In New York, Hermès pays tribute to Gene Kelly

It is a reopening that has meant a lot for the famous French luxury house: that of its frame on Madison Avenue, in the heart of New York. For the occasion, a special edition of his superb H8 was presented, with an ultra-modern 39mm pillow case. A piece signed by Hermès Paris at noon, designed in 2021 by Philippe Delhotal. This H08 Madison with titanium case is offered on a yellow strap like taxis from the Big Apple. We find this characteristic shade not only on the second hand, but also on various other details of the dial, starting with the indexes 0, 6 and 7, an elegant reference to the address of the boutique, at 706 Madison Avenue. Inside we find a mechanical movement with automatic winding Manufacture Hermès H1837. This limited edition of 185 copies is offered across the Atlantic for $ 7,450.

Another limited edition also paid homage to New York: a 38 mm Arceau Gene Kelly model in rose gold. Its dial with a leather inlay pattern, requested by Hermès, features jazz dancers. A motif taken from a Tribute to Gene Kelly silk scarf designed by Canadian artist Geoff McFetridge. A dozen colored full-grain calfskin leathers had to be selected to create the scene, which were then decorated on the dial in a tiny thickness of just 0.5mm.

On this dial without indexes, surrounded by a bezel set with 82 diamonds, the scene stands out against the white leather background, the initials of New York are the scene of the three brightly colored dancers. The dancer in white loafers and socks is obviously reminiscent of Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. This watch, produced in just 12 pieces and offered for $ 35,000, beats to the rhythm of a Manufacture Hermès H1912 automatic movement and features a white Hermès calfskin strap that extends the dial.