When introduced in 2021, the H08 collection was hailed as a novel interpretation of a sports-elegant timepiece from the minds at Hermès. The initial time-only H08 was unlike any other timepiece we’d seen before, thanks to its novel case and dial aesthetics. In 2023, the Maison added a brand-new chronograph to the H08 collection.
The 41mm by 41mm carbon fibre composite, graphene powder-coated case of the H08 Chronograph is marginally larger than the 39mm by 39mm case of its time-only counterpart. The upper surfaces of the bezel are sunburst satin-brushed, while the chamfer is mirror polished. The watch retains previously established signature dial elements while creating room for the chronograph mechanism. The dial’s perimeter features a seconds scale, followed by stylized Super-LumiNova coated Arabic numerals and a textured ring that encompasses the dial’s center.
The 30-minute chronograph counter, located at nine o’clock, and the continuous seconds counter, located at three o’clock, both feature this textured effect. A discrete date window is positioned between four and five o’clock (we will say that we comprehend the placement given the other elements on the dial, but this feature could have been omitted without consequence). Except for the chronograph hands and the running seconds hand, which are now rendered in orange with Super-LumiNova-filled arrow ends, the hands used for the H08 Chronograph are identical to those used for the earlier time-only model.
If you are wondering where the chronograph pushers are on this watch, the answer is that, in an intriguing twist, Hermès has opted for a single-pusher chronograph. Meaning that the chronograph’s start, stop, and reset functions are all activated by a single lever integrated into the titanium crown with a black PVD coating. This complication is made feasible by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier’s incorporation of a mono-pusher chronograph module onto a base movement, resulting in the self-winding calibreH1837 made exclusively for Hermès.
The H08 Chronograph demonstrates unequivocally that Hermès’ exquisite sports timepieces are here to stay. Fans of the Maison’s watchmaking and collectors in general can now rest assured that additional animations and complications will be introduced to the H08 in the near future.
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