in pursuit of a truly unique complication...

[Mockingbird]

Hi all,

Does anybody have any insight into the Hermes Le Temps Suspendu? Information is very hard to come by online. For the unfamiliar, this is a model from Hermes that has the a fun complication that, when a button at 9PM is pressed, shows the time in an "impossible" position (hour hand after 12, minute hand just before). Then, when the button is pressed again, the time goes back to the "true" time, as the movement has continued to run and track the time elapsed despite the frozen hands. It's a playful complication that speaks to the inability of humanity to fully master and defeat the concept of time, creating a timepiece that can sometimes seemingly exist both inside and outside of time.

The seemingly useless but oddly philosophy piece won Montres Passion's "Watch of the Year" in 2011 (beating out VC and AP models), but has still seemingly gone under the radar in collectors' circles

Here's a better read on it:

http://en.worldtempus.com/article/wa...-of-16139.html

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ha...e-pics-pricing


I find the piece beautiful--I love the intentional assymetry and textured dial coupled with the unique complication. Unfortunately very little information is available on it. From what I can gather, it was originally introduced in 2011 in 43mm with a date function and a modified ETA 2892. From what I can tell, this model is still in production and retails at around 20K USD. The first attachment is that model.


Then, in 2013, another model was briefly introduced in 38mm. This time, the ETA was swapped for an in-house movement and the date was eschewed for a small seconds subdial that moves backward and only tracks 24 seconds at a time. This is the model I'm most interested in, as I love the backward moving seconds hand and the smaller size. This model is the second attachment, and is the subject of the previously linked article:


I can't find this particular model anywhere, new or used--Hermes seems to only make it now with diamonds on the bezel

1. Did this SS no-gems 38mm model actually make it into production?
2. How many were made?
3. Are they reasonably obtainable? How?


Thanks!

[PJ S]

How can you not find it when it’s right there on Hermes’ website?

https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product...m-W036873WW00/

Don’t fancy spending that much?

https://www.chrono24.com/herms/arcea...-id6706967.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/herms/-arce...id11439684.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/herms/arcea...-id7643064.htm

[Mockingbird]

Originally Posted by PJ S

How can you not find it when it’s right there on Hermes’ website?

https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product...m-W036873WW00/

Sorry if I was unclear. There are two models I'm talking about there:

1. The 43mm model with the date, which is currently in production (and the model you listed)
2. The 38mm model with the seconds sub dial, without gemstones. This is the one I'm having trouble finding any information about

[PJ S]

Apologies, thought it was the 43mm you were struggling to find.
Here’s what I’ve tracked down so far… whether they exist I’ll leave for you to enquire about.

https://www.hushhush.com/watches/her...mm-040293ww00/
https://www.pacificbaywatch.com/coll...-gm-040275ww00

[Mockingbird]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Apologies, thought it was the 43mm you were struggling to find.
Here’s what I’ve tracked down so far… whether they exist I’ll leave for you to enquire about.

https://www.hushhush.com/watches/her...mm-040293ww00/
https://www.pacificbaywatch.com/coll...-gm-040275ww00

Some good sleuthing! Thank you!

[malarky_hk]

@OP, have you managed to source the 38mm model?

I'm interested in this piece as well. Have yet to see a pre-owned piece up for sale.

[Mockingbird]

Resurrecting this thread a year and a half later to wonder if any of you folks might know anything about this model! Don't want to make a new thread, but this has become a huge grail for me so I would appreciate any insights that anybody has! I'm not even sure at this point if the 38mm SS model was ever produced for retail honestly.

[Pw92676]

My first time seeing this thread and watch. Wow, I love it. IMO it is ingenious watchmaking and I like the backwards second as well.

I have no help about the sizes but of of curiosity will follow along here. Wishing you luck in acquiring this.

Franck Muller, which gets bashed a lot here, has a secret hours complication very similar. I am a fan of the brand and their watchmaking so I’m a fan as well. Sharing just as an FYI. .

https://www.franckmuller.com/secret-hours