The Casually Chic Slim d’Hermès Titane
With a titanium case and orange accents on the dial.
This year Hermès introduces a more casual offering to its popular Slim d’Hermès collection. Presented for the first time in an ultra-thin, grade 2 titanium case, it is paired with an anthracite dial complete with dashes of Hermès orange. While it may not be one for collectors, the new Slim d’Hermès Titane is sure to appeal to those who appreciate good design, not to mention the brand cache the name on the dial brings.
Launched in 2015, the Slim d’Hermès has arguably the broadest appeal of all the brand’s men’s watch models. The original concept was created by Philippe Delhotal, Creative Director of the Hermès watchmaking division, and it is undeniably eye-catching. Somewhere between an everyday watch and a chic dress watch, its appeal lies in its simplicity. The dial is time-only, with hours and minutes displayed centrally, while running seconds are shown on a sub-dial at 6 o’clock.
It is the unique typography on the dial though, designed by the multi-award winning French graphic designer and typographer, Philippe Apeloig, that really gives the Slim d’Hermès collection its distinct character. The dial is composed of three parts: a chapter ring with cut-out Arabic numerals; a finely snailed centre swept over by slim baton-type hands; and a frosted crystal small seconds counter.
While all previous dial offerings have been monochromatic, the Slim d’Hermès Titane introduces just a hint of colour which really changes the entire character of the watch. Now it’s more sporty and fun, yet you could still wear it out to a fancy dinner. The ultra-thin titanium case is microblasted and measures 39.5mm in diameter. Completing the look is a circular satin-brushed bezel and lovely elongated lugs.
Inside is the ultra-thin Calibre H1950, complete with micro-rotor. Measuring just 2.6mm thick, it beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph and offers a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound. Visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, it shows bridges adorned with an ‘H’ pattern.
The new Slim d’Hermès Titane is worn on a matte graphite alligator strap with orange burnishing on the inner side matching the orange on the dial. It is closed with a grade 2 titanium buckle. Price will be USD 8,050.
9 responses
I think the anthracite/silver two-tone combination, a hint of orange and the sandwich type of dial construction have brought the right amount of sportiness to the original design. Its brushed titanium case is a reasonable choice, however the blasted lugs and crown have pushed too much for me. I love all offerings in the Slim d’Hermes series, but this one may be the only exception.
For myself, the brand name does not bring benefits. At all. And this is too expensive for a quirky, casual watch. It’s not unsightly by any means. If it said “Stowa” on the dial and was around $1,500, it would make more sense. But consider what you can buy for the kind of money they want for it.
For some reason this reminds me of an Ochs & Junior (not a bad thing). Prefer the Arceau range in general, though.
I cannot understand why they chose that name. It seems very rude. I picked up a Datejust “homage” in Eastern China which was actually very nice for the money. But the brand name is “Citole”. I gave it to a friend.
The origin of the name seems pretty straight-forward. “Titane” is French for titanium. Hermes is a French brand and the case is made out of titanium.
I think the same about Shiitake mushrooms, JAGOTW.
I’m talking about Arceau!
Haha!
Lol, I can’t help you there then :)))