Hermès Horloger
Hermès · Switzerland
Hermès Horloger is the Swiss watchmaking arm of the French luxury house Hermès, established as La Montre Hermès in Biel, Switzerland, in 1978. It designs and produces watches such as the Arceau, H08, Cut and Cape Cod.
| Established | 1978, Biel |
|---|---|
| Parent | Hermès |
| Production sites | Le Noirmont and Brügg |
| Key lines | Arceau, H08, Cut, Cape Cod |
| Movement partner | Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier |
| Website | hermes.com |
What is Hermès Horloger?
Hermès Horloger is the watch division of Hermès. It operates as an integrated manufacture, producing dials, cases and leather straps largely in house in Switzerland.
History
Hermès' involvement with watches dates back to 1928 and the Ermeto, made with Movado. The house formalised its watchmaking in 1978 by setting up La Montre Hermès in Biel. In 2006 Hermès acquired a 25 percent stake in the movement maker Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, followed by the dial maker Natéber in 2012 and the case maker Joseph Erard in 2013. In 2017 the Ateliers d'Hermès Horloger opened in Le Noirmont.
Products and positioning
The collections combine design and horology. The Arceau line includes complications such as Le temps voyageur and L'heure de la lune. H08 and Cut are the two main mechanical lines, and the Cape Cod is known for its distinctive numerals.
- Le Noirmont is the larger production site
- Brügg handles more artisanal assembly and leather work
- Most dial production is carried out internally
Why it matters
Hermès Horloger shows how a fashion and leather goods house can build vertically integrated watchmaking, securing movement, dial and case supply within Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Hermès watches made?
Hermès watches are made in Switzerland, mainly at the Ateliers d'Hermès Horloger in Le Noirmont and at a site in Brügg.
When did Hermès start making watches?
Hermès set up La Montre Hermès in Biel in 1978, although its first watch, the Ermeto, dates from 1928.