When Hermès launched the brand new Lower assortment in 2024, it was welcomed with open arms, with many males little doubt questioning why they have been unnoticed. Using on the success of this assortment, Hermès is including its famed Le Temps Suspendu complication, which we now have praised many instances over time. The model can be bringing it again to the Arceau assortment, the place it debuted in 2011, so there are alternatives available.
Each writers concur that the poetry of this complication is astounding and audacious, and for that purpose, the gathering seems to be secondary. How good is it you can droop time with the push of a button? After all, the motion remains to be ongoing, however for you, the proprietor, time appears to have paused at your command. Once you see match, one other push of the button makes time begin once more, with fingers transferring to the suitable place as if nothing occurred.
Whereas this overview illustrates the character of the complication fairly properly, extra is required. As famous, the complication is sort of easy in its operate, but additionally beguiling. Activating the pusher on the 8 o’clock place whisks each the hour and minute fingers away to a static place between 11 and 1 o’clock, the place the time is unattainable to learn. It’s now formally ‘by no means o’clock,’ and there it is going to relaxation till the proprietor decides to unsuspend time by urgent the identical pusher. The fingers will flick again to the present time with out ever lacking a beat, regardless of how a lot precise time has handed since time was suspended (after all, if the watch runs out of energy, that’s one other story).
Though its operate is straightforward, the development of the calibre is something however. It was developed and patented by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht of the famed Agenhor atelier and the complication is now out there in each the Lower and new references of the Arceau. The Lower model has a little bit of aplomb not current within the Arceau, although…
The brand new Hermès H1912 motion powering the Lower Le Temps Suspendu additionally comes with the distinctive 24-second counter that runs in its little aperture on the 4 o’clock place. And sure, earlier than you ask, this counter runs counter-clockwise, making it a working seconds indicator. That is Hermès telling individuals who identified that they didn’t know if the Time Suspended watch was working or not that they’ve been heard. It’s a deliciously bizarre nod in direction of the sensible that solely Hermès can pull off.
On that word, the Lower Le Temps Suspendu is available in a number of variations, though it is just out there in rose gold. There are two dial variants, opaline silver and sunburst crimson, and there’s a additional choice for a gemset bezel. Whilst you see a two-link bracelet and a rubber strap, each are included for the fortunate proprietor and, sure, the watch has a quick-change system.
This story was first seen as a part of the WOW #79 Summer season 2025 Subject
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