Someone explain Hermes to me, and what the benefit is of getting it over regular SS AW?

[Phil77354]

Wow, what a lively discussion ?

No kidding!

I'm particularly enjoying the 'no you're not being judged any longer' side with points such as:

. . . As long as we look presentable in business we’re good. . . .

In other words the basic point is not in dispute, you are going to be judged by how you dress, accessorize, and present yourself - as long as you look presentable. Heck, some are likely to be judged negatively by going over-board with luxury goods when they may be attempting to make the opposite impression.

Some people like 'nice' things and chose to display them and put them to use during the working day, others do not. Some times for the impression they may want to be making, other times just for their own self-satisfaction. So what? Good for them, either way.

And spare me the examples of silicon valley executives who wear t-shirts and tennis shoes as if that will work for everyone. It will not. Their success speaks for itself, and good for them and their accomplishments, regardless of how they chose to dress. And recognize that it also puts them in a position where they can get away with things that many others can not.

 

[GrandeLatte]

I’m with you! I actually appreciate the watch faces more than the bands.

But the leather bands are handcrafted by the “artisans“ in France right alongside the Hermes bags. They are made from the same leather stock. And like the bags, Hermes refuses to automate the process and the production is limited to what their artisans can produce by hand.

So when a leather color or combination goes out of production, it’s gone forever. That’s why the Hermes leather bands can actually appreciate, just like the bags or watches, even after they are used.

And as I mentioned earlier, Hermes has been making expensive watch bands long before the Apple Watch ever existed. Hermes owners have been matching watch bands to bags for decades. The Hermes Apple Watch came about because they realized that the their bag owners were switching to Apple watches. The price is a simple result of too much demand and too little supply.

I am that bag owner switching to Hermes AW. While I appreciate traditional luxury watches, the AW is a technology I need right now. I need to stay connected. So why not go for the best aesthetics. I'm in my 40s, I can afford it easily. So it's a no brainer. But for very young ppl who don't need extra bells and whistles, a regular aluminum watch will suffice.

But truthfully, I don't see the point in "persuading" someone to go Hermes. You either love it or you don't. It's not a big deal either way.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I do get the appeal of the Hermes faces, they are very nice and classy. However, my experience with the Nike faces tell me that I wouldn't actually use them much. I have had two Nike watches, and I did like the aesthetics of the exclusive Nike faces. However, the faces I end up using the most are the Infograph and Modular faces, the ones that can be loaded with the most complications. I guess because for me, the watch is more of an activity tracker than a timepiece. Last time I upgraded, I ended up getting a non-Nike watch, because I decided I'd rather try the new solo band rather than keep the Nike watch faces, and I haven't regretted my decision. And while it would be nice to have access to the Hermes faces, since it's not something I'd use that often, for me, it doesn't justify the extra cost.

They are classy looking faces but like the Nike faces, I think once some own the watch, they end up using the standard faces as they offer more information. I have a Nike AW and stopped using the Nike faces quite a long time ago. The Hermes faces are classy, but quite plain for my tastes. They’d be nice to switch to if wearing the watch to an evening event or with a suit, but don’t really do it for me on the whole. There are sources now to download the Nike and Hermes faces which are not quite as good, but you get the general aesthetic.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Can some explain to me who in their right mind would pay $100,000 for a handbag?

More $ than brains!

The new smash and grab!

1. High $ value
2. Untraceable
3. Easy to fence
4. Cannot be arrested for possession alone

Nearly $1 million worth of handbags stolen from Worth Avenue store

One-of-a-kind Hermes handbags were taken from Only Authentics during a smash-and-grab the night of Dec. 14.

www.palmbeachpost.com

 

[wgaller]

I am that bag owner switching to Hermes AW. While I appreciate traditional luxury watches, the AW is a technology I need right now. I need to stay connected. So why not go for the best aesthetics. I'm in my 40s, I can afford it easily. So it's a no brainer. But for very young ppl who don't need extra bells and whistles, a regular aluminum watch will suffice.

