Greetings all,

It’s time for someone else to enjoy this watch, which was my first “nice” watch before I discovered the wider world of horology.

The maison Hermes which was created in 1857, started its path to the apex of luxury by making saddlery and equestrian gear, and later became famous for its exclusive leather work, hand bags and silk scarves.

Less known however is that Hermes’s foray into horology, as described by the French horology and style webzine Les Rhabilleurs, started in 1912.

As many vintage enthusiasts are now aware, Hermes later partnered with several Swiss manufactures to market Hermes branded watches from the 1920s to the 1970s.

In 1978, according to the same source, Hermes created its own watch making company, La Montre Hermès SA à Bienne - and started marketing its own watches.

Its first model, which by now has become iconic, is the one presented here:
It is an example of the original “Arceau” model, which was marketed from 1980 to at least 2000, in what I consider to be very good condition.
Its asymetrical stirrup-shaped lug - is the quintessence of Hermes' equestrian inspiration.

A period advertisement from the time the model was first released calls it « The most Hermes of Hermes watches » - with a quartz movement, « gold » and steel variants, « city » and « sports » variant which has a date and center seconds. (See picture below).
https://hprints.com/fr/item/30611/Hermes-Watches-1980-Model-Arceau-for-Man

This in my experience rare variant features a champagne-colored dial with gold-colored Breguet numerals applied in relief, which I find much more sophisticated and appealing to a watch enthusiast than the printed numerals usually seen on a white dial.

The two tone steel case with gold plate bezel is 33mm size at the time was designed for men it is now quite obviously also suitable for women.

More detail:

CASE is in very good condition with very slight usage marks which are not visible to the naked eye in normal usage.

-the case back when examined with a loupe shows some marks at the opening point, as well as some light ageing of the steel around the « water resistant » inscription.

In my opinion they are not noticeable to a normal person looking at the watch with the naked eye, and I had not seen them before doing this listing. I’ve done my best to highlight them in pictures below, but as usual they emphasize flaws.

MOVEMENT-This original model as they were in those days is powered by a quartz movement, which I understand is ETA based but don’t know much about.

I haven’t had it timed but it has always worked very well while in my possession; and while Hermes inspected it in early october 2024 during a battery change visit, its service history is unknown and as usual I can make no guarantee for its future performance.

STRAP & BUCKLE
Watch is sold with original 14mm gold buckle (currently not attached to the watch);

-Sold on a new never used « Hermes style » Hodinkee strap, ie styled after Hermes straps of the same look, cognac leather with saddle stitching leather.

- battery changed on 5/10/2024 at Hermes (see invoice),

-no box or papers but will sell with the brown velvet Hermes service pouch and service invoice pictured.

Price 900 euros, shipping to be discussed to include tracking and signature. Payment via Paypal FF or Wise transfer. No return unless grossly misrepresented.

-The watch and I are located in the EU, EU deal preferred. (But I might travel to the US in the coming weeks).

-references here and on MWR (I will update with links soon I promise);

-Regular forum contributors may be given preference.

Many thanks OF for the space!
(PS the advertisement below is for info only, it comes from the internet and is not for sale)