Watchatlas

Hermès

Paris, France · Est. 1837

Founded by Thierry Hermès

Hermès entered watchmaking in 1978 and opened its own manufacture, La Montre Hermès, in Biel in 1978. The brand's watches, including the Arceau and Cape Cod, are distinguished by their artisanal dial treatments — silk-screen printing, leather dials, cloisonné enamel — reflecting the maison's deep craft heritage.

Founded
1837
Headquarters
Paris, France
Group
Other
Price Segment
Luxury
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Arceau (1978) — Arceau is Hermès’ round watch line with Henri d’Origny’s asymmetric stirrup-like lugs, first created in 1978; it spans clean quartz pieces and more elaborate métiers d’art or manufacture models while staying recognizably equestrian and understated. Key references: W055378WW00, W404005WW00, W055473WW00.
  • Cape Cod (1991) — Cape Cod is Hermès’ square-in-rectangle watch family born from Henri d’Origny’s 1991 sketch; its free-spirited profile and later double-tour leather strap made it one of the maison’s most recognizable fashion-watch icons. Key references: W043653WW00, W044347WW00, W403522WW00.
  • Heure H (1996) — Heure H is Hermès’ architectural watch line that turns the house initial into a case shape, designed by Philippe Mouquet in 1996; it has become a broad family ranging from compact quartz pieces to more elaborate diamond and automatic executions. Key references: W404305WW00, W404256WW00, W054131WW00.
  • Slim d'Hermès — Ultra-thin collection featuring a bespoke typographic numeral font by Philippe Apeloig, housing Hermès' own thin automatic movements.

Timeline

  • 1837 — Thierry Hermès founds the house in Paris as a harness and saddle maker serving European nobility.
  • 1928 — Hermès releases its first wristwatch, the Ermeto — a sliding-case travel clock.
  • 1978 — La Montre Hermès is established in Biel, Switzerland, as the dedicated watch subsidiary. Henri d'Origny designs the Arceau.
  • 2006 — Hermès acquires a 25% stake in Vaucher Manufacture, gaining access to in-house movement production.
  • 2021 — Launch of the H08, a modern sport watch representing Hermès' first foray into contemporary, casual-wear timepieces.
  • 2025 — Unveils the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu with a time-stopping pusher complication and the Arceau L'heure de la Lune with lunar meteorite dials at Watches & Wonders 2025. Debuts the sculptural Maillon Libre bracelet watch.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hermès

Does Hermès make its own watch movements?
Hermès uses a combination of movements: ETA/Sellita for entry-level pieces, Vaucher Manufacture movements for mid-range (Hermès owns 25% of Vaucher), and fully proprietary calibres for its haute horlogerie pieces like the Slim d'Hermès.
What is the Cape Cod double-tour?
Designed in 1991 by Henri d'Origny, the Cape Cod features a leather strap that wraps twice around the wrist. Martin Margiela added the 'double-tour' concept, which became one of the most recognisable watch designs in fashion.

Visit Website ↗Instagram ↗

More Other watch brands

enfrdeiteshizhjaar