Hermès H08 "Colours" automatic black dial orange rubber strap 42 mm

Between raw materials, precision craftsmanship, and vibrant colors: the Hermès watch

With the H08, Hermès has not simply created yet another contemporary sports watch. The Parisian Maison offers a unique vision of masculine time, articulated around bold contrasts: tension and fluidity, roughness and refinement, technicality and sensuality. In this “Colors” version unveiled at Watches & Wonders, the W402992WW00 reference illustrates one of the most daring interpretations of this philosophy.

A functional, inspired and unique architecture

The H08 case intrigues at first glance: neither completely round nor completely square, its “coussin” shape asserts a powerful, compact and balanced silhouette. Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 39 mm in width, it is machined from a composite of braided glass fibers, an innovative material that surprises with its lightness and extremely soft, almost sensual feel.

This material is not only technical: its matte surface with mineral reflections, obtained by metallization with aluminum and slate powder, recalls raw material, as if it had come straight from an architect's studio. Every detail has been carefully considered: a satin-finished black ceramic bezel with mirror-polished chamfers, a matching crown, and a smoked sapphire case back. The result is a watch that makes a strong statement without ever losing its elegance.

A dial with a strong visual language

The Hermès H08 W402992WW00 watch features a gray “concrete” dial with a grained and varnished finish that contrasts beautifully with the three-dimensional applied numerals. These rhodium-plated hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova®, as are the hands, for optimal readability. The eye is naturally drawn to the typography, designed especially for this collection: the numerals vary in thickness and curvature, creating a subtle impression of perspective, as if they were escaping from the dial in motion.

At 4:30, a perfectly integrated date window flows seamlessly into this coherent design. The orange-lacquered seconds hand, a nod to the watch's energy, is finished with a case-shaped counterweight—a signature detail that will delight connoisseurs.

Hermès H1837 caliber: watchmaking according to Hermès

Under the dial, Hermès makes no compromises when it comes to technology. This version of the H08 is powered by the H1837 automatic movement, developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, in which Hermès is a shareholder. It beats at 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and delivers a comfortable power reserve of 50 hours.

Thin (3.7 mm thick), reliable and carefully decorated (with a rotor adorned with the infinite “H” motif visible through the sapphire case back), it symbolizes elite watchmaking without ostentation, in keeping with the image of the Parisian Maison.

Orange strap: bold color

The finishing touch to this contemporary composition is the orange rubber strap with a woven texture, which adds a sporty touch without compromising on luxury. 21 mm wide, supple, durable and extremely comfortable, it is secured by a black satin-finished DLC titanium folding clasp that is as discreet as it is functional.

The choice of orange is no accident: this iconic Hermès color brings the dial to life, echoing the hour markers and second hand. The colored gasket adds to the perfectly mastered color scheme.