In 2021, the H08 collection made its grand entrance, captivating watch enthusiasts with its unique interpretation of a sports-elegant timepiece from the distinguished house of Hermès. With a fresh case design and a novel dial aesthetic, the initial H08 model stood out as a time-only watch that defied convention. Now, in 2023, Hermès introduces an exciting new member to the H08 family: the H08 Chronograph.

The H08 Chronograph boasts a carbon fiber composite case with a graphene powder coating, slightly larger at 41mm by 41mm compared to its time-only counterpart, which measures 39mm by 39mm. The titanium bezel features sunburst satin-brushed upper surfaces, while the chamfer is meticulously mirror-polished. While retaining the signature dial elements that defined its predecessor, the H08 Chronograph seamlessly incorporates the chronograph complication.

The dial begins with a seconds scale encircling its perimeter, followed by elegantly stylized Arabic numerals coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. A textured ring frames the dial’s center, creating a captivating visual effect. This intricate texture extends to the 30-minute chronograph counter at nine o’clock and the running seconds counter at three o’clock. An unobtrusive date window is discreetly positioned between four and five o’clock, though some may argue it could have been omitted without detracting from the overall design.

The hands on the H08 Chronograph evoke the aesthetic of the earlier time-only version, with the notable exception of the chronograph and running seconds hands, now adorned in vibrant orange with arrow-shaped tips filled with Super-LumiNova. Notably, the H08 Chronograph features a mono-pusher chronograph, where the start, stop, and reset functions are all controlled by a single pusher ingeniously integrated into the black PVD-coated titanium crown. This remarkable complication is made possible by incorporating a mono-pusher chronograph module onto a base movement, resulting in the self-winding Calibre H1837, exclusively crafted for Hermès by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.

The H08 Chronograph serves as a resounding declaration that Hermès’ sports-elegant timepieces are here to stay. Devotees of Hermès’ horological craftsmanship, as well as collectors at large, can anticipate an exciting future for the H08 collection, with the promise of additional animations and complications yet to come.

All photos courtesy of Hermès.