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Close-up of a Hermès H08 with blue dial and blue textile strap.

Watches

Hermès—craftmanship as a way of life

Hermès is one of the most renowned brands in the world, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, refined materials, and pursuit of excellence in every product category. The company creates uniquely luxurious objects that—crafted by the hands of skilled artisans—become lifelong companions. 

They are made with meticulous savoir-faire, offering the lightness of the unexpected and transforming daily life into a playground. Time, too, is an object for Hermès. Rather than measuring, organizing, or controlling it, Hermès dares to redefine time—time that sparks emotion and opens space for imagination and rest. 

With this vision, the Paris-based company, founded in 1837, has passed down a way of life for generations—one defined by boundless freedom, independence, and a deep respect for true craftsmanship. 

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Leather marquetry

In the leather workshop of its watch Manufacture, Hermès gives pride of place to the maison's original field of know-how, leather craftsmanship.

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Miniature painting

The dial becomes a backdrop for showcasing the art of miniature painting. With tiny touches of coulour, it gradually reveals every nuance of its design.

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Engraving

An art in which strength and meticulous care come together to take centre stage. Gravers and scorpers dance on the material, beginning a fascinating ballet and revealing every detail of the goldsmith's work.

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Straw maquetry

A rare and meticulous skill.. Rye straw, a living material, is subjected to the rigours of the climate and to the various baths used to dye it, to take on an infinite range of shades.

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The history of Hermès

Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop, the brand quickly gained a reputation for creating exquisite leather bags and accessories. From its beginnings, Hermès has stood for creative freedom, the finest materials, and timeless beauty. From the start, the company has upheld its independence: as a responsible family business, it manufactures its products at 60 production and training sites across France. 

In 1927, the brand expanded its range with the introduction of the first Hermès watches. These timepieces, developed in close collaboration with renowned watchmakers and in-house artists, reflected the brand’s commitment to quality and aesthetics. A milestone came in 1996, when Hermès launched its first in-house mechanical movements—firmly establishing its place in the world of fine watchmaking. 

Since then, Hermès has continued to grow its collections with innovative designs and groundbreaking technical features, all while remaining true to its core values: nurturing creativity, promoting sustainability, and preserving a human-centered philosophy. Over the years, Hermès has not only launched new lines, but has continually reinvented itself through masterpieces such as the Arceau L'heure de la lune Granite and the iconic Kelly watch. 

From tradition to innovation

The story of this globally celebrated luxury brand begins with Thierry Hermès in Paris, specifically in the Rue Basse-du-Rempart. In his small workshop, he crafted durable harnesses for horses. With a commitment to the highest quality, his creations soon gained fame for their unmatched elegance and durability—especially among European aristocracy. In 1867, his high-quality craftsmanship earned recognition at the Paris World’s Fair. 

In the years that followed, the brand continued to evolve. In 1880, Charles-Émile Hermès, Thierry’s son, moved the workshop to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. In this new space, the Maison began crafting high-end leather saddles, which became highly sought-after across Europe. 

In 1922, under the leadership of Émile Hermès, son of Charles-Émile, the brand took a decisive turn: it began offering socially relevant lifestyle products—from its trusted saddlery to small leather goods. 

The art of timekeeping

With its distinctive savoir-faire, Hermès began producing watches in 1928, introducing the innovative Hermès Ermeto in collaboration with the Swiss watchmaker Movado. Unique in both shape and function, this timepiece fused the brand’s design language with precision and dependability. 

A pivotal moment in Hermès’ watchmaking journey was the launch of the Arceau collection in 1978. Designed by Henri d’Origny, the Arceau remains one of the Maison’s most iconic models to this day.