Hermès Unveils Theatrical Timepieces at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026





















Hermès once again pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, transforming the exhibition space into a vibrant theater where time itself became a performance. Through a collaboration with visionary artist Jean-Simon Roch and acclaimed composer Pierre Ronin, the luxury brand unveiled its newest horological masterpieces in an immersive kinetic installation. This unique presentation emphasized the emotional and experiential aspects of time, moving beyond its conventional function as a measurable entity. The centerpiece of this grand display was a collection of three exquisitely crafted skeleton timepieces, each a testament to Hermès' innovative spirit and artistic craftsmanship.
Hermès' Theatrical Debut at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026
In April 2026, at the prestigious Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, Switzerland, Hermès captivated attendees with an extraordinary kinetic scenography designed by French artist Jean-Simon Roch, complemented by a compelling soundscape from composer Pierre Ronin. Roch's installation, a dynamic wooden structure reminiscent of theater wings and animated machinery, served as the stage for Hermès' horological revelations. The design featured ropes, pulleys, and rotating elements that created a continuous, reconfiguring automaton, blurring the lines between structural integrity and artistic adornment. Miniature theatrical vitrines embedded within the structure presented the timepieces as staged spectacles.
A notable visual element was the fragmented equestrian figure, a recurring motif for Hermès, which appeared and disappeared through moving wooden panels, engraved by Gianpaolo Pagni. This interplay of concealment and revelation added a temporal dimension of suspense. Ronin's soundscape, derived from the installation's mechanical movements, further transformed the space into a grand resonant instrument, harmonizing motion and sound into a singular, immersive experience.
Amidst this artistic spectacle, Hermès introduced three groundbreaking skeleton timepieces: the Hermès H08 Squelette, the Arceau Samarcande, and the Slim d'Hermès Squelette Lune. The Hermès H08 Squelette, housed in a 39-millimeter cushion-shaped DLC-treated titanium case, featured the new H1978 S skeletonized titanium caliber, comprising 168 components and offering a 60-hour power reserve. Its design emphasized transparency and architectural layering, drawing the eye through its intricate mechanics.
The Arceau Samarcande reimagined Henri d'Origny's 1978 design, with its distinctive round case and asymmetrical stirrup-inspired lugs. This iteration showcased an Haute Horlogerie complication with a Saint-Louis crystal dial, openworked into a horse's head, revealing the H1297 skeletonized caliber beneath. The movement activated a minute repeater, its gong resonating under the horse's starry eye, housed in a 38 mm white or rose gold case. This model beautifully illustrated the transition between internal and external worlds.
Finally, the Slim d'Hermès Squelette Lune invited observers to explore the mysteries of time with its double moon phase complication, simultaneously tracking lunar cycles in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Each timepiece underscored Hermès' philosophy of skeletonization as both a technical feat and a visual language, where the movement's structure becomes a constantly evolving backdrop of transparency and depth.
This innovative presentation at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 by Hermès, in collaboration with Jean-Simon Roch and Pierre Ronin, offers a profound perspective on time. It challenges us to view time not merely as a sequence of quantifiable moments but as an intricate, dynamic medium for emotional and creative expression. The blending of horological precision with artistic performance prompts contemplation on how art and engineering can converge to enrich our understanding and experience of the world around us. This event served as a powerful reminder that true luxury lies in the ability to evoke wonder and deeper meaning.