FIGUREHEAD

Just like the other models in the Parisian brand’s collection, the masculine chronograph’s design rides the waves of fashion. Maybe that’s surfing a trend…

Like the ship of the same name, the Clipper has sailed through times and trends since it was first designed by the talented artistic director Henri d’Origny in 1981. Hermès brought out a sporty take on the model in 2010. The curvaceous design reminiscent of the famous sailboat’s porthole was given a sturdy but lightweight 44mm titanium case. Its new gear made the timepiece ready to face a summery sea of suntan lotion and autumn gusts in the city alike. A variety of models have since adorned sporty and stylish wrists. One pairs a grey dial with the Parisian brand’s signature orange strap whilst another is awash with blue that instantly brings the oceans to mind. The time information couldn’t be easier to read on the macho dial. The chronograph’s screwdown pushers bring to life the central seconds hand, minute and hour counters whilst the date appears in a display at 3.

The hour and minute hands and the chronograph function are as easy to handle as a sailboat on the Clipper TGM 44mm and fuelled by a benchmark self-winding mechanical movement: the Valjoux 7750. It provides a 46-hour power reserve and you can see the calibre through the caseback along with the rotor bearing the famous H logo.

The chronograph is water-resistant to depths of 200m and equally skilled at measuring short time on land as it is at exploring the deep sea depths. The Clipper is a real diving watch and fitted with a rotating bezel so you can see how much dive time you have left.

Price: CHF6,350 hermes.com

By Dan Diaconu