Hermès - Médor - 595253 - Men - 1990-1999

Available now on auction by Second Vintage

The Hermès Médor is a masterclass in avant-garde design and Parisian luxury, seamlessly blending high fashion with horology. Conceived as a "secret watch," it draws direct inspiration from the house's legendary equestrian roots and the iconic collier de chien aesthetic. By concealing the timepiece beneath a bold, architectural stud, Hermès created a statement accessory that offers timekeeping as a discreet, private luxury. This striking example in gold-tone and rich green leather perfectly captures the daring elegance that defines vintage Hermès.

Brand: Hermès
Model: Médor
Serial Number: 595253
Movement: Swiss Quartz Caliber ETA 976.001
Dial: White dial with applied pyramidal indices, showing scattered micro-spotting
Case Size: 23 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1990s
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear

Dial and Hands
Concealed beneath the central hinged cover lies a minimalist white square dial that perfectly contrasts with the bold exterior. The dial features applied gold-tone pyramidal hour markers at the three, six, nine, and twelve o'clock positions, echoing the prominent studs of the case and strap. Crisp black serif typography spells out "HERMÈS PARIS" below the top index, with "SWISS MADE" positioned at the bottom edge. A pair of polished black dauphine hands provide excellent legibility. Upon close inspection, the dial surface exhibits scattered micro-spotting and fine specks of age-related degradation, likely environmental dust from the unique hinged case design. Despite these minor imperfections, the dial remains highly attractive and functional.

Case and Crystal
The 23 mm case is a striking architectural construction, dominated by three prominent gold-tone pyramidal studs. The central, largest stud operates on a spring-loaded hinge, releasing to reveal the hidden watch face beneath. The polished gold-tone surfaces display moderate, honest surface scratches and handling wear throughout, entirely consistent with the prominent, highly polished profile of this design. The case flank is elegantly engraved with the "HERMÈS" signature, while the crown is properly signed with the brand's iconic 'H' motif. The stainless steel caseback is secured securely and features a beautifully detailed engraving of the Hermès carriage crest, alongside the serial number and "WATER RESISTANT - SWISS" text. A flat crystal protects the dial underneath the hinged cover, appearing clean and well-preserved.

Movement
Powering this secret watch is a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement, specifically the ETA caliber 976.001. The movement is clearly signed "HERMÈS PARIS" and features 6 jewels. The internal components appear clean and well-maintained in the provided images, reflecting proper care. The inside of the caseback is additionally stamped with "HERMÈS horloger" and "11.01", confirming its authentic pedigree.

Strap
The watch is integrated into a period-correct Hermès green lizard leather strap, which forms an essential part of the collier de chien design. The vibrant green reptilian texture provides a stunning visual contrast against the gold-tone studs. The strap shows expected vintage wear, particularly on the interior leather lining and along the edges, but retains its structural integrity and bold aesthetic. It is completed by a gold-tone pin buckle signed by Hermès.

Condition
This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The gold-tone case and prominent pyramidal studs exhibit clear, honest signs of wear, including moderate surface scratching that is typical for this highly polished, prominent design. The hidden dial shows scattered micro-spotting and fine dust particles but retains its crisp printing and applied markers. The green leather strap displays visible wear on the inner lining and edges but remains fully functional and visually striking.

Dimensions
Case Size: 23 mm (excluding the crown)

Remarks
The Hermès Médor is a captivating blend of jewelry and horology, offering a unique wearing experience. Its bold, studded profile commands attention, while the hidden dial provides a touch of intimate luxury. This specific configuration, pairing gold-tone hardware with rich green leather, is a highly desirable expression of the brand's iconic style.

History
Introduced in the early 1990s, the Médor watch is a direct descendant of the Hermès collier de chien belts and bracelets, which first debuted in the 1930s. Originally inspired by the robust studded collars crafted for hunting dogs, the design was elevated by Hermès into a symbol of rebellious chic. By incorporating a hidden watch dial into the central stud, Hermès created the Médor, honoring the historical tradition of secret watches while cementing its reputation for playful, boundary-pushing luxury design.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: HER-XXX-0001