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Hermès strengthens reputation with switch from Basel to Geneva’s SIHH

Hermès Cape Cod’s “Anchor Chain” motif on dial with a double tour Malta blue strap

Meet the new kid on the block.

Hermès, which has been a key exhibitor at Baselworld, will join Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève (SIHH) for the first time this year. The move from Basel to Geneva will evoke interest in its newofferings – and Hermès lives up to its reputation as a heritage brand with a presence in the watch industry.

Hermès introduces a sporty model to its Arceau collection. The collection, created in 1978 by Henri d’Origny, features a stirrup-inspired asymmetrical lug design paired with a distinctive font used on the dial.

Hermès Arceau Chrono Titane with natural Barenia calfskin strap.

The new 41mm Arceau Chrono Titane model features a sporty look and comes equipped with a chronograph function. The dial features three counters, located at 3 o’clock (small seconds), 6 o’clock (12-hour counter) and 9 o’clock (30-minute counter), as well as its signature sloping numerals. There is also a small date window, between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock.

Inside the bead-blasted titanium case beats a mechanical self-winding Swiss-made movement at 4Hz. It also comes with a 42-hour power reserve. Two strap versions are available: natural Barenia calfskin and black embossed Barenia calfskin.

Hermès Arceau Chrono Titane with black embossed Barenia calfskin strap

The Cape Cod collection, introduced in 1991, is known for its square-within-a-rectangle case design. It was also devised by Henry d’Origny, who was tasked with designing a square timepiece – even though he favoured rectangular s ones. The ensuing design was a compromise: a square face is fitted inside a rectangular case, combining two shapes and proportions into a singular, uniform design.

This year at SIHH, Hermès presents new versions, all featuring Swiss-made quartz movements, for its signature Cape Cod line. The first features a rhodium-plated dial coated with translucent lacquer, which gives it a mirror-like effect. This version is available in both large (29mm) and small (23mm) sizes, with two strap options: single or double tour Milanese mesh bracelet.

Hermès Cape Cod’s rhodium-plated and mirror-polished dial

Two other variations are also part of the line-up: blue lacquered or black gold-treated and polished dials, both coated with translucent lacquer. The “Anchor Chain” motifs are seen on the dials, placed at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock, all evenly-spaced and providing a sense of balance. These versions, which only come in large (29mm), come with two strap options: Malta blue grained and étoupe smooth calfskin.

Hermès Cape Cod’s “Anchor Chain” motif on dial with étoupe smooth calfskin strap in a single tour strap
SIHH 2018

Hermès unveils new versions of its signature Cape Cod line and a sporty model for its Arceau collection