Hermès invites the discerning collector on a fresh horological voyage with the Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe, a piece that unites the Maison’s most poetic métiers d’art.
This latest expression of the 2015 Slim d’Hermès design serves as a perfect canvas for two exceptional crafts: precision engraving and the rarely seen leather marquetry, both deployed to conjure a mythical creature from the ocean’s depths.
At the heart of the composition is a seahorse illustrated by London-based artist Stuart Patience—its whimsical silhouette transformed into a dial rich with texture and nuance. The process begins with the engraver’s steady hand, tracing the creature’s delicate curves and chiselling depth into the gold with a succession of traditional tools. Once the sculptural relief is complete, the dial passes to the leather marquetry specialist, who trims vibrant Swift calfskin in contrasting hues down to an extraordinary 0.5 mm thickness.
Each coloured fragment is then meticulously cut and positioned, puzzle-like, to recreate the seahorse’s flowing form. Piece by piece, the marine figure emerges, animated by the vibrancy and tactility of leather.
This artistic tableau is framed by a 39.5 mm white-gold case, housing Hermès’ ultra-thin H1950 self-winding calibre. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement reveals hand-bevelled bridges adorned with the Maison’s signature H-pattern finishing—a quiet reminder that beauty at Hermès is never reserved for the dial alone.
Collectors will also appreciate the choice of béton or perle Swift calfskin straps, each underscoring Hermès’ unrivalled leatherworking heritage and harmonising with the dial’s colourful mosaic.
The Slim d’Hermès Hippocampe is offered in numbered limited editions of just 24 pieces per variant, ensuring that this ocean-inspired creation remains as rare and captivating as the creature it depicts.
Technical Specifications:
SLIM D’HERMÈS Hippocampe
Numbered limited series of 24 each
MOVEMENT
Manufacture Hermès H1950 movement
Mechanical self-winding, crafted in Switzerland
Diameter: 30 mm
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Power reserve: 48 hours
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour / 4 Hz
Functions: hours, minutes
CASE
Round, 39.5 mm in diameter
White gold
Anti-glare sapphire crystal and case-back
Water resistance: 3 bar
DIAL
Leather marquetry and engraving
STRAP
Béton Swift calfskin
Perle Swift calfskin
For more information please visit Hermès