But truthfully, I don't see the point in "persuading" someone to go Hermes. You either love it or you don't. It's not a big deal either way.

What extra bells and whistles are you referencing? Functionality is same as other S7 watches - you are simply paying for band, which regardless how nice can't be worth the money they charge. But then again we happily shell out $50 for a silicone sport loop, which probably costs less then a dollar to produce.

 

[GrandeLatte]

What extra bells and whistles are you referencing? Functionality is same as other S7 watches - you are simply paying for band, which regardless how nice can't be worth the money they charge. But then again we happily shell out $50 for a silicone sport loop, which probably costs less then a dollar to produce.

Please refer to previous post.

I would say you get a number of plusses which, in my opinion, are listed as follows:

1. Hermès watchband. You could buy a regular SS AW and replace the band with an Hermès band. The quality of the leather is far superior to what Apple offers, and you have to feel it to experience it. That said, the watch itself is about $699 for 45mm minus the cost of Apple's bands, whereas Hermès is $960 for 45mm SS (less the cost of the band). So for $260 what else do you get?

2. Two extra years of Apple Care for the watch itself, and Hermès customer service for the bands. I have had to take a band back to Hermès because I got ink on it, and they were able to polish as much out as they could (fortunately it was water-based). You can take any Hermès product to their store to be fixed or conditioned.

3. Watch face exclusives. These are nice but probably low on the list because I could simply live with the ones Apple also offers.

If you're not into the extended warranty and watch faces, I would suggest getting a regular SS AW and try out their leather bands. Once you feel the leather you may just be sold on buying the bands and saving the additional cost of #2 and #3.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

No kidding!

I'm particularly enjoying the 'no you're not being judged any longer' side with points such as:



In other words the basic point is not in dispute, you are going to be judged by how you dress, accessorize, and present yourself - as long as you look presentable. Heck, some are likely to be judged negatively by going over-board with luxury goods when they may be attempting to make the opposite impression.

Some people like 'nice' things and chose to display them and put them to use during the working day, others do not. Some times for the impression they may want to be making, other times just for their own self-satisfaction. So what? Good for them, either way.

And spare me the examples of silicon valley executives who wear t-shirts and tennis shoes as if that will work for everyone. It will not. Their success speaks for itself, and good for them and their accomplishments, regardless of how they chose to dress. And recognize that it also puts them in a position where they can get away with things that many others can not.

Thank you for making fun of me. I appreciate it. WHAT I SAID - FOR THE 800TH TIME IS - NO ONE IS GOING TO JUDGE SOMEONE NEGATIVELY FOR HAVING AN ALUMINUM WATCH VS STAINLESS STEEL.

I have the Hermes edition because I love it, but no on is going to think any better of me for having that versus someone who has an aluminum watch.

I sit in front of clients all day long, I bring in business to my firm through client and asset acquisition. I’m not a Silicon Valley executive. I wear a untucked button down shirts, casual pants or jeans, and casual shoes. I am PRESENTABLE. I do this for a living. NO ONE is judging me the way others have said on this thread. No one gives a crap what watch I’m wearing, what shoes, what shirt, what pants. No one. They are judging me on my likability, knowledge, expertise, listening skills, the questions I ask, my sincerity, etc… Of course we’re all being judged all the time, but not in the outlandish ways people on this thread have said. NO ONE GIVES A TOOT WHAT’S ON YOUR WRIST. It’s 2022 not 1962.

 

[Night Spring]

Thank you for making fun of me.

I didn't think that post was making fun of anyone, to me it seemed like they were mostly agreeing with your point of view.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Thank you for making fun of me. I appreciate it. WHAT I SAID - FOR THE 800TH TIME IS - NO ONE IS GOING TO JUDGE SOMEONE NEGATIVELY FOR HAVING AN ALUMINUM WATCH VS STAINLESS STEEL.

I have the Hermes edition because I love it, but no on is going to think any better of me for having that versus someone who has an aluminum watch.

