Sameera Gamage 
The Hermès Le Temps Suspendu isn’t just about telling time; it’s about pausing it. With the press of a button, the hands freeze, offering a rare moment of stillness in a world that never stops. Now reimagined in 2025 with an openworked dial, it lets you see the magic continue behind the scenes.
In 2011, Hermès introduced the Le Temps Suspendu, a poetic and unconventional take on timekeeping. The Le Temps Suspendu collection was designed in collaboration with watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, who is the master of retrograde time-telling for brands.
The stand-out feature of the Le Temps Suspendu is the unique complication that allows the wearer to quite literally “suspend time” with the press of a pusher. When the pusher is activated, the hour and minute hands freeze at an aesthetically pleasing pre-set position (usually around the 12 o’clock indices). The movement, however, continues to run in the background, hidden underneath the dial. When you push the presser again, the hands immediately jump forward to reflect the current time correctly. Impressive? Certainly yes.
This complication is about tracking time, but rather stopping it momentarily. In a world where we are obsessed with constant motion, the Hermès Le Temps Suspendu offers us momentary escape, a moment of stillness. The Le Temps Suspendu is a perfect example of Hermès’ philosophy: blending high horology with poetic storytelling. It’s not just a watch; it’s a quiet rebellion against the tyranny of time.
Now, for Watches & Wonders 2025, the brand releases the latest interaction of the Le Temps Suspendu, an openworked timepiece offering the perfect description of what this timepiece is about. The wearer is now able to see the movement working while the hands are stopped, thanks to the transparent opening on the dial. Hermès is offering this new model of the Le Temps Suspendu in three different models: a white or rose gold case in either sunburst blue, brun désert, or rouge sellier – reaffirming the timeless nature of the line.
Case Design
The Hermès Le Temps Suspendu is housed in a refined 42mm case, available in either white or rose gold. Both versions feature a full polished finish that elevates the watch’s luxurious feel, offering a sleek and elegant contrast to the intricate mechanics visible on the dial.
One of the Hermès Le Temps Suspendu’s most distinctive visual traits is its lug design, especially in this beautifully polished Arceau case. Designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the asymmetrical lugs are curved and sloped, mimicking the elegant arc of a stirrup, a subtle nod to Hermès’ equestrian heritage.
The pusher that activates the magic that suspends time is located on the 9 o’clock side of the case, with it being given the same polished finish of the case. The crown, located at 2 o’clock, adjusts the normal operation of time and the retrograde date feature on the dial.
Dial Design
The main point of difference in this new Le Temps Suspendu is the open-worked dial. As mentioned earlier, Hermès is offering this new version in three colour variations: sunburst blue, brun désert (red), and rouge sellier (brown). Each colour has its own transparent sapphire crystal in the dial, which gives view to the movement underneath.
This new addition heavily leans into showcasing what this timepiece is all about. While it would’ve been nice to see the balance wheel so that you get to see it in continuous operation while the hands are stopped, this view is already a leg up on the original Le Temps Suspendu.
Located between 4 and 6 o’clock on the dial is the retrograde date function, a distinct feature of the master watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. This retrograde date feature has a distinctive design on the dial that lets it stand out from the other visual elements, including a finely grained textured surface in which the inscription “Le temps suspend” is beautifully written out.
Movement
The movement sitting inside these newly developed Le Temps Suspendu timepeices is the Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement. This self-winding movement is manufactured by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, a company in which Hermès has a 20% investment. The Calibre H187 was designed to be a base calibre for Hermès to create an entire “family” of calibres for other timepieces. The Le Temps Suspendu comes with an open case, which gives way to the H1837 movement.
Initial Thoughts
The Le Temps Suspendu has always been more than just a watch that is a poetic reflection on our relationship with time. In a world that constantly demands our attention and time, the Hermès Le Temps Suspendu offers momentary relief, a literal and metaphorical breath.
This latest version features an openworked dial, giving us a glimpse behind the curtain to see the beauty of time continue in its motion, even though it appears to stand still. For those who appreciate timepieces that make a statement both in craftsmanship and in concept, this is a quiet masterpiece worth admiring.
Specification: Hermès Le Temps Suspendu
- Dimensions: 42mm case in rose or white gold
- Dial: Partially openworked dial in either sunburst blue, brun désert (red), and rouge sellier (brown) colours.
- Movement: Manufacture Hermès H1837
- Movement Frequency: 28,800VpH (4hZ)
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: Alligator leather strap colour matched to the dial.
