Hermès Goes Titanium With New Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel
These days there is no shortage of perpetual calendars. Most brands have one in their collection, yet not all are equal. Because there are quite a few to choose from, standing out of the crowd can be a challenge. Hermès has no problem tackling this by simply staying true to their own DNA and use an interesting mix of materials.
The caseband and -back of Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel are crafted from grade 5 titanium with a bead blasted finish. This works particularly well for this model, as it gives it a technical look that we are not used to seeing with Hermès. To ensure that there is no overkill, they make the bezel either out of red gold or platinum. In a very subtle way they cross back over to familiar territory, making this watch stand out yet being instantly recognizable as a Hermès at the same time. This is also in part thanks to the dial. While the watch is relatively modest in size, measuring 39.5mm in diameter, all functions can be read with ease.
Here it is once again all about the details and the visual balance between them. You don’t expect stencil-style numerals looking good on a watch with the style and class of a Hermès, but the brand proves that it does. The same goes for the contrasting subdial at six o’clock, where seemingly randomly placed numerals form the second time-zone function. When experiencing them in everyday life, it is because of how they are placed that makes them easy to read. A tiny window just above it serves as a day/night-indicator. Also the way that Hermès combined the month indicator with that of the leap-year at the nine o’clock position is proof of good design. The moon phase display adds a classic touch to the watch. The moon itself is made from mother-of-pearl, while Hermès used aventurine glass to craft the night sky from. The Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel is powered by a 4mm slim movement, decorated with hand-beveled bridges and Hermès signature ‘H-pattern,’ all visible through the sapphire caseback.
