Hermés Apple Watch is specially engraved

[Mac 128]

Remember when HP manufactured iPods? Makes you cringe don't it?
View attachment 581124

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod+HP

Wow. Now we're getting somewhere. Although HP was going to have an HP blue colored iPod, it didn't end up that way. So basically Apple was buying the HP brand name to gain increased distribution. Definitely closer to what Apple is doing with Hermes, here. However, the major difference is that Apple is getting top billing to HP, whereas Hermes is getting top billing on this watch.

 

[WarHeadz]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod+HP

Wow. Now we're getting somewhere. Although HP was going to have an HP blue colored iPod, it didn't end up that way. So basically Apple was buying the HP brand name to gain increased distribution. Definitely closer to what Apple is doing with Hermes, here. However, the major difference is that Apple is getting top billing to HP, whereas Hermes is getting top billing on this watch.

Worst part with the HP agreement was that you couldn't get your HP iPod repaired at a Genius Bar. Only hp could repair it.

 

[BigGuy219]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod+HP

Wow. Now we're getting somewhere. Although HP was going to have an HP blue colored iPod, it didn't end up that way. So basically Apple was buying the HP brand name to gain increased distribution. Definitely closer to what Apple is doing with Hermes, here. However, the major difference is that Apple is getting top billing to HP, whereas Hermes is getting top billing on this watch.

The reason why Hermès is getting top billing is that because the people who will be purchasing this particular edition are doing so because of the Hermès name - not the Apple name.

It's only being sold in 12 stores in the US, 25% of which will be posh Hermès boutiques on Rodeo Dr, Madison Ave, and the Miami design district.

No one is going to be asking about Watch OS, the apps, or anything like that. In fact, in the marketing thus far they haven't even mentioned that, and the only screen they've shown is the stock Hermès face.

If this were a Galaxy Hermès I'd buy it and trade my iPhone in. Apple is the junior partner in this deal.

 

[zetaplus93]

LOL, I can only assume you have an ocular impairment. Those watches couldn't be more dissimilar.

If you understood design, it's hard to miss the Breguet design elements like the hands. Add a splash of the Omega Ladymatic textured dial+diamond indices, and the fluted bezel of a Datejust, and you've got yourself the Huawei watch face.

http://www.omegawatches.com/watches/de-ville/ladymatic/product
https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/rolex-datejust-review

The Huawei watch face just looks... tacky. A mishmash of designs, and shows that they don't understand what it takes to bring an attractive design to the digital world, especially if you've seen the real deal.

 

[Four oF NINE]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod+HP

Wow. Now we're getting somewhere. Although HP was going to have an HP blue colored iPod, it didn't end up that way. So basically Apple was buying the HP brand name to gain increased distribution. Definitely closer to what Apple is doing with Hermes, here. However, the major difference is that Apple is getting top billing to HP, whereas Hermes is getting top billing on this watch.

Just wow, dude.. Can I ask why you're so worked up over this issue?

Did Hermēs or Apple interview you for a job and then not hire you or what?

 

[Mac 128]

If you understood design, it's hard to miss the Breguet design elements like the hands. Add a splash of the Omega Ladymatic textured dial+diamond indices, and the fluted bezel of a Datejust, and you've got yourself the Huawei watch face.

http://www.omegawatches.com/watches/de-ville/ladymatic/product
https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/rolex-datejust-review

The Huawei watch face just looks... tacky. A mishmash of designs, and shows that they don't understand what it takes to bring an attractive design to the digital world, especially if you've seen the real deal.

You're debating execution, and subjective taste and style. Besides being totally irrelevant to any point I've been making, it's also not proof of ripping off famous maker watch faces. Based on your argument, every watch maker on the planet is guilty of taking someone else designs back to the earliest watches ever made ... and so is Apple with the Macintosh, Xerox and Windows.

You'd have a much better argument accusing Apple of copying Movado. /s

 

[Mac 128]

It's the total package here with Apple Watch Hermès. The quality of the leather, the quality of the manufacturing process, the pedigree of Hermès, the digitizing of a classic and recognizable face - even the authentic signature orange Hermès box. There's an attention to detail here that doesn't exist elsewhere.

You're talking execution, and I don't disagree with you at all. There's no question Apple has knocked this out of the park compared to all other offerings so far.

But it doesn't change a thing with respect to the goals of Huawei and Apple. Both are attempting to attract a certain kind of watch wearer with their approach. Huawei is trying to emulate traditional watch faces using common horological design language. Apple has digitally imitated a classic mechanical Hermes watch design. Apple is trading on a brand name, Huawei, on a classic look. But it's still the same thing. Apple is just doing it better.

And in the end, Apple has given up brand control of the product. As you say, Hermes literally has their name all over what is essentially an Apple design. In your own scenario, Apple is the cheap swiss watchmaker cranking out the movements based on Hermes designs. Hermes didn't need Apple, but Apple sure did need Hermes. And I'm sure it's all going to work out swell. But let's not try to paint this as anything other than it is -- a marketing ploy to gain access to traditional watch buyers, who would otherwise not ever look at a smartwatch.

 

[BigGuy219]

You're talking execution, and I don't disagree with you at all. There's no question Apple has knocked this out of the park compared to all other offerings so far.

But it doesn't change a thing with respect to the goals of Huawei and Apple. Both are attempting to attract a certain kind of watch wearer with their approach. Huawei is trying to emulate traditional watch faces using common horological design language. Apple has digitally imitated a classic mechanical Hermes watch design. Apple is trading on a brand name, Huawei, on a classic look. But it's still the same thing. Apple is just doing it better.

And in the end, Apple has given up brand control of the product. As you say, Hermes literally has their name all over what is essentially an Apple design. In your own scenario, Apple is the cheap swiss watchmaker cranking out the movements based on Hermes designs. Hermes didn't need Apple, but Apple sure did need Hermes. And I'm sure it's all going to work out swell. But let's not try to paint this as anything other than it is -- a marketing ploy to gain access to traditional watch buyers, who would otherwise not ever look at a smartwatch.

Yes. It is a marketing ploy. This will be among the cheapest items in a Hermès boutique. I almost wonder if they might be given away if someone were to purchase a $25,000 Birkin bag.

And yes. In terms of the watch industry, Apple is nothing more than just a cheap Swiss maker mass producing quartz movements for fashion watches.

The strange thing with Huawei is that they're referencing watches known equally for their movements (if not moreso) than their design. I would fall to the ground and need resuscitation if there were ever an Apple Watch Rolex as an example, because there's more emphasis placed on what's inside the case - the movement. So to me the Huawei is nothing more than a cheap knockoff you might find on the streets of New York in a mall kiosk. Now, if Huawei were to reference a Louis Vuitton watch face and have Louis Vuitton leather I'd feel the same way I do about them as I do Apple Watch Hermès.

I think the future brands we need to look at are other companies known primary for fashion, leather, and jewelry who offer watches as an afterthought, a comparatively cheap accessory. Perhaps leather makers like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Coach with quality leather bands. I think a Tiffany & Co. with sterling silver links and signature blue accents would also be a remarkable pairing.

And sometimes, in life, doing it better is all that matters. Semantics.

 

[galavanter]

Glad I found this thread. I'm hoping Apple does the right thing and releases a few full screen elegant analog watch faces when the Hermes is released or shortly thereafter. They sold the Apple Watch as a luxury timepiece, and it's Mickey Mouse dials, both literal and figurative, don't live up to that moniker.
I'm into mechanical watches, and have thus far resisted the Apple Watch for this reason alone. I prefer round (Huawei on pre-order), but the Apple Watch could be the Cartier Tank (http://www.cartier.us/en-us/collect.../tank/tank-solo/w5200002-tank-solo-watch.html) of smart watches (The Hermes looks great) if they would just release some nice faces. I don't want much more than notifications and auto time zone change, but responding to a text with voice while driving would be nice. Android Wear for iOS won't give me that.
I won't spend the extra bucks for the Hermes, and I really don't care how they market it. The Rolex Tiffany example made a lot of sense. As long as they don't put Champion Spark Plug logos on it like my 70's Timex, or allow Trump to make it into a campaign button, it's cool with me.
But all current Apple Watch owners should feel suckered if Apple doesn't release some full screen analog watch faces soon. It's only a real luxury time piece now if it says Hermes? That's not what you were sold.

http://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html

 

[BigGuy219]

Glad I found this thread. I'm hoping Apple does the right thing and releases a few full screen elegant analog watch faces when the Hermes is released or shortly thereafter. They sold this watch as a luxury timepiece, and it's Mickey Mouse dials, both literal and figurative, don't live up to that moniker.
I'm into mechanical watches, and have thus far resisted the Apple Watch for this reason alone. I prefer round (Huawei on pre-order), but the Apple Watch could be the Cartier Tank Watch of smart watches if they would just release some nice faces. I don't want much more than notifications and auto time zone change, but responding to a text with voice while driving would be nice. Android Wear for IOS won't give me that.
I won't spend the extra bucks for the Hermes, and I really don't care how they market it. The Rolex Tiffany example made a lot of sense. As long as they don't put Champion Spark Plug logos on it like my "70's Timex, or allow Trump to make it into a campaign button, it's cool with me.
But all current Apple Watch owners should feel suckered a bit if Apple doesn't release some full screen analog watch faces soon. It's only a luxury time piece if it says Hermes?

I think luxury time piece is not the right category to put the Apple Watch Hermès into. I think it's a fashion watch. Most of the major fashion companies offer a watch as an accessory, but because of the relatively simple movement they'd never be a true luxury watch.

To me this is an Hermès leather strap that happens to have an Apple Watch affixed to it. I love fashion, but as a man my options are severely limited. So while I love the Hermès brand what is there for me to buy? A tie? - they're not exactly known for ties. A wrist strap with some coiled leather? - rather casual, no? So to me this is finally opening the door for me to get my orange box, after seeing so many of the women who've passed through my life get theirs.

And on the 42 SS I gave up to pave way for my Hermès - I was totally using the Mickey Mouse face!

 

[zetaplus93]

You're debating execution, and subjective taste and style.

No, I'm just talking watch design. You don't understand it, so be it.

 

[Mac 128]

I'm into mechanical watches, and have thus far resisted the Apple Watch for this reason alone. I prefer round (Huawei on pre-order), but the Apple Watch could be the Cartier Tank Watch of smart watches if they would just release some nice faces.

Oh Apple will release a round Watch, eventually. This partnership with Hermes seals the deal, for the exact reason you state you have resisted buying one. The fact that Apple has given up brand identity to digitally imitate a mechanical Hermes Cape Cod, for no other reason than to attract a certain sort of luxury fashion customer, virtually guarantees that Apple will do whatever they have to in order to remain ingratiated within the world of haute couture. The minute Karl Lagerfeld decides the original rectangular shape of the Watch is passé, Apple will likely fall all over itself to reinvent it. Fashion is fickle. Apple knows this. There will be a round Watch eventually, for purely aesthetic reasons.

 

[BigGuy219]

Oh Apple will release a round Watch, eventually. This partnership with Hermes seals the deal, for the exact reason you state you have resisted buying one. The fact that Apple has given up brand identity to digitally imitate a mechanical Hermes Cape Cod, for no other reason than to attract a certain sort of luxury fashion customer, virtually guarantees that Apple will do whatever they have to in order to remain ingratiated within the world of haute couture. The minute Karl Lagerfeld decides the original rectangular shape of the Watch is passé, Apple will likely fall all over itself to reinvent it. Fashion is fickle. Apple knows this. There will be a round Watch eventually, for purely aesthetic reasons.

I can't understand the problem.

What's wrong with Apple changing designs as fashion dictates? What's wrong with following advice from Karl Lagerfeld?

I'm more inclined to pic up a copy of Vogue or GQ than MacWorld (is that even still a thing?).

 

[BSben]

If you search for Hermés and animal cruelty, you wonder how Apple could possibly work with that horrible company.

 

[galavanter]

Oh Apple will release a round Watch, eventually. This partnership with Hermes seals the deal, for the exact reason you state you have resisted buying one. The fact that Apple has given up brand identity to digitally imitate a mechanical Hermes Cape Cod, for no other reason than to attract a certain sort of luxury fashion customer, virtually guarantees that Apple will do whatever they have to in order to remain ingratiated within the world of haute couture. The minute Karl Lagerfeld decides the original rectangular shape of the Watch is passé, Apple will likely fall all over itself to reinvent it. Fashion is fickle. Apple knows this. There will be a round Watch eventually, for purely aesthetic reasons.

Well I do believe if the Huawei said Apple on it...

No reason why they can't have a few styles, like the iPod.

But maybe I wasn't clear. I have resisted the Watch (I always forget how to do that) due to a lack of tasteful full screen analog faces, not because it is squarish. I can buy into the argument that it is designed as a wrist computer and meant to allow easy reading of text, although I will not be reading Wikipedia articles on it. We shall see if the Huawei, with it's circular design, really hinders me with it's cut off notifications, like some claim. I doubt it really, although I would love for them to scroll across the screen.

Apple isn't giving up brand identity, it's just a digital face (OK and a tiny engraving on the back), for those that need that. I think it was probably a smart move, just look at the publicity! I just want a nice analog face. The designs Apple must be sitting on, with sweep seconds hand!

 

[douglasf13]

There will be a round Watch eventually, for purely aesthetic reasons.

I think it's maybe slightly more likely than a round iPhone.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I think it's maybe slightly more likely than a round iPhone.

iPhone pi

 

[ocabj]

If you search for Hermés and animal cruelty, you wonder how Apple could possibly work with that horrible company.

Ever search for Foxconn and human rights?

 

[Mac 128]

If you search for Hermés and animal cruelty, you wonder how Apple could possibly work with that horrible company.

Jane Birkin has resolved her complaint with Hermes to remove her name from the signature bag over animal cruelty. Hermes claims it was an isolated irregularity with a specific Texas crocodile farm. So, see, if Jane Birkin is satisfied then there's no problems for Apple. ;-)

 

[BarracksSi]

I will never wear a leather strap on my Apple Watch. Cruelty to animals, you know, so I'll only get the rubber strap.

Oh wait, the fluoroastomer doesn't decompose? I gotta go Earth-friendly, so… maybe one of the steel straps?

No? They have to dig out fifteen tons of iron ore to make one steel strap? Well, dang it.

I'll get a leather strap because at least it'll rot away. Besides, what am I going to do with the rest of the cow? Eat it? What if I'm vegan?

 

[KPOM]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod+HP

Wow. Now we're getting somewhere. Although HP was going to have an HP blue colored iPod, it didn't end up that way. So basically Apple was buying the HP brand name to gain increased distribution. Definitely closer to what Apple is doing with Hermes, here. However, the major difference is that Apple is getting top billing to HP, whereas Hermes is getting top billing on this watch.

It's called the Apple Watch Hermès. They are getting equal billing.

 

[Mac 128]

It's called the Apple Watch Hermès. They are getting equal billing.

But not for equal work. Hermes did not contribute one thing to the Watch case, except their trademarks. The only contribution was adapting a pre-existing band for the watch, which could have been sold on its own without taking credit for someone else's work.

 

[douglasf13]

But not for equal work. Hermes did not contribute one thing to the Watch case, except their trademarks. The only contribution was adapting a pre-existing band for the watch, which could have been sold on its own without taking credit for someone else's work.

It's really no different that Hermes doing only the leatherwork on a Bugatti. You'd have a point if the Apple Watch Hermes was only different in that it had the engraving and a watch face, but the Apple Watch Hermes is sold only with the Hermes leatherwork. The leatherwork is the entire point of the thing.

 

[deadstockmarket]

Lots of drama over this watch.

 

[Mac 128]

It's really no different that Hermes doing only the leatherwork on a Bugatti. You'd have a point if the Apple Watch Hermes was only different in that it had the engraving and a watch face, but the Apple Watch Hermes is sold only with the Hermes leatherwork. The leatherwork is the entire point of the thing.

Except Apple is not Bugatti. Nor does Bugatti share the hood branding with Hermes -- they get a footnote under the license plate. So basically this is like the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition.

And while the leatherwork may be the entire point of the Watch, Hermes sells watches they design and manufacture as well, for which they have previously designed the exact same bands they are just transplanting onto the Watch, so it's not like they are even earning the co-branding for the thing it's supposed to be about, unlike the Bugatti on which Hermes designed custom leather pieces out of necessity.