Introducing: A Brand New Flagship Collection Of All-Terrain Watches From Hermès

Quick Take Hermès is coming in hot at Watches & Wonders 2021 with the debut of an entirely new line: the H08. This thoroughly modern all-terrain watch is a departure from the Maison's more refined silhouettes, with a new case architecture that offers a distinct everyday-wear quality. And if you have something by Hermès, don't you want to wear it every day? In typical Hermès fashion, there's an underlying emphasis on design with a case that plays off the numerals zero and eight, featuring circular shapes, softened edges, and pleasing curves contrasted by angular details that balance the composition. Speaking of composition, within the H08 line you'll also find a mix of materials, from graphene composite and DLC-coated titanium cases to black gold-coated or black nickel-coated dials – an intermingling of delicacy and strength. Initial Thoughts With the all-new H08 collection, Hermès has introduced not one, not two, but five specific iterations on the model. The first and most intriguing features a graphene-filled composite case (ref. W049433WW00). This robust and ultra-light material is a graphite allotrope of carbon, and frankly, ultra-light is an ultra-understatement. Graphene is one of the lightest materials currently used in watchmaking, first employed by Richard Mille in 2017 with the RM 50-03 . The H08's graphene composite case provides not only a sturdy and effortless build but also a sleek appearance that gives way to the model's all-black aesthetic. To complete the look, Hermès has coupled a black gold-coated dial with black nickel-coated hands and applied Arabic numerals in a typeface specifically developed for the collection. The monochrome design extends to the exhibition caseback (featuring black-tinted sapphire) and the rubber strap. Next up is a two-tone, DLC-coated titanium option in two colorways. These models are identical with the exception of their straps, which come in the option of blue or trademark Hermès orange. In addition to the two-tone, DLC-coated titanium case construction, these variants showcase black nickel-coated dials, hands, and applied Arabic numeral hour markers in the same exclusive font. This iteration of the H08 maintains a sense of depth with contrasting elements like a black gold-coated, satin-brushed minutes disc; white minutes track; and sunburst satin-brushed titanium bezel with mirror-polished chamfers. Rounding out the inaugural H08 collection is a pair of straightforward titanium watches, one with a rubber strap and the other with a matching titanium bracelet. Once more, these variants employ a diverse interplay of materials with black nickel-coated dials, rhodium-plated hands and applied Arabic numerals, as well as a black gold-coated, satin-brushed minutes disc. One (ref. W049427WW00) stands out against the rest for its titanium bracelet, which showcases a one-of-a-kind link pattern displaying the shape of the iconic Hermès "H." Each of these five takes on the new H08 features a 39 × 39mm cushion-shaped case and display hours, minutes, and seconds as well as the date at half-past four. In addition, every iteration gets a healthy dose of Super-LumiNova applied to the hour markers and hands. Inside the H08 models, you'll find the Hermès Manufacture Caliber H1837 self-winding movement. Overall, the casual and playful collection is a very welcome addition to the Hermès catalog. You can dress it up or dress it down (though, with Hermès, you're never that dressed down). And the H08 offers a more contemporary look and feel than your standard steel watch. The only thing that gives me pause about the collection is its firm standing in the men's universe. The brand has specifically positioned this watch for the modern man, embodying his multifaceted nature with the balance of strength and sophistication that's been pervasive in the Hermès menswear line over the past three decades under the artistic direction of Véronique Nichanian. Nichanian's unique touch is evident in every aspect of the H08, from the pop of orange on the tip of the seconds hand against an otherwise neutral canvas to the webbing of the strap that mirrors the texture of Hermès bags. Perhaps Nichanian has subconsciously brought an underlying dash of femininity to her designs, or perhaps I just find the H08 to be a really compelling option for any wrist – I know I'd love to have one on mine. The Basics Brand: Hermès Model: H08 Reference Number: W049430WW00; W049427WW00; W049433WW00 Diameter: 39mm Thickness: 10.6mm Case Material: Graphene composite; DLC-coated titanium; satin-brushed titanium Dial Color: Black gold-coated; black nickel-coated Indexes: Black nickel-coated applied Arabic numerals; rhodium-plated applied Arabic numerals Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova on indexes and hands Water Resistance: 100 meters Strap/Bracelet: Orange and black rubber straps; titanium bracelet The Movement Caliber: Hermès Manufacture Caliber H1837 Functions: Hour, minute, second, date Diameter: 26.2mm Thickness: 3.7mm Power Reserve: Approximately 50 hours Winding: Mechanical, self-winding, double barrel, Swiss made Frequency: 28,800 vph Jewels: 28 Chronometer Certified: N/A Pricing & Availability Price: $5,700; 6,050; $8,900 Availability: Now Shop Talk As of today, the HODINKEE Shop is an Authorized Dealer for Hermès, so if you're looking to learn more about or purchase the new H08, don't forget to check the Shop .A thoroughly modern men's line that can't help but have a touch of Parisian chic.