Fully functional and serviced, this 1968 Hermes 3000 is a second-generation Swiss-made portable typewriter featuring the desirable green keys, an uncommon Director Elite typeface, and a new 3D printed platen. Widely regarded as one of the finest manual portable typewriters ever produced, the Hermes 3000 earned its reputation through exceptional Swiss engineering, precision, and an extraordinarily smooth typing experience.
Manufactured in Switzerland by Hermes-Paillard, the Hermes 3000 is often referred to as the "Bentley of typewriters" for its sophisticated mechanical design, outstanding craftsmanship, and luxurious typing action. The model became a favorite among professional writers, journalists, and collectors, with notable Hermes 3000 enthusiasts including Tom Hanks, Larry McMurtry, and Sam Shepard. Its reputation as one of the most desirable manual portables has only grown over the decades.
This 1968 example features the iconic second-generation body style, retaining the distinctive sculpted contours of the original Hermes 3000 while incorporating the updated design and mechanical refinements of the later 1960s. The green keys complement the machine's signature color scheme, creating one of the most recognizable and sought-after appearances in vintage typewriter design.
Equipped with the uncommon Director Elite Typeface (prints approximately 13 characters per inch, with 2 mm character spacing), this machine produces exceptionally fine, compact lettering with a distinctive professional appearance. Director Elite is considerably smaller than conventional Pica and standard Elite typefaces, allowing more text to fit on each line while maintaining excellent readability. Specialty typefaces such as Director Elite are far less commonly encountered than standard configurations, making this an especially appealing machine for collectors and enthusiasts of unusual typography.
This Hermes 3000 has also received several important mechanical upgrades, including a new 3D-printed platen, new 3D-printed foot mounts, and new 3D-printed platen knobs. The replacement platen provides a renewed typing surface for consistent, clean impressions, while the new foot mounts provide stable support. The newly manufactured platen knobs complete the restoration while preserving the machine's original design and functionality.
The Hermes 3000 is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keyboard, precise carriage movement, adjustable typing touch, and sophisticated mechanical engineering. Its combination of comfort, precision, and reliability established a standard that few portable typewriters have matched.
Serviced and ready for immediate use, this 1968 second-generation Hermes 3000 combines legendary Swiss craftsmanship, the desirable green-key design, an uncommon Director Elite typeface, and newly manufactured components in one of the most respected manual portable typewriters ever built.
Serviced by Adam Brooks of Brooksaw Antiques, an experienced typewriter technician with over seven years in the field and a trusted name among collectors and enthusiasts for quality restoration, precision service, and dependable workmanship. Servicing vintage typewriters involves a series of steps to restore it to optimal working condition, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Here’s a summary of what’s typically done:
Inspection: The process starts with a thorough check of all components—keys, typebars, carriage, platen, ribbon mechanism, and springs—to identify wear, damage, or stuck parts.
Cleaning: Decades of dust, ink, and grime are removed. A soft brush and compressed air clear out debris from the typebars and chassis. Keytops are wiped down, and the platen (rubber roller) is cleaned with a mild solvent to restore grip. Harsh chemicals are avoided to protect metal and rubber.
Lubrication: Moving parts—like the carriage rails, typebar pivots, and shift mechanism—are lightly lubricated with typewriter-specific oil.
Adjustments: Alignment is key. Typebars are adjusted to strike evenly, ensuring crisp impressions. The carriage tension is checked, and the escapement (which controls letter spacing) is fine-tuned.
Repairs: Worn or broken parts—like springs, screws, or rubber feet—are replaced. A brand new universal ink ribbon is installed, which is easily replaceable and widely available on most online platforms.
Testing: The typewriter is typed on extensively—every key, shift, spacebar, and return—to confirm smooth action, proper alignment, and consistent ink delivery. Any sluggishness (e.g., sticky keys) is addressed by revisiting problem areas.
Shipments are all packed to be virtually indestructible and shipped same or next business day. You are risking damage if you buy from a non experienced shipper! Check our reviews! Serial number is 3616215. Please see photos for condition.