Hermes New H Passant Compact Wallet Handmade In Epsom Calfskin Leather S4 Deep Blue

Deep Blue is nearly navy and almost black in low light, which makes it the most formal colour in the slim H Passant range. In daylight it opens up into a rich, slightly greyed blue, and the silver fittings feel as though they were chosen for it rather than borrowed.

The wallet is 18.5 by 12 cm and only 1.6 cm thick, and its firm Epsom panels mean the silhouette stays sharp even when it is carrying more than it should. The H on the front reads discreetly, which is one reason I take this one to client meetings.

Capacity is honest for the format: five or six cards, notes in the long channel, and a shallow zip that takes coins or a house key. Cards slide in smoothly and, more importantly, do not sit so tight that you need two hands to get them out.

The only trade-off is contrast. A blue of this depth absorbs light, so unless the zip or the H is catching a reflection, the wallet can look almost black from across a table. That suits me; anyone who wants the blue to announce itself should look at the lighter tones in this range instead.

One final note on how it carries: deep blue in a slim body is the combination I trust most for working days, because it never draws a comment and never needs a second thought. If you want one wallet that will not be noticed, in the best way, this is the one I would hand over.