History of Hermès
Hermès, a luxury brand renowned for its silk scarves and leather goods, delved into watchmaking in 1912 when the first Hermès wristwatch was crafted as a gift for Emile Hermès’ daughter, featuring a minimalist design. However, it was not until 1928 that Hermès began producing watches commercially in partnership with the Swiss manufacture Movado. In 1978, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of “La Montre Hermès” division in Biel, Switzerland, dedicated to developing and distributing elegant timepieces, coinciding with the launch of the iconic Arceau watch.
In recent years, Hermès has made significant strides in the watch industry by focusing on high design and technical expertise. The brand transitioned from outsourcing parts to producing its own movements in 2006 under the direction of Philippe Delhotal, the creative director for Hermès’s watches. Notable creations like the Le Temps Suspendu and the H08 have garnered acclaim and contributed to Hermès’ growing reputation as a formidable player in luxury watchmaking.
Hermès’ success lies in blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative design elements. The brand’s commitment to excellence is exemplified through meticulous attention to detail seen in unique complications like the Arceau Wow watch with hand-painted mother-of-pearl dials that require 35 hours to create each piece. This dedication has positioned Hermès as a respected player in the mechanical watch industry with award-winning creations and a growing market presence.