Introducing: The Herms Carr H Desgined By Marc Berthier (Live Pics & Pricing)

January 15, 2018

The Carr H is an usual square watch that has been a part of Herms's collection since 2010, when furniture designer Marc Berthier first created it for the company. It has a slightly curved profile that both helps it sit close to the wrist and balances it out visually. These two new models of the Carr H maintain the basic shape, though it's been upsized to 38mm x 38mm (from 36.5mm x 36.5mm) and the grey and black dials feature cross hatch guilloch in the center that plays with the light in a really interesting way. Little pops of color on the seconds hands add some additional levity and the overall effect is at once precise and playful. Why This Watch Matters Herms has a long history of working with outside designers to create really special products (including this incredible Atmos clock designed with Jaeger-LeCoultre and this pen by Marc Newson). Berthier is a truly world-class designer, having created products with the likes of Knoll, Ligne Roset, and Thonet, not to mention having his work in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York City. One of the signatures for this watch is the numerals, all of which are two digits, in a typeface unique to this watch. Marc Berthier has enlarged his 2010 creation and added distinctive new dial treatments as well. Initial Thoughts I'm a fan of Berthier and am familiar with his work outside this watch C if you are too, you're probably going to be into this watch. It's studied, but doesn't take itself too seriously, which, for me, is when Herms is at its very best. It's a tough line to walk, and almost nobody does it better than the Parisian luxury house. My only real complaint here is the size of the watch. While 38mm is an excellent diameter for a round watch, 38mm square is rather large, and the Carr H isn't overly slim either. I really like the design of the dial in both colors, but for me it would work better in the original 36.5mm x 36.5mm size better. The Basics Brand: HermesModel: Carr HReference Number:Dimensions 38mm x 38mmThickness: Case Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Dark grey or BlackIndexes: Arabic numeralsLume: White Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Natural or black Barnia calfskin strap with steel pin buckle The caliber H1912 automatic movement is made by Herms and carries "H" decoration on the plates, bridges, and rotor. The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber H1912Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsDiameter: 23.3mm (10 1/2 lignes)Thickness: 3.7mmPower Reserve: 50 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,8000 vph)Jewels: 28Additional Details: Plates, bridges, and rotor feature signature "H" pattern Pricing & Availability Price: $7,725Availability: TBDFor more click here. The black dial is high-contrast and features a red seconds hand. The new case is a little thick, but tapers toward the wrist. The Herms-engraved pin buckle is sharp and unlike the brand's more commonly seen stirrup-inspired buckle. The crosshatch guilloch pattern on the dial plays with light from every angle. The balance of modern forms and traditional details is striking with this watch. The new Carr H definitely wears larger than previous models.