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The Saddle Staple.
Hermès began not with watches, but with horses. Saddles, to be precise. That refined legacy of leatherworking, honed over nearly two centuries, whispers through every detail of the Hermès Hauteville. If you're someone who appreciates design that doesn’t scream for attention but earns a second look, this piece might just become your dark horse.
Let’s start with what Hermès does better than arguably anyone else: leather. The Hauteville is wrapped in black alligator that doesn’t just hold the watch—it hosts it. The case doesn’t sit atop the strap like most watches; it lives within a leather-clad saddle of its own. The lugs? Cleverly set apart from the case and instead mounted into the leather base itself, they pivot like stirrups on a bridle. It’s not just visually interesting—it’s also designed to move with you, not against you. There’s real ergonomics here, likely conceived with horseback activity in mind, or at least someone gracefully trotting from gallery to café.
The watch itself is cut from 18k white gold, including those distinctive lugs and the Hermès-signed tang buckle. Speaking of that buckle: it looks straight off a riding harness, complete with squared loops and a firm sense of purpose. It’s a nod to the house’s equestrian heritage that you don’t need to squint to appreciate.
The dial is a study in subtle contrasts. Two-tone silver and white with a square track and shaded panels linking the hour markers—it feels a bit like looking down into a very elegant, very architectural pool. Just enough geometry to satisfy the eyes, but nothing fussy.
Powering it all is an ultra-thin quartz movement, with no visible crown to clutter the case. Instead, a recessed button on the back lets you set the time. It keeps the profile clean and the vibe minimal. It's modernity without flash.
So what is this? A vintage-style Hermès with the construction of a contemporary dress watch. It’s a nod to tradition, designed for someone who’s maybe not all that traditional. You won’t see many of these around—and that’s precisely the point.
This watch is in excellent condition.
The case lines are sharp and fully intact. The serial numbers and hallmarks at the case back are deep.
The dial, crystal and hands are immaculate.
The original leather strap shows little signs of wear.
