When we talk about Herbelin, we often think of the brand’s nautical universe, and there is a reason for that. Indeed, many of its creations released since the 1980s play on this marine spirit in order to stand out. But sometimes some pieces stand out from the crowd!
Today, Swiss Made Watch Magazine is testing for you a rather unusual model from the French house, a model that rather evokes the grandeur of celestial landscapes. So let’s take a little height and discover without further delay this Herbelin Inspiration moon phase!
Discovery of the Herbelin Inspiration Moon Phase
Let’s start at the beginning, namely the discovery of the object itself. The watch we are about to discover is precisely the reference 12747/PR11GOnamely a model whose characteristics make it suitable for both women and men.
Upon unpacking, we discover in a navy blue box an elegant, sober and rather flat watch. The timepiece appears well proportioned and its golden-looking case coats the whole thing with an additional touch of classicism.
But it is when we put the watch on our wrist that we discover its true personality, gently lulled by poetry. Coupled with its circular case, the positioning of the calendar and the moon phase indicator almost make us think of a face observing us. We will not talk about pareidolia here, but it brings a little sympathy to this distinguished watch!
A classic and versatile watch
On paper, this Herbelin Inspiration 12747/PR11GO presents itself as the perfect watch to wear every day. Its case 38 mm diameter was machined in stainless steel and reveals soft lines made with finesse. It relies on a minimalist design in order to convince an audience looking for a timepiece that goes everywhere and is easy to combine with other accessories.
The pinkish tint brought by the surface treatment PVD rose gold furthermore, reinforces the delicacy which emanates from this French watchThe case thus appears in a warm shade and its shiny polished surface allows it to nicely reflect the light.
Almost as thin as the bezel, the horns are presented in the form of very sober vertical bars. They are relatively short and thus allow the bracelet to integrate perfectly into the general design.
With its rather generous size and slightly domed format, the crown stands out without standing out from the rest. Soberly located at 3 o’clock, it offers a thick, softened notch and sees its summit adorned with a small blue cabochon imitating the rendering of a natural sapphire. This element brings a little preciousness to the watch and the final rendering is rather very pleasing to the eye!
The discreet dots on the edges of the case are actually small buttons that allow you to adjust the calendar part of the model. To adjust the day and date, nothing could be simpler. Take a wooden toothpick and apply light pressure to these levels.
You will have most certainly noticed, it is indeed an authentic dress watch that we are talking about today. Resolutely classic, this Herbelin watch has a major advantage, that of being able to match any of the feminine or masculine styles! Understand that it will be as comfortable on a bare arm revealed by a pretty summer dress as under the sleeve of a business shirt.
On this subject, have you read our article “Dress watches: an underestimated style?”?
A stylish and readable dial
Let us now focus on the white dial slightly textured of this Herbelin watch! The first element that jumps out at us is the unusual configuration of it.
First of all, the marking of the hours in Arabic numerals observable on the periphery was done in a rather particular style which reminds us of the Bauhaus, a typically German artistic movement.
Further to the center, just under the Herbelin marking, we can see 3 sub-counters that house what are called watch complications. These are additional functions that come in addition to the display of the hour, minutes and seconds.
The two upper sub-counters are dedicated to the calendar, their independent needle points towards the date and the day of the week. Enough to make organized daily life rhyme with elegance!
On the lower part of the dial, we observe through the sapphire glassjust above the 6 o’clock index, a third sub-counter a little more particular than the previous ones. Indeed, in this circle is a cutout in the shape of a crescent moon which lets the different phases of the Moon show through. No doubt, we are here in the presence of a real moon phase watcha piece with a resolutely chic and refined style.
To further anchor its creation in the register of classic elegance, the Herbelin house has opted for baton-type hands. With its rose gold hue, this set of hands made with finesse echoes the case of the watch and wonderfully matches the very readable railway minute track.
A bracelet with a saddler spirit
After reviewing the dial of this Herbelin Inspiration watch, a few words now on the slightly domed bracelet which highlights it.
No false notes here since this watch made in France is dressed in a genuine leather bracelet cognac color. With a smooth appearance, it is covered with contrasting ecru stitching which gives it a little luxurious air.
When worn, the flexible strap proves to be very comfortable and its color goes very well with the rose gold PVD treatment of the case. In terms of style, we are therefore halfway between something dressy and a slightly more casual option. Clearly, this strap brings versatility to the watch and ensures that you can wear it with distinction in most of the events of everyday life.
The bracelet is adjusted very easily (and without tools) using a traditional pin buckle. It is also covered with a rose gold PVD treatment, it displays beautiful geometric lines and is engraved with the name of the tricolor brand in capital letters.
In addition to being very practical to use, this little loop is also a very stylish element! Herbelin has taken care to refine its creation down to the smallest details, which is truly pleasant to observe.
Movement side: Swiss quartz
It is actually a Swiss quartz movement which animates the model, a Ronda 706.1 to be very precise. As mentioned previously, it offers various complications, namely a useful calendar as well as a very poetic moon phase.
Powered by a button cell, this 3 mm thick Swiss caliber offers a good 60 months of autonomy. It will therefore be necessary to change the battery every 5 years, a period that gives you plenty of time to plan ahead.
Thanks to this quality Ronda mechanism, you can wear your watch with peace of mind!
What do you think of the Herbelin Inspiration Moon Phase?
In the end, what is this Herbelin watch worth? And above all, who is it for?
After spending several days with him, we noted several points. The first concerns the overall quality of this creation which, let’s say it right away, is there! This feeling is noticeable from the unpacking and continues when you put the model on your wrist.
Its 38 mm diameter is relatively generous and reveals beautiful high-end finishes. From the engravings on the case to the finesse of the pin buckle and the blue cabochon that adorns the crown, everything here exudes quality.
The light-colored dial helps to accentuate this impression of size. While the watch has a nice presence on the wrist, remember that its contained thickness makes it very comfortable to wear.
Ultimately, this Herbelin Inspiration Phase de Lune is aimed at anyone who wants to treat themselves to a watch that is high-end, made in France and sprinkled with a little magic thanks to an attractive Moon phase function.
