Hermès Goes High-Tech With H08 In Ceramic And Blue PVD-Coated Titanium
I think the main achievement of Hermès is to make their luxury products so comfortable and relaxed. This may interest you : Declaration by Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States on the establishment of Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP). These are sophisticated objects made for life, not status symbols to carry around for the rest of the world to see.
This marks a distinctly different approach to luxury compared to Hermès’ main competitors, and one that has proven very successful. This also applies to Hermès watches such as the H08, whose first edition was launched in 2021.
Hermès H08 in Blue Titanium (Photo courtesy of Hermès/Joel Von Allmen)
A not-so-common sporty watch
When presented at the Watches and Wonders 2021 digital event, the watch received a lot of enthusiasm, as its design skillfully combines elegance with a sporty touch. Read also : Traveling to Puerto Rico: What You Need to Know Before Visiting This Summer. Personally, I would even go so far as to call it the perfect modern sports watch because it does so many things so well.
First and foremost is its design. Thanks to its pillow-inspired shape, the case has a vintage feel. And it brings a lot of schedules to the wrist without being overwhelming.
Dials have long been an area where Hermès shines, and the H08 is no different. The numbers have a bold elegance and are easy to read, while being unique from anything else on the market. The same care and dedication went into the date wheel. I also particularly like the second pointer, which is smaller than normal and the same length on both sides of the shaft. It’s one of those playful elements that makes an Hermès watch so enjoyable – even if you don’t know why.
Hermès H08 in Blue Titanium (Photo courtesy of Hermès/Joel Von Allmen)
High-tech materials
If the H08 had been launched a decade or two ago, I would be reviewing the gold version of the watch right now. While I’m sure it would look stunning in white or even yellow gold, this is not the time we live in. High-tech materials have taken the place of precious metals in prestige items. To see also : This Automatic Feeder Is the Ultimate High-Tech Upgrade for Pet Parents on the Go. The H08 in Blue Titanium proves that this is not necessarily a bad thing, even for a somewhat classically inclined gentleman like myself. It exudes Portofino on the wrist and has proven to be the perfect companion with shorts and loafers.
The titanium case has been given an interesting but gentle blue hue thanks to the PVD coating. This gives the Hermès H08 an even sportier look, which is further emphasized by the ceramic bezel.
Hermès H08 in blue titanium (photo courtesy of Alex Teuscher)
The dial has a similar blue color along with a grainy texture. As a result, the luminous numerals used seem to float and add even more depth to the dial. Hermès is a brand that understands the art of subtle touches, and here the (Hermès) orange details are a brilliant touch. There aren’t many, just the tip of the seconds hand and the markings on the anthracite ring on the dial, but just enough to take the design of this H08 version to the next level.
Perfectly powered
For a watch like this, I’ll trade a carefree, robust movement over a refined house any day. This type of watch usually lands on my wrist while on vacation or when I’m relaxing and that’s when I want to keep things simple. Hermès, however, offers both carefree and sophistication with its caliber H1837.
This movement is made by Vaucher, a company in which Hermès bought a 25% stake in 2006. While it is debatable whether this is indeed a production movement, I prefer to focus on the performance and appearance of the caliber.
Hermès H08 back in blue titanium (photo courtesy of Alex Teuscher)
Caliber H1837 can be seen as an elegant workhorse movement. Its architecture is functional yet pleasing, and I was still taken by the decoration with Hermès’ famous H pattern. This caliber runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a healthy 50 hours of power reserve. The screw-down crown helps achieve 100 meters of water resistance, making it a truly worry-free companion for almost any activity.
Hermès H08 in Blue Titanium (Photo courtesy of Hermès/Joel Von Allmen)
The finishing touch is the blue rubber strap, which also has an attractive design. Its textured center gives it a much better look and feel than most other rubber bands on the market.
This band is attached to the wrist with a titanium butterfly clasp. This also plays an important role in the pleasant wearing comfort of the H08. For this I must also attribute the back of the watch case made of titanium, the smooth surface of which provides a pleasant feeling on the wrist.
Hermès H08 in blue titanium (photo courtesy of Alex Teuscher)
All told, this H08 is a very welcome and enjoyable addition to the Hermès watch collection, and one that I’d happily wear on holiday, while secretly dreaming of a yellow gold version when I’m not.
Quick facts Hermès H08 in blue titanium case: 39 x 39 mm, ceramic bezel; blue titanium case with PVD coating, 100 meters water resistance Movement: automatic Hermès Caliber H1837 with double spring tubes; 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, 50-hour power reserve Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; Date Price: $8,250
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