Hermes was initially established as a Parisian saddle store in 1837. Hermes began producing timepieces in the 1920s. Hermes integrated its advanced skill in saddle design into its leather watch straps, which gave the watch straps a distinctive flare. The vision of the company was to produce watches from the finest and most-reputable Swiss watchmakers. Hermes became world-famous when it introduced the Kelly Paddock watch, and the company is also known for its French inspired collection of watches. These watches are available in 6 different collections that include classic designs with precise Swiss movement pieces. Today, Hermes is one of the most well-known luxury watch manufacturers on the planet.
The 1970s marked an innovative decade for Hermes, which included the release of the famous Kelly watch in 1975. The Kelly watch was inspired from the famous Kelly handbag, which was designed by Hermes. The Kelly locket watch was inspired from the Kelly bag, and was produced to honor Princess Grace of Monaco. The Kelly 2 was later released and included a slim steel casing with a white dial. The Kelly 2 also had 4 protruding inserts. The well-known Paprika model was also released by Hermes in the 1970s. In 1978, Jean-Louis Dumas Hermes established the La Montre Hermes S.A. in Bienne, Switzerland. This was the first factory exclusively for watch production in Switzerland by Hermes. By the end of the 1970s, Hermes had retail store locations on every continent.
Launched in 1978, and later reintroduced, the Arceau collection was designed to represent classic French elegance. The collection was designed by world-famous designer, Henri d’Origny. The collection of watches feature a round case with a stirrup-shaped upper casing. To celebrate the watch company’s 100th anniversary, an Arceau was launched exclusively for ladies. The dials feature slanting numeral markings that are driven by calibers, which include the most high-class complications in the luxury watch industry.
The Cape Cod collection was inspired and paid homage to one of the ultimate vacation destinations on the United StatesnEast Coast, Cape Cod. The Cape Cod collection includes square and rectangular casings that feature integrated horns, and this collection of watches are free of bezels. The Tonneau watch model is made using an exclusive silver alloy that preserves the glow of the metal for years. The Cape Cod collection was designed to have a minimalist and modern style.
The Clipper collection is the watch manufacturers sporting line of watches. The watches feature bezels that are porthole-shaped and include 6 protruding rivets. The line of watches were inspired by the classic “yachting” style. The Clipper Sport model was designed for outdoor activists. The model is made for durability, but it still captures the famous Hermes elegance. The watch features an emblematic bezel that is crafted with portholes that resemble 19th century sailing and yachting ships.
The Heure H collection is considered the most iconic of collections presented by Hermes. The idea for this collection came from Philippe Mouquet in 1996. The watches were designed with a system that makes it easy for owners to change straps. The straps are available in alligator, goatskin, and calfskin and come in a variety of colors. The collections of watches include an H-shaped case and are available in steel or plated gold.
The Dressage collection was released in 1993, and is the staple collection of Hermes. The collection includes 10 available models, including a rare limited edition model marked with numbered pieces that was released to celebrate the watch company’s 175th anniversary.