Hermès may not be the go-to brand for luxe timepieces for purists, but that does not stop the French luxury house from taking the route of exclusivity. Case in point: the brand has just dropped a new colorway for its also stealth-launched chronograph timepiece, the H08 Chronographe.
But notwithstanding that it is the first follow-up to the original 2023 orange monopusher, there’s no press release, and it is not even listed on its website (except for maybe Finland). In fact, the Chronographe series isn’t on the website at all. It is a boutique-exclusive thing, which can only mean one thing: it’s for the Hermès loyalists. That further sidelines watch collectors who may consider adding a fashion-house timepiece to their rotation. OK, that’s unlikely, but anyways, here it is — the new Hermès H08 Chronographe in Naples Yellow.
We would have skipped it altogether since it clearly doesn’t need attention, but the innovative monopusher system deserves a few words. The Hermès H08 Chronographe in Naples Yellow shares the same 41 mm × 45 mm multilayer carbon-fiber case as the OG, a monopusher chronograph complication, and a grainy texture within the sub-dials that leans into a more utilitarian vibe. But what we are here for is the monopusher.
Monopusher is not new, but as far as Hermès goes, it’s probably the first to put design first instead of movement pedigree. Though I think the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph also shares that same philosophy. For the benefit of those who aren’t in the know, a monopusher chronograph, as the name suggests, uses a single button for the chronograph functions, namely, start, stop, and reset. What’s the boon, you asked? Novelty factor, maybe? And the obvious cleaner look. Or maybe the occasional curious question, “Is that really a chronograph?”
Beyond that, the H08 Chronographe in Naples Yellow is very much a technical showpiece. The case combines a carbon fiber composite coated with graphene powder, paired with a sunburst-brushed titanium bezel with a polished chamfer. The crown and pusher are finished in black PVD with a yellow ring for accent — subtle but sharp. The black-gold-treated dial features rhodium-plated luminous Arabic numerals, recessed sub-dials with a grainy texture, yellow accents, and a date window that neatly balances the face.
Underneath, it beats the Hermès Manufacture H1837 automatic movement with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module, operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offering a 46-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back secured by eight screws. The watch is rated for 10 bar (100 m) water resistance and is paired with a Naples Yellow rubber strap with a black DLC-coated titanium folding clasp.
Each piece ships in Hermès’ signature orange box wrapped in a Bolduc ribbon. It’s limited to just 250 pieces, priced at €12,000/US$12,800/£10,200.
Images: Hermès.
Story via Fratello.
