Hermès Unveils Rose Gold Slim d'Hermès Quantième Perpétuel with Brown Dial

Hermès has recently re-envisioned its distinguished Slim d'Hermès Quantième Perpétuel, a timepiece that first graced the horological world ten years ago. This updated model presents a luxurious rose gold casing, perfectly complemented by an elegant chocolate-brown dial, embodying the brand's commitment to sophisticated contemporary design while retaining its signature aesthetic. The watch incorporates a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a practical GMT function with a day/night indicator, all powered by an exceptionally thin Vaucher movement. This creation reflects the collaborative efforts of renowned designers and expert movement developers, culminating in a piece that is unmistakably Hermès.

The genesis of the Slim d'Hermès collection in 2015 saw the introduction of both a straightforward time-only model and a more complex perpetual calendar. The development of this intricate calendar function was a collaborative feat, bringing together two designers and a specialized movement developer. Philippe Delhotal, the director of Hermès' watchmaking division, was responsible for the sleek, stylish case featuring distinctive angled lugs. The bespoke dial typography was the brainchild of French graphic designer Philippe Apeloig, celebrated for his award-winning work. Powering this masterpiece is an ultra-thin Vaucher micro-rotor movement, integrated with an equally slender 1.4mm perpetual calendar module conceptualized by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, co-founder of the esteemed movement developer Agenhor. It's worth noting that Hermès acquired a significant stake in Vaucher Manufacture back in 2006, highlighting their deep involvement in the movement's craftsmanship.

The new Slim d'Hermès Quantième Perpétuel boasts a 39.5mm round rose gold case, remarkably slender at just 9.06mm in height, finished with an elegant polish. A pusher at 4 o'clock allows for precise adjustment of the second time zone in one-hour increments. The rich brown dial is a visual delight, featuring a contrasting brushed chapter ring and a smooth central area. It meticulously displays four sub-dials: the date at 12 o'clock, moon phases at 3 o'clock, month and leap year at 9 o'clock, and the second time zone at 6 o'clock. Apeloig's characteristic segmented Arabic numerals are printed on the chapter ring and within three of the counters, adding to the watch's unique charm. Gilded baton hour and minute hands, along with gilded frames for the counters and hands for the date and leap year, echo the warmth of the rose gold case.

An ingenious safety mechanism is discreetly integrated between the moon phase and GMT counters: a blue-and-white day/night indicator that shifts to red just after midnight, preventing accidental calendar adjustments. The moon phases are rendered with exquisite natural mother-of-pearl, subtly glowing against a shimmering blue aventurine sky. The calendar counters exhibit varied textures, with snailed interiors and crisp white numerals and inscriptions, adding depth and readability to the design.

Significant updates have been made to the dial compared to earlier editions, enhancing its unique Hermès identity. The second time zone disc at 6 o'clock is now larger, featuring a contrasting speckled eggshell color. Apeloig's distinctive numerals, instead of being arranged along the perimeter, are playfully scattered and indicated by a dark brown hand. The leap year and month counter has also undergone a redesign, now showcasing a four-spoked gilded hand with a dark brown tip for the leap year. The months are presented in a flared structure that gracefully extends from the circular counter, subtly encroaching upon the chapter ring and introducing a touch of captivating asymmetry to the overall composition.

As previously highlighted, the timepiece is powered by the ultra-thin 2.6mm Vaucher H1950 automatic calibre, combined with a 1.4mm perpetual calendar module, resulting in a remarkably slender movement measuring just 4mm. This movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a robust 48-hour power reserve. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, one can admire the micro-rotor and the meticulously hand-chamfered bridges, adorned with Hermès' characteristic 'H' motif.

The Slim d'Hermès Quantième Perpétuel is completed with an elegant Hermès Havana alligator strap, reinforcing its luxurious appeal. This exquisite timepiece is offered at a retail price of EUR 39,550.