THE JOURNAL

Witnessing the Eternal Trajectory of Time - Hermès Watches

Article ArchivePublished 2009-10-02

Beginning in 1928, Hermès began designing its own watches in cooperation with top Swiss watchmakers, opening the history of Hermès watchmaking. In 1978, the Hermès watch company and manufacture was established in Switzerland, marking the transition of Hermès watches from fashion timepieces into the realm of professional mechanical watches, subsequently launching many classic mechanical watch models. In 2003, Hermès partnered for the first time with top Swiss movement manufacturer Vaucher to launch the first generation of the Dressage watch collection, thus entering a brand-new era for Hermès watches and moving towards the field of high-end professional watchmaking. In 2006, Hermès acquired a 25% stake in the Vaucher movement manufacturer, jointly launching several top-tier mechanical watches with complex complications, demonstrating Hermès' deep commitment and ambition to cultivate high-end professional mechanical watchmaking and continuously pursue innovation and breakthroughs.

Dressage Third-Generation Retrograde Date Annual Calendar Watch

Currently, the development of Hermes mechanical watches follows two distinct paths. The first involves mid-to-high-range models, such as the Arceau, Clipper, Pendulette Boule, and Sésame collections, which utilise movements sourced from ETA and Valjoux, subsequently modified and refined by the Hermes manufacture before being cased. On the other hand, Hermes collaborates with the Vaucher movement manufacture to produce high-end mechanical watches, such as the Cape Cod and Dressage collections, which are equipped with top-tier movements specifically crafted by Vaucher for Hermes.

Cape Cod 8-day power reserve jumping hour watch

The perfect synergy between high-end watchmaking technology and the equestrian spirit creates the timeless classic value of every Hermes high-end mechanical watch. The legendary figures who forged these classics—senior Hermes designer Henri d’Origny and Paul Clementi, director of the special division at the Vaucher movement manufacture—both believe that perfection and passion are their unwavering commitments to creating timeless masterpieces for Hermes.

Clipper automatic mechanical diving chronograph

Henri states, "The pursuit of perfection is a moral duty," noting that from product sketches to the production process, there is ample time to ensure the product is flawless. Paul believes that every time a new watch is created, from the initial plan and concept to the finished product, it is like a brand-new journey that he finds thoroughly enjoyable. Both masters are dedicated to the pursuit of perfection, following tradition while embracing innovation. This ensures that every Hermes high-end mechanical watch seen today, whether in terms of exterior design or mechanical performance, inherits the Hermes tradition of innovation and non-conformity. The creativity of these two masters imbues Hermes watches with a unique DNA, embodying the unparalleled perfectionism of Hermes.