Hermès Thins Out

A lean typeface graces a new, slender watch collection.

With this entirely new collection Hermès adds its own distinctive mark in the slim-watch sweepstakes. Among the thinnest of its type, measuring 9.04mm, the new Slim d’Hermès perpetual calendar, the premier piece in the new collection, features a Hermès-designed 2.6mm base caliber topped with a 1.4mm Agenhor module to lead the multi-watch collection.

The Manufacture Hermès H1950 ultra-thin movement sports a microrotor to power the gold 39.5mm watch. Visible from the caseback, the caliber’s bridges are sprinkled with the brand’s H motif and are hand-beveled. The perpetual calendar features displays for days and months while taking account of leap years, thereby providing a fouryear display. The dial’s moon-phase indication is made with natural white mother-of-pearl set against an aventurine glass sky. The dual-time display offers a simple dot to indicate day (white) or night (black).

Indeed, simplification was a goal of Hermès’ designers here. The entire collection (which also includes three-hand automatic models and several smaller sized quartz examples) is not only slim-cased, its dial design features the minimalistic and original typographical work of designer Philippe Apeloig. His distinctive numerals identify the entire Slim d’Hermès collection.

Three sizes

The entire watch collection Slim d’Hermès features much more than just the perpetual calendar. It’s a collection for men and women and the watches are made in three sizes.

You’ll find a rose gold or steel threehand automatic model using the same 39.5mm case size as the perpetual calendar. Also thin, these are dress models that best complement the Apeloig-designed numerals. Inside each is a Hermès-designed automatic caliber H1950, which is the same base movement used by the perpetual calendar, and like that watch, these simpler models also display the movement via a sapphire caseback.

A quartz movement drives the other two Slim d’Hermès models, which measure 32mm and 25mm. These sizes offer colorful Hermès alligator straps, including blackcurrant, cloud white and sapphire blue, alongside ember, Etruscan, elephant grey and ultraviolet options. If color is not for you or your significant other, straps also are available in box calf or Barenia leather, and there’s a steel bracelet also available. These sizes are offered in rose gold or steel variations, with or without diamond settings. When adorned in rose gold, the watch is graced with a guilloché dial in white natural motherof-pearl, while the brand’s ex-libris motif appears on the back of the case.