Anticipation, excitement,
Expressed with mechanical wit.

Here's how to use this watch. Set a special time within the next 12 hours. The small dial between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions functions as a countdown timer. When there is one hour remaining, the fan-shaped hand next to it engages. The hand moves delicately, and when the appointed time arrives, it chimes once with a small bell.



The chime is clear and has the distinct tone of a mechanical watch, but it is not ostentatious. Its volume is carefully controlled to be a subtle notification just for the wearer.

"It's time now."

Indeed, the watch gently informs you. It's remarkably discreet. While many watchmakers today focus on making minute repeaters as loud as possible, this chime is purely a personal announcement. Therefore, there's no need to broadcast it. It's so charmingly Hermès, it's almost breathtaking.

Furthermore, the finishing on this dial is exquisite. The concentric circles resembling record grooves, the granular sand-blasted finish, and the matte satin finish—three techniques are used to elegantly organize the dial's information. The font chosen for the Arabic numerals is also distinctive, with slits in the lines creating a playful nuance that is particularly striking.

Hermès's touch extends to the mechanics. The lever is shaped like a Pegasus, and the bridges and rotor are adorned with Hermès's "H" monogram. But the true marvel lies elsewhere. This poetic concept originated five years ago, in 2012, from a casual conversation at Baselworld between Hermès's Director of Watch Development and the renowned watchmaker Jean-Marc Vidaud of Agenhor. The sketch at the beginning of this article was drawn at that very moment.

Hermès has been a presence in the watch industry for 40 years. Since 2006, it has acquired a 25% stake in the prestigious movement manufacturer Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, driving the development of exclusive movements. The fusion of Swiss movement-making technology with French esprit is the essence of Hermès and the source of its unique presence.

The French politician Georges Clemenceau once said,
"When in love, the most enjoyable part is climbing the stairs to meet your beloved."

Like climbing stairs, the retrograde hand approaches that moment. Hermès's watchmakers share this "crescendo of emotion."

Owning this watch means more than simply joining the ranks of luxury watch owners. It signifies earning the right to become an evangelist, conveying Hermès's spirited, humorous esprit to those around you.

How fortunate. One can easily imagine the owner eloquently discussing philosophy, expanding the conversation to their own life philosophy.

Slim d'Hermès Le temps suspendu

Movement | Hermès Manufacture mechanical automatic H1912 movement
Power reserve | Approx. 42 hours
Functions | Time display (hours, minutes), Le temps suspendu function (suspension of time for anticipation)
Case material | 18K rose gold
Case diameter | 40.5mm
Water resistance | 3 bar
Strap material | Alligator
Price | 4,070,000 yen (excluding tax)