Hermès is giving its contemporary H08 sports watch a fresh injection of colour, introducing two new variations named Blanc Chantilly and Bleu de Malte. Combining the collection's distinctive cushion shaped case with an interesting mix of technical materials, these latest additions offer a rather different take on the luxury sports watch.
First introduced in 2021, the H08 has gradually established itself as one of the more interesting watches in the Hermès catalogue. While the French luxury house might be better known for its leather goods and fashion, the H08 has proved that its horological ambitions deserve a little more attention.
Both new models retain the familiar 39mm cushion shaped case, but introduce a braided glass fibre composite construction with an aluminium coated surface. The material gives the watch a lightweight feel while creating a distinctive woven texture across the case. It's certainly a little different from your everyday stainless steel sports watch, and that's rather the point.
The Blanc Chantilly version takes a more understated approach, pairing its composite case with a sunburst satin brushed white ceramic bezel featuring polished chamfers. The accompanying white varnished dial is complemented by ruthenium treated Arabic numerals, filled with Super LumiNova for improved legibility.
For something with a little more personality, the Bleu de Malte brings a rich blue ceramic bezel, complete with polished chamfers, alongside a rhodium plated dial with a crystal sandblasted finish. Blue detailing across the minute track and numerals ties everything together, creating a more technical and contemporary aesthetic.
Both versions feature Hermès' distinctive custom Arabic numeral font, designed specifically to complement the geometric proportions of the H08 case. The date display sits neatly between 4 and 5 o'clock, while the hands and numerals benefit from luminous filling.
Powering the pair is the Hermès H1837 automatic movement, produced by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, in which Hermès holds a 25% stake. Measuring just 3.7mm thick, the calibre operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a 50 hour power reserve. It also features hacking seconds and manual winding functionality.
Turn the watches over and the movement can be admired through a sapphire exhibition caseback, secured by six screws and incorporating a titanium construction.
Completing the look is an integrated rubber strap, available in white or Bleu de Malte to match the respective models. Each features a textured surface that echoes the woven appearance of the glass fibre case, alongside a titanium folding clasp.
With 100 metres of water resistance, sapphire crystal protection and a relatively compact 39mm footprint, these latest H08 additions are certainly more than just an exercise in colour changes.
Both the Blanc Chantilly and Bleu de Malte Hermès H08 are available now, priced at €8,150.
Specifications
References: W408396WW00 (Blanc Chantilly) / W408520WW00 (Bleu de Malte)
Case Material: Braided glass fibre composite with aluminium coated surface
Bezel: Ceramic, white or Bleu de Malte with polished chamfers
Case Dimensions: 39mm x 39mm
Case Thickness: 10.6mm
Crystal: Sapphire with anti reflective treatment
Caseback: Titanium and sapphire crystal
Movement: Hermès H1837 automatic, manufactured by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Jewels: 28
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Water Resistance: 100 metres
Strap: Integrated rubber strap with titanium folding clasp
Price: £7800
Winding Things Up
The H08 has always been one of those watches that looks a little better the longer you spend looking at it. Its unusual proportions, distinctive typography and willingness to experiment with materials have helped it carve out an identity in an increasingly crowded luxury sports watch market.
These latest Blanc Chantilly and Bleu de Malte versions don't reinvent the wheel, but they don't really need to. The brighter aluminium coated glass fibre cases, contrasting ceramic bezels and carefully considered dial colours give the collection another lease of life.
Personally, we're leaning towards the Bleu de Malte. There's something about that combination of blue ceramic and textured dial that works particularly well with the unconventional case design. At €8,150, it's certainly a serious investment, but Hermès continues to demonstrate that there's considerably more to its watchmaking ambitions than simply putting a familiar name on a dial.
