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DMG35

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May 27, 2021
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Just curious as not much of anything for the Hermes models with watchOS 9. No new Hermes faces, no updates to current faces (like the Hermes face actually taking advantage of the larger display). Could they be phasing out this brand and just start doing the Apple Watch Pro as they only high end model? Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on this. Seems like they are definitely getting rid of the Edition models. Hope they aren't also moving away from the Hermes models as well.
 
From what we're seeing, it looks like the Edition models may be going away. We don't know if Apple had a contact with Hermes to produce a watch and sell watchbands and other accessories for X number of years.

Hermes is a luxury brand which charges luxury prices, and most likely has a healthy profit margin. Apple probably doesn't need to sell a large number of Hermes watches to make a profit, so small sales numbers may not be an issue and it may stick around for the Series 8.

The Apple Watch Hermes prices are definitely high, but if you're a regular Hermes customer, you most likely don't blink at the cost.
 
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Why would they? I’d wager they don’t sell a ton of those given the price tag, but the profit margins must be veeery good for both parties, and certain types of buyers simply like having nice, expensive things on them (nothing wrong with that per se).
 
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I hope not, but if Apple switches up their lineup, then I could see it being on the chopping block.

Then again, Apple sold the titanium as it's own and the stainless Hermes under that label at the same time. They could still do the same even if they introduce a new "Pro" in place of their titanium editions.
 
I think Hermes model sells quite well. Considering how much Hermes mechanical watches actually cost (near or over $10,000), Apple Watch Hermes is not a bad deal at all.
 
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It’s the only way to get a SBSS (with DLC) anymore. I’m guessing the sales of Hermes went up (however slightly) since Apple moved to the graphite (PVD) color for the standard SS. I moved to Hermes for SBSS so that’s at least one person.

I don’t think it’s going anywhere but what do I know.
 
Quite possibly we’ll see Hermes disappear. It doesn’t strike me as a popular line as the consumer is paying massively over the odds for a set of rather plain branded Watch faces and a nicely made leather strap. At the end of the day it’s still an Apple Watch.
 
From what we're seeing, it looks like the Edition models may be going away. We don't know if Apple had a contact with Hermes to produce a watch and sell watchbands and other accessories for X number of years.

Hermes is a luxury brand which charges luxury prices, and most likely has a healthy profit margin. Apple probably doesn't need to sell a large number of Hermes watches to make a profit, so small sales numbers may not be an issue and it may stick around for the Series 8.

The Apple Watch Hermes prices are definitely high, but if you're a regular Hermes customer, you most likely don't blink at the cost.
The Stainless Steel is also an Edition Watch, I think you mean that they’re getting rid of the titanium Edition watches
 
The Stainless Steel is also an Edition Watch, I think you mean that they’re getting rid of the titanium Edition watches

The stainless steel isn't considered part of the "Edition" line. Just the titanium (and old ceramic) versions.
 
I'd be surprised if they do. I think the Hermes models serve an important purpose for Apple. They are obviously not selling a ton of them (relative to the other models), but it gives Apple a higher Price Point & makes the seem/feel like a more upscale watch. It probably also helps to sell the 'mid-tier' models (like the Titanium). When you add a higher price point then the next highest price point becomes a 'more affordable' alternative, so it helps sell the other watches.

It also helps to keep Hermes in the Apple Watch ecosystem. If Apple stopped selling one, Hermes could go to Google/Samsung for a branded model. I suspect this is the reason they do the Nike model too. It's not like Apple needs Nike to sell a sports watch, but it's better to give Nike a cut of the profits, and have them sell your product, rather than having them become a competitor.

And from Hermes side of things, it helps them to bring in new customers, and also gives them a disposable item to sell. Someone above mentioned their expensive mechanical watches, but buying one of those is a one time purchase. Buy an apple watch can be done every year or two.
 
Will be interesting to see what they do here. Hermes removed any reference to the Apple Watch off of their website, although that could just be to put the Series 8 in its place.
 
I'd be surprised if they do. I think the Hermes models serve an important purpose for Apple. They are obviously not selling a ton of them (relative to the other models), but it gives Apple a higher Price Point & makes the seem/feel like a more upscale watch. It probably also helps to sell the 'mid-tier' models (like the Titanium). When you add a higher price point then the next highest price point becomes a 'more affordable' alternative, so it helps sell the other watches.

It also helps to keep Hermes in the Apple Watch ecosystem. If Apple stopped selling one, Hermes could go to Google/Samsung for a branded model. I suspect this is the reason they do the Nike model too. It's not like Apple needs Nike to sell a sports watch, but it's better to give Nike a cut of the profits, and have them sell your product, rather than having them become a competitor.

And from Hermes side of things, it helps them to bring in new customers, and also gives them a disposable item to sell. Someone above mentioned their expensive mechanical watches, but buying one of those is a one time purchase. Buy an apple watch can be done every year or two.

I agree with everything you wrote here, except for the bolded part. It would seriously tarnish the Hermès brand to collaborate with anyone but the market leader (in market share as well as brand perception). These things only ever happen when luxury/upscale brands are in financial troublel which Hermès doesn‘t seem to be.
 
I personally think the Apple Watch is an odd choice for Hermes considering it’s a very high end designer brand and Apple is a consumer brand in comparison. I can understand Nike collaborating but for me Hermes has always been a bit odd like it’s just putting its brand on a mass produced smartwatch and promoting itself through the additional bands it supplies.
 
Hermes  WATCH lives on!!

While it may not be the biggest seller it most likely has the biggest mark-up For Apple
Let’s face it …..it adds class and quality to both brands!!
 
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