The new Hermes Heure H Tres Grand (ref. 036929WW00) that was recently presented by the French fashion brand keeps exploring a somewhat trite theme of H-shaped cases.
Of course, it is not the first time that the luxury goods maker introduces an H-shaped timepiece.
If you spend a couple of minutes doing a quick search on eBay, you will find a number of Hermes-branded watches that have their horns stylized in such a way as to represent the Latin letter “H” that the brand’s name begins with.
Some of the earlier examples of the approach (like, for instance, the already out-of-stock Ref. HR1.210.230/UBC model) look downright banal, while others are just okay.
This new Hermes Heure H Tres Grand (like, as matter of fact, all of their current Heure H line of similarly styled watches that is evenly distributed from small to this, relatively large one, models,) however, looks a lot more appealing if not particularly interesting.
Probably, the reason for yours truly being mildly impressed by this new model has something to do with a set of subtle touches expertly applied here and there by something that looks like a skilled -albeit lacking particular love for the product per se- hand of a good designer.
Also, the success of the new design is ensured with a well-decorated dial with its square guilloche pattern, boxy Arabic numerals, and sword-shaped hour and minute hands that provide the H Tres Grand with a more high-toned appearance.
The signature Hermes Barenia leather strap with contrast stitching and a stainless steel safety deployant clasp also adds greatly to the refined elegance of the watch.
Of course, the dial is not just elegant. With its high-contrast layout, easily readable interface (a rare thing for a fashion product), and sapphire crystal coated with an antireflective film, it is adequately legible, too.
There is not a drop of Superluminova either on the indexes or on the hands. However, being primarily a dressy watch, the Heure H Tres Grand doesn’t need any lume whatsoever. There is always enough light in such places where this watch is going to be demonstrated.
According to the French fashion brand, the device is powered by an unspecified automatic caliber created by the Swiss manufacture Vaucher.
Although most of you probably never heard about such a business entity as Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, it is, in fact, a serious maker of mechanical calibers.
Re-established in 2003, split from Parmigiani Fleurier and partly owned by Hermes, the Manufacture sells its movements to such well-known luxury brands as Parmigiani itself, Corum, Richard Mille, Bulova, and other big names in the industry.
See also: Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Bleu de Malte
Photos: Hermes
Hermes Heure H Tres Grand 036929WW00 specification
Price: €2300 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Vaucher, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: H-shaped
Bezel shape: Square
Size: 32.00 mm x 32.00 mm
Dial: White, guilloche
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Sword-shaped
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Hermes Barenia leather strap with safety deployant clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire