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Hermes Rocket (1970s)
The first thing you notice about a Hermes Rocket typewriter is its compact size and quality workmanship. The Swiss have definitely mastered the art and craft of the small form-factor. But what really distinguishes Hermes from most typewriters is its unique style. From its ultra-chic lines to its soothing sea foam colored shell, there’s nothing like the sight of a Hermes. It’s not only good to look at, but is one of the most solid typewriters out there.
This 1970s model of the Rocket represents the pinnacle of ultra-portable typewriters. Despite its size, the keys are big and round and easy to strike. By comparison, the Olivetti Lettera 32, while a solid portable typewriter, has thin, flat keys. And if it’s portability you seek, the Rocket’s snap-on shell makes it easy to toss in a bag and hop on the next flight to Istanbul. Unlike the Lettera’s zippered vinyl case that feels cheap and doesn’t stand up to the kind of abuse you can throw at a Rocket. This little baby is ready to go on any adventure.
It’s also the typewriter for the laptop generation. If you’re a writer who wants a typewriter by your side, keep this little wonder under your desk and pull it out when the mood strikes. It’ll feel like you’re using a laptop, it’s that small and easy to use. Most other portable typewriters will feel big and clumsy once you get going with the Rocket.
And going you will. This thing is a speed demon. The keys have a lightness to them and the typebars strike the platen with authority. The carriage return handle stands at attention nicely and is easy to catch with your fingers. Rolling paper into the Rocket feels precise as it makes a reassuring clicking sound, muted, yet telling you this machine means business. To keep unwanted noises to a minimum, Hermes has lined the inside of the rocket with a sound dampening felt pad.
After three decades of making the Rocket typewriter, Hermes has achieved perfection. It’s a big, useful typewriter in the smallest possible size. Not only can it handle short dispatches from the field, but you can easily tackle a full-length manuscript.
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Typewriter Review 
Hello Friend. For some time I have been following your site and is very good! I worked as mecanógrafo for some time. Today we work with other things but restoring old machines (typewriters,cash registers, calculators and somadoras) weekends for some people that still uses. Decepicionar hate you but this model of Hermes Rocket was not manufactured by Hermes, it wasThey were manufactured in South Korea and sold large Western companies that put their brands and resold. The same typewriter came here in Brazil as Hermes Rocket, Olivetti Lettera 82 among others. All these are exactly alike and really are very light and good writing. I am from Brazil and my name is Marcell. Much like your site, I read and reread the articles constantly!
Hello there
I am in need of an owners manual for a 1980’s model made in Brazil. I am not sure how to install the ribbon. I seems there are extra post threading mechanisms in this later model Rocket.
Thanks,
Paul from USA California
Hello Friend. For some time I have been following your site and is very good! I worked as typewriter mechanic for some time. Today we work with other things but restoring old machines (typewriters,cash registers, calculators and somadoras) weekends for some people that still uses. disappoint hate you but this model of Hermes Rocket was not manufactured by Hermes, it wasThey were manufactured in South Korea and sold large Western companies that put their brands and resold. The same typewriter came here in Brazil as Hermes Rocket, Olivetti Lettera 82 among others. All these are exactly alike and really are very light and good writing. I am from Brazil and my name is Marcell. Much like your site, I read and reread the articles constantly!
Thanks, amigo, for the good words! And wherever it’s made, it’s a fine machine! I’ve tried Lettera 32s made in Italy, Spain and Canada, and to tell the truth, I couldn’t tell the difference!
in Brazil this same machine was lettera 82
I am restoring a 32 lettera I bought in disrepair within a few days will be new.
To let the rubber soft thinner ink usage and car seat leather moisturizer cylinder
I own a Lettera 22 (round keys so probably 50s). Fully functional and no rust. Original cover, manual and cleaning brushes, all good condition. How much would you say it’s worth?
In the UK around £50
I just got in a 1970 Rocket, and I like it. Here is the link to it in the Typewriter Database. http://typewriterdatabase.com/1970-hermes-rocket.6305.typewriter
Why do people write “small form-factor” instead of “small form” (or small size)?
I’ve got a 1970 Hermes Rocket and for some reason the carriage can no longer be pushed all the way to the right so that I can type from the leftmost edge of the paper. I’m able to type on the right half of the page though.
Any ideas as to what might have happened? It was working fine at one point.
No worries. More than likely you margin settings were moved. Youtube Hermes 3000 typewriter and you’ll see several demonstrations/ operational tutorials online. Tappitty tappity tapp tap!
I figured it out! All
Is good!
I have an old hermes rocket portable machine with the hard case…mint green. I don’t know when it was made but it says on the back “Made in Switzerland”. It’s in very good original condition and everything still works, except the ribbon could use more ink. I’m wondering what something like this would be worth.
They usually go for $200-400 depending on condition.
hello,
i’ve recently bought a hermes rocket and i can’t figure out how to put the case back on, i was wondering if you could help with this?
I don’t have one handy, but I recall you need to tuck the carriage return lever down before the lid can snap on.