Worth the wait: Slim d'Hermes L'Heure Impatiente
There's whimsy aplenty, with the French house's latest timepiece, but with serious design and the technical chops to match
Watchmaking is serious business. But between comparing chronometers and testing tourbillons, Hermes is here to remind us that sometimes the most beautiful elements can be found in time itself.
Enter its latest creation, the Slim d'Hermes L'Heure Impatiente, featuring a new complication with a pleasingly simple notion inspired by that butterflies-in-stomach feeling of anticipation ahead of an exciting event. Up to 12 hours before the big moment, the counter of the watch can be set to mark the time it's taking place. An hour before it occurs, the countdown is set in motion, culminating in a charming ring, audible only to the wearer's ears.
This playful spectacle is powered by Hermes's in-house produced H1912 calibre, with a modification developed in collaboration with Agenhor, the company spearheaded by master watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. As to be expected from the latest addition to the svelte Slim d'Hermes line, the result is a thin, compact watch that sits comfortably on the wrist; this makes the crystal-clear sound of the striking mechanism all the more impressive, as creating the optimum resonance often necessitates a larger case size.
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Its aesthetics also retain the handsome hallmarks that have made this collection so sought after. Effortlessly chic and beautifully proportioned, it catches the eye with its elegant and graphic typography and pared-back dial. For those seeking a classic dress watch with an unexpected twist, the search is over.
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