Originally introduced in pricier precious metals – in gold and also platinum – the Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel has been given a makeover that renders it more affordable, and arguably more striking.

And like last year’s time-only Slim d’Hermès, the key feature is a titanium case. The new perpetual calendar features a twin-metal case made up of a titanium middle along with the bezel, crown, and pushers in either rose gold or platinum.

That, combined with the two-tone grey dial, gives it a modern look that goes well with the Slim d’Hermès font that was designed specifically for the model.

The Slim d’Hermes font was created by graphic designer Philippe Apeloig to go with the eponymous watch

Initial thoughts

Hermes’ house style is always elegant, often quirky, and usually distinctive. Already the Slim d’Hermes design is slim and wears well, and probably slightly better in this iteration since the use of titanium would reduce reduce its weight.

A simple design characterised by clean lines, the Slim d’Hermes is recognisable in all its iterations thanks to its smart details, like the angled lugs and custom typography.

Though the layout of the perpetual calendar is fairly conventional – everything is arranged into four sub-dials – it manages to be slightly unusual thanks to the seemingly random armament of numerals for the second time zone at six, a minor, offbeat detail that is in keeping with the brand’s style.

The titanium-and-platinum version

Value wise the watch also performs well. Its price of about US$33,000 puts it in the same ballpark as comparable watches by mainstream watchmakers, but like all watches made by leather goods or fashion houses – many of which are actually very, very good – this is hindered by the fact that Hermes is not a watchmaker. But as this shows, Hermes can make good watches.

Twin time zone perpetual

Case material and colours aside, the new perpetual calendar is identical to the standard model. Inside is an H1950 automatic produced by movement maker Vaucher – a sister company of Parmigiani in which Hermes owns a quarter – combined with a perpetual calendar module produced by Agenhor, the Geneva complications specialist.

It’s a complete perpetual calendar, with both moon phase and leap year indicator, plus a second time zone display that’s set via the pusher at four.

Both versions have a aventurine glass moon phase disc with a mother-of-pearl moon

Key facts and price

Hermès Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel
(Titanium with platinum bezel, with crown and pusher in white gold)
(Titanium with bezel, crown, and pusher in rose gold)

Diameter: 39.5 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Titanium and gold or platinum
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: H1950 with Agenhor perpetual calendar module
Functions: Hours, minutes, second time zone, and perpetual calendar
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Alligator with pin buckle

Availability: At Hermes boutiques
Price: 30,050 Swiss francs; or €26,000

For more, visit Hermes.com.