Hermès has quietly expanded its contemporary sports watch collection with the H08 Chronographe, a model that perfectly bridges functionality and urban sophistication. The reference W403131WW00 stands out with its black DLC-coated titanium case and vivid orange rubber strap, forming a contrast that feels bold yet effortless. Rather than chasing trends, Hermès continues to refine its own design language, where geometry and texture speak louder than logos.
You might expect a luxury chronograph to announce itself with polished theatrics, but Hermès takes a different path. The stealthy matte finish of the titanium case, paired with subtle orange accents, gives the watch a sense of quiet confidence. It is not a watch that shouts for attention, but one that rewards a closer look.
The case: Lightweight, precise, and carefully proportioned
At 45mm in length and 41mm across, the H08 Chronographe maintains the balanced cushion-shaped silhouette that defines the H08 family. The titanium case receives a dark DLC coating, adding durability and a slightly grainy surface that catches light in unexpected ways. Despite its technical look, the watch remains comfortable on the wrist thanks to its compact proportions and curved lugs.
We think Hermès achieved a good compromise here. The piece feels solid enough for everyday wear but remains light, almost deceptively so. You might even forget you are wearing a 13mm-thick automatic chronograph, which says something about the brand’s ergonomic precision.
The dial: Where detail meets restraint
The dial combines brushed and matte finishes in a black-gold tone that subtly shifts under different lighting. Large applied numerals coated in rhodium lend a crisp legibility, while orange details—most notably the central chronograph seconds hand and outer minute track—inject a sporty rhythm without overpowering the composition.
Two sub-dials sit neatly at 3 and 9 o’clock, each recessed with a fine grainy texture that adds depth. The layout feels symmetrical and balanced, although the date window at 4:30 slightly interrupts the geometry. Still, the overall design coherence outweighs this minor visual quirk.
Compared with earlier H08 time-and-date models, the chronograph version has more tension in its visual rhythm. You can sense that the designers wanted a dynamic watch without losing the collection’s architectural purity.
Movement and operation
Powering the H08 Chronographe is the in-house Hermès caliber H1837, paired with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module. It beats at 4Hz, providing a 46-hour power reserve. The monopusher system, integrated within the crown, controls start, stop, and reset in sequence. It’s an elegant solution—streamlined, tactile, and true to the H08’s minimalist design intent.
The chronograph push action is satisfyingly crisp. Hermès could have chosen a conventional two-pusher layout, but keeping all functions within a single crown preserves the case symmetry. The sapphire case back reveals the neatly decorated movement, framed by a brushed titanium ring secured with eight screws. The rotor bears the brand’s signature H-pattern motif, a subtle reminder of its attention to design continuity.
Wearing experience
On the wrist, the H08 Chronographe feels surprisingly versatile. The orange rubber strap gives it a lively, contemporary personality, while the folding clasp in black DLC titanium ensures comfort and security. It’s the kind of watch that easily transitions from city commuting to a weekend drive. You might be surprised how naturally it fits under a casual shirt cuff, even with its athletic dimensions.
In daily use, the readability is excellent, and the overall visual coherence makes it one of those watches you reach for instinctively. While it’s rated to 100 meters of water resistance, we see it more as an everyday urban companion than a diving instrument. Still, the confidence of its construction is reassuring.
How it fits within Hermès’ watchmaking narrative
Since the H08 collection debuted, Hermès has gradually shaped it into a pillar of its men’s watch portfolio. The Chronographe strengthens that vision. Where earlier H08 models emphasized simplicity and material innovation, this one introduces mechanical depth without losing the brand’s artistic restraint. It’s a watch designed for people who appreciate detail and geometry, rather than pure flash.
In a market crowded with chronographs fighting for attention through size or complications, Hermès instead chooses to refine proportion, texture, and touch. The result is something distinctively Hermès—quietly confident, contemporary, and built to last.
Price and availability
The Hermès H08 Chronographe (ref. W403131WW00) retails for approximately €12,000, or around US$12,800. It is available through Hermès boutiques and selected online stores. For collectors who appreciate design coherence and tactile quality, this model represents one of the most balanced entries in the current sports-luxury segment. Fore more,click here.
Editor’s note
At Rotelux, we value craftsmanship that complements modern mechanical art. The H08 Chronographe reflects a similar philosophy—precision with personality. If you are exploring ways to display or wind your automatic watches, you can visit our Rotelux Watch Winder collection
to discover companion pieces that share this same design sensibility.