The Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe is a refined articulation of Hermès‘ artistic heritage and horological craftsmanship, encapsulating an elegant synergy between traditional artisanal techniques and contemporary watchmaking. This timepiece, with its ethereal depiction of a seahorse on the dial, invites connoisseurs into a narrative deeply rooted in exceptional skill, where engraving and leather marquetry converge to form an evocative and intricate design.
The dial of the Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe is a visual masterpiece, characterised by its seamless blend of engraving and marquetry. The layout is centred around the delicate curvature of a seahorse, an original design by London illustrator Stuart Patience, meticulously transposed onto the dial’s scale. The contours are first traced with attention to precision, then sculpted through expertly wielded engraving tools.
The artistry extends beyond metalwork as it incorporates leather marquetry – fragments of coloured leather, precisely cut to a mere 0.5 mm thickness, are painstakingly assembled to recreate the seahorse’s detailed form. This leatherwork is emblematic of Hermès’ expertise, adding an organic warmth and a tactile dimension that contrasts with the engraved engravings’ crispness. The result is a dial that radiates a subtle complexity; it is neither ostentatious nor overly decorative but suffused with a quiet sophistication.
At the heart of the Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe lies the Manufacture Hermès H1950 movement, a mechanical self-winding calibre crafted in Switzerland. With a diameter of 30 mm and a slim profile of 2.6 mm thickness, it operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. This movement is engineered to deliver precise timekeeping with hours and minutes functions. Beyond its functional superiority, the H1950 respects aesthetic tradition through its decoration, visible via the sapphire case back. The bridges are hand-bevelled and adorned with Hermès’ signature H-shaped engravings, executed by artisans whose skill imbues each component with an elegant finish. The hand beveling ensures a play of light across the movement architecture, accentuating its sophisticated construction and attention to detail. This mechanical heart beats quietly yet confidently within its case, symbolising Hermès’ capacity to blend horological substance with refined beauty.
The case of the Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe complements the watch’s artistry with a restrained yet luxurious approach. Crafted from white gold, the case measures 39.5 mm in diameter — a balanced size that offers presence on the wrist without overwhelming sophistication. The case design is polished to a subtle sheen, with anti-glare sapphire crystal protecting both the dial and the case back, the latter offering an unhindered view of the movement’s craftsmanship. With a water resistance of 3 bar, it is suitable for everyday wear, though the emphasis remains firmly on elegance rather than rugged utility. The case’s round shape and proportions align with the watch’s ethos of modern classicism, offering a contemporary yet timeless silhouette.
Hermès brings its renowned competence in leatherwork to bear in the straps offered with the Hippocampe, fashioned from Swift calfskin leather in two distinct, artfully chosen tones: Béton and Perle. These straps frame the dial’s delicate leather motif, reinforcing the narrative of craftsmanship and luxury that defines the watch. Their fine finish and supple texture lend both comfort and style, underscoring the close relationship between the house’s equestrian and leatherworking heritage and its watchmaking ambitions.
Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe stands as a quietly compelling chapter in Hermès’ watchmaking journey, where technical mastery meets artistic finesse. The watch eschews superfluous complexity in favour of a narrative-driven approach that celebrates artisanal expertise, from leather marquetry to hand-bevelled finishing on the movement. It is issued in a limited series of 24 pieces per version, affirming its rarity and collectability. This timepiece is for those who appreciate understated elegance expressed through craftsmanship that speaks both to the eye and the heart. It remains an exquisite example of how Hermès continues to expand its horological vocabulary whilst honouring the delicate balance of tradition and innovation.
