The H08 is an all-new men’s watch from Hermès. Featuring a cushion-shaped case and a Vaucher movement, the H08 is typical of Hermes in its restrained, thoughtful styling exemplified by the custom typography.
Hermès described the H08 at its launch as a relatively affordable, everyday watch with a simple, high-quality execution – which is accurate. Though it comes from a brand better known for its handbags and scarves, the H08 is a watch done well in many ways.
The H08 is surprisingly appealing in the metal. Slim and lightweight, it has a design that is interesting despite being simple. And its technical credentials are solid, albeit not fancy, with the H1837 movement inside being a Vaucher calibre.
Although the H08 does evoke other watch designs, it still manages to look original. And it does look like a Hermes product, which might be important to some buyers, thanks to the touch of orange in the seconds hand that remains discreet enough to suit those who don’t care for obvious emblems.
Characterised by geometric shapes, the styling is modern while incorporating accents that illustrate Hermes’ traditional attention to detail. The font used for the hour numerals, for instance, was designed specifically for the H08 and echoes the cushion shape of the case. And the same font is used for the date, ensuring perfect consistency in its typography (though it does impact legibility of the date somewhat).
On the surface, the most interesting H08 is the version in graphene composite, which is palpably lightweight thanks to the novel case material. But it costs a quarter more than the titanium version, which is actually more appealing in the metal, especially on the bracelet.
Thin enough that it isn’t too weighty, the bracelet feels good and wears well. It is also well priced at only US$600 over the base model on a strap, while the graphene-composite version is an US$2,900 extra.
With the base-model H08 starting at US$6,000, it is a reasonable proposition considering the quality of build. The value it offers is comparable to similarly-priced watches from mainstream watch brands, though not to the level of value champions like Tudor. But the H08 has the added appeal of good design, which clearly sets it apart from the competition.
The best value amongst the H08 models is the version on a bracelet. Modelled on the case shape, the bracelet is a good fit for the case, both in terms of design and size.
Fashion and leather goods houses like Hermes, or even peers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, don’t often get respect as watchmakers. But they make tangibly good watches, and the H08 is an example of that.
It possesses the brand’s house style of restraint mixed with distinctive details. At the same time, all of its elements, from the dial to case, are excellent quality, particularly for the price.
