is something very contemporary in this design that places La Montre Hermès as one of the avantgarde of watch-making. One specific and striking detail on this watch collection is the way numbers were designed. There is a very original approach with an unusual font. It was created by Philippe Apeloig, experienced designer currently collaborating with Jean Nouvel. The approach was to find all the fundamentals of typology, there is also a certain rhythm found in the different lines and it is perfectly blending with the watch dial.
Here are a snapshot of the different variations you can find in the Slim d’Hermès Manufacture. From initial sketch to final timepiece, Slim d’Hermès Manufacture composes a majestic symphony skillfully interweaving graphic arts with watchmaking techniques. Please note the presence of a perpetual calendar, moon phases, day and night indicator, and a GMT functionalities which makes this model a very outstanding one. The collection as you can see here below is a joyful, elegant and diversified collection. From the different choices of materials for the watch case to the materials and colors for the bracelets and dials, you will be able to customize your watch in ways that you almost end up with a very unique piece. All models and combinations will ensure the Hermès style and look. It will provide you with a very contemporary timepiece, perfect to be used in any occasion of your daily life.
You can read more about the Slim d’Hermès Manufacture by visiting the brand official website:
http://lesailes.hermes.com/slimdhermes/home-page
Hermès is, in terms of watch-making, a faceted brand: poet, engineer, artist, designer and magicien. They have a tremendous aim of doing the right thing in the right way. The cult for excellence drives Hermes to create amazing products that will seduce you at first sight. The French luxury house will definitely have a great Baselworld 2016, the first information we got is already outstanding.
Arsène.
Info sourced at Hermes official Pre-Baselworld communication release. All information is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
