Hermès Adds A Futuristic Undertone To A Vintage Timepiece With Slim d’Hermès Pocket Watch

If there is one thing Hermès does really well, it is its ability to seamlessly infuse an urban vibe to a vintage accessory putting luxury detailing at its core. Take the latest Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider Watch for example. Who would have thought that an antique item such as the pocket watch could be enlivened with a contemporary touch making it a coveted timepiece for any watch collector. While the pocket watch is reminiscent of a bygone era, the mysterious rider cruising along the streets of a metropolis presents a unique juxtaposition. 

Its timeless lines designed by Philippe Delhotal in 2015 lend themselves to every expression of Hermès skills. Its slender curves highlight both bold, whimsical and minimalist motifs. The Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider watch airily reflects the playful imaginary world and the singular nature of Hermès time. 

Crafted in a 3-piece limited edition, this pocket watch reinterprets the Mysterious Rider silk scarf motif created by illustrator and designer Viktor Hachmang. A finalist in the Grand Prix du Carré Hermès, the Dutch artist marries colourful, futuristic graphics with refined Japanese art and comic-book pop culture. His bright hues and geometric patterns bring to life the mysterious rider on a gleaming motorbike. In the background is a shop front reminiscent of the legendary and historic 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. 

The champlevé enamel technique has been used to bring the cover to life. This demanding métier d’art involves carving small cells into the metal, filling them with coloured glass powders mixed with natural oils and firing them several times in a kiln at over 800ºC to fix the pigments. Using a palette of red, white, and blue enamel, a helmet hides the biker’s face and head as he holds the handlebars of a futuristic motorbike. Naturally, he is wearing an Hermès scarf with touches of red to match his riding gear and helmet. Geometric patterns in a steel grey colour are used for the motorbike and the stone façade in the background, which is the storefront of Hermès’ flagship boutique in Paris on 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Beating at the heart of the Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider is the Manufacture Hermès H1950 ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement. A strap and pouch in matt Rouge H alligator leather, crafted in accordance with the Hermès saddlery and leather goods expertise, accentuate the overall crimson nuances of this creation.