The new Hermès Cut watch, with its distinctive notched sides, intrigued me from the start. But it was during a trip to the Greek island of Tinos that the true meaning behind its ‘cut’ and ‘shape’ became clear.
Hermès invited journalists and watch enthusiasts to Tinos, a place steeped in the ancient art of marble carving. The island, with its terraced hills and small villages, offers a glimpse into a world where marble is not just a material, but a way of life. We visited disused quarries, witnessing the meticulous process of extracting and shaping this prized stone.
One quarry, in the northern reaches of the island, featured a performance by Alessandro Sciarroni. Singers, standing on steps of marble, created a harmonious melody that echoed the concept of time: ‘time, turns, waits, turns.’ The experience highlighted the connection between the relentless march of time and the patient, laborious nature of craft.
At another quarry, we participated in a marble-cutting workshop led by Giorgos Palamaris. Equipped with a hammer, chisel, and a slab of marble, we attempted to shape the stone. This deceptively simple task quickly proved challenging, requiring precision, strength, and an understanding of the stone’s grain. The experience mirrored the intricate process of creating the Hermès Cut watch, where precise machine cutting is combined with hand-finishing for a beautiful and refined result.
Hermès, however, only spent a brief time discussing the watch. Instead, the focus was on the larger artistic vision. Creative director Philippe Delhotal emphasized the importance of shape, drawing inspiration from both nature and raw materials. He also demonstrated the precision and artistry involved in creating the watch’s unique design.
The trip to Tinos offered a profound insight into Hermès’ approach to watchmaking. It is not about following trends or simply creating a new product. It is about embracing tradition, celebrating artistry, and crafting objects with a timeless elegance that transcends trends.
In the pristine, almost primordial environment of Tinos, the beauty of the island’s ancient marble carving traditions echoed in the design of the Hermès Cut watch. It is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, artistic vision, and a connection to the rich history of human creation.
