The infamous ultraportable, the Hermes Baby / Rocket

In a time before computers and digital technology took over, the Hermes brand of typewriters was renowned for producing high-quality machines. Among their many models, the Hermes Baby quickly gained a reputation as a classic.

Designed by Paillard, a Swiss company, in 1935, the Hermes Baby typewriter became famous for its compact size of 11 inches x 10 inches x 3.3 inches and its weight of just 7.7 pounds. Its portability made it an excellent choice for writers on the go, while its unique curved keyboard facilitated faster and more accurate typing, which writers like Ernest Hemingway greatly appreciated.

What made the Hermes Baby so special, however, was not just its size and design but also its durability and precision engineering. With a metal casing that protected it from bumps and scratches, the Hermes Baby was built to last, producing high-quality print thanks to its attention to detail and top-notch construction.

Although designed in 1935, the Hermes Baby remained in production until the 1960s, making it one of the longest-running typewriter models in history. During this time, it continued to be a popular choice for writers, journalists, and other professionals who required a reliable machine for their work.

But the Hermes Baby wasn't just a favorite of writers. Artists, designers, and other creatives also appreciated its sleek design and functional simplicity. And even today, it remains a sought-after collectible for enthusiasts who admire its unique history and design.

The Hermes Baby's reputation and legacy were not solely due to its design, size, or portability. The machine also benefited from the contributions of talented engineers and designers. The Paillard company, led by René Paillard, employed top engineers and designers like Marcel Moret and Émile Vaucher to create the Hermes Baby, incorporating the latest technological advancements of the time.

As the years went by, the Hermes Baby continued to attract famous writers and creatives. Jack Kerouac, the famous Beat Generation writer, typed out his legendary novel "On the Road" on a Hermes Baby, as did other writers like Ian Fleming, who created James Bond on one of these machines.

Today, the Hermes Baby remains an icon of precision engineering and design, a reminder of the importance of attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. While it may no longer be a practical choice for everyday writing tasks, its legacy continues to inspire writers and creatives alike, capturing the imagination of generations old and new.

In conclusion, the Hermes Baby typewriter, designed by Marcel Moret and Émile Vaucher and first produced by Paillard in 1935, was a revolutionary machine in its time. With its compact size of 11 inches x 10 inches x 3.3 inches and weight of just 7.7 pounds, it was portable, durable, and precise. Its unique curved keyboard facilitated faster and more accurate typing, making it a favorite of writers like Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac, who famously used one to write "On the Road." Today, the Hermes Baby remains a classic, an enduring symbol of innovation, design, and quality.