Overview
Luxury design powerhouse Hermès is not a common name when it comes to watches, however the brand has a long history of watchmaking that began in the late 1920s when the first Hermès-signed wristwatches were added to the company’s portfolio. For many years the brand relied on other Swiss watchmakers to supply movements and parts, and it wasn’t until 1978 that Hermès took a huge step towards legitimizing its watchmaking prowess by setting up a production facility in Biel, Switzerland. Then, in 2003, the brand reached for even greater heights by partnering with high-end manufacturer Vaucher, and a few short years later Hermès was finally making their own in-house movements.
The Sesame Squelette here was born out of this period when Hermès no longer relied on design alone and instead dedicated itself to producing the highest quality wristwatches both inside and out. What better way to back this up than to create a skeletonized watch that points the spotlight directly on the movement. The craftsmanship is evident with a myriad of brushed, polished, and perlage-finished components, all living in concert within a beautifully constructed double-stepped white gold case. While skeleton watches from more prestigious brands command a premium, this classically executed and rarely seen reference from Hermès remains a relative bargain and would make a stealthy addition to any enthusiast’s collection.
Specifications
Brand:
Hermès
Model:
Sesame Squelette
Reference:
SM1.790
Year:
2000s
Case Number:
1614289
Case Material:
White gold
Diameter:
36 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
8.2 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
41.7 mm
Dial:
Skeleton
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
n/a
Bracelet/Strap:
Hermès navy alligator strap with white gold deployant buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
UNWORN: Case is pristine with no signs of use. Original stickers may still be present. Dial, hands, and lume have no imperfections and may show natural, even aging.
MINT: Case has only a few superficial hairlines. Lugs are thick, full, and sharp with superb finishing. Dial, hands, and lume may have micro imperfections visible only with a loupe.
EXCELLENT: Case has very light scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick, full, and well-defined. Dial and hands may have imperfections visible upon close inspection. Lume is fully intact and may show slight discoloration.
VERY GOOD: Case may have a few moderate scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick and full but may have softened edges. Dial and hands may have light stains or marks. Lume may have cracks or discoloration.
GOOD: Case has many scratches and nicks. Lugs may show signs of moderate polishing with worn edges. Dial and hands may have noticeable stains or marks. Lume may be damaged or show significant discoloration.
Case: The white gold case shows minimal signs of wear, with the most notable imperfections being a couple light scuffs to the bezel at 4:30 and the lugs at 4:30 and 7:30. The lugs themselves are thick and well-defined. The caseback is remarkably clean with only a few faint hairlines and micro scuffs present. The gold hallmarks, as well as the model and serial number engravings, remain crisp and visible. The backs of the lugs show signs of prior strap removal.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The skeleton dial and blued steel hands are in pristine condition with no notable imperfections. Both front and rear sapphire crystals are squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The Hermès navy alligator strap shows very little wear and remains in fantastic condition. The condition of the Hermès-signed buckle is consistent with the rest of the case.
Movement
Functions: All functions including the crown winding and time setting are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
