Hermès

Brand history

Hermes established La Montre Hermes in Biel/Bienne in 1978 as its watch manufacturing subsidiary. The facility produces in-house calibers including H1837 (Cape Cod), H1912 (Arceau), and H1950 (Slim d'Hermes), making Hermes a genuine manufacture brand within its fashion-house identity.

Founded 1837 in Paris by Thierry Hermès as a harness and bridle manufacturer for the carriage trade. Hermès entered luxury goods through leather goods and silk in the early 20th century; the watch division was formalized with the acquisition of the movement manufacturer Joseph Erard in 1978. Hermès movements and cases are produced in Biel/Bienne through the in-house La Montre Hermès subsidiary and the movement atelier Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier (in which Hermès holds a minority stake alongside Parmigiani). The Arceau, Cape Cod, and Slim d'Hermès lines carry the fashion-house DNA, the Arceau's asymmetric lugs, the Cape Cod's H-link bracelet. The H08 (2021) is the brand's move into the contemporary sport watch sector. The buyer's honest assessment: Hermès watches are priced at luxury tier for brand and aesthetic coherence; the movements are good (Vaucher-based on the higher complications) but not what you buy Hermès for.