I sit in front of clients all day long, I bring in business to my firm through client and asset acquisition. I’m not a Silicon Valley executive. I wear a untucked button down shirts, casual pants or jeans, and casual shoes. I am PRESENTABLE. I do this for a living. NO ONE is judging me the way others have said on this thread. No one gives a crap what watch I’m wearing, what shoes, what shirt, what pants. No one. They are judging me on my likability, knowledge, expertise, listening skills, the questions I ask, my sincerity, etc… Of course we’re all being judged all the time, but not in the outlandish ways people on this thread have said. NO ONE GIVES A TOOT WHAT’S ON YOUR WRIST. It’s 2022 not 1962.

They were not making fun of you but agreeing with your point, as do I. I think some may live in quite a superficial world and are young enough where they are judged by their peers. Thankfully I’ve never associated with the type of people that judge me based on the watch I am wearing. I wear an aluminium AW and if anything I have had the rare compliment because it’s a smartwatch and most people don’t know the difference between models anyway.

 

[BillGates1969]

They were not making fun of you but agreeing with your point, as do I. I think some may live in quite a superficial world and are young enough where they are judged by their peers. Thankfully I’ve never associated with the type of people that judge me based on the watch I am wearing. I wear an aluminium AW and if anything I have had the rare compliment because it’s a smartwatch and most people don’t know the difference between models anyway.

I agree 100% with you here - some people are shallow and judge people by what is on the outside or on show rather than the substance.

I have always had a new Mercedes every 3 years for the last 12 years, this year I realised after doing 6000 miles in 3 years as I have been work from home for 6 years now, to replace it with an Electric Mini as I was throwing money in the drain. I was also without a car for 4 months whilst I waited for delivery.

My superficial neighbour (we really don't get on) asked me if I had lost my job as they noticed I had downgraded my car. They are a family of 5 (3 'kids' who live at home). The mum and dad get a new car every 2 years and the daughters have new cars, but are in their late 20s and still live at home. I once asked the neighbour (politely) if the girls were looking to move out and she said they can't afford it. I thought well they can afford to waste £3-400 a month on a new car every month, but not to move out. All superficial and show.

I do wear a Hermès this year and love it. I love it for me not for others. I got it to treat myself and for my pleasure.

As an aside my neighbour is the only person to notice it. Says something about the person lol.

 

[BreakYurAnkles]

its quite simple,

Hermès = HerPès

If you constantly have a want for "luxury" and "status" then you have a mental virus (HerPès) that is eating away at your thoughts. So when you're in constant want of luxury, you've got the mental HERP virus. Good luck trying to get rid of that.

In its pure functionality, its the same. In its "difference" its luxury, Nice bands, watch faces, build materials, warranty, etc.

Very similar to luxury cars as well. (aside from maintenance costs).

In every "class" of society there's a pissing contest. But when you're in the upper class, it gets a lot more costly and judgmental.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I agree 100% with you here - some people are shallow and judge people by what is on the outside or on show rather than the substance.

I have always had a new Mercedes every 3 years for the last 12 years, this year I realised after doing 6000 miles in 3 years as I have been work from home for 6 years now, to replace it with an Electric Mini as I was throwing money in the drain. I was also without a car for 4 months whilst I waited for delivery.

My superficial neighbour (we really don't get on) asked me if I had lost my job as they noticed I had downgraded my car. They are a family of 5 (3 'kids' who live at home). The mum and dad get a new car every 2 years and the daughters have new cars, but are in their late 20s and still live at home. I once asked the neighbour (politely) if the girls were looking to move out and she said they can't afford it. I thought well they can afford to waste £3-400 a month on a new car every month, but not to move out. All superficial and show.

I do wear a Hermès this year and love it. I love it for me not for others. I got it to treat myself and for my pleasure.

As an aside my neighbour is the only person to notice it. Says something about the person lol.

Lots of the parents at my daughters school are dressed head to toe in designer gear and driving £50k+ cars on finance but live in the rougher parts of town. It’s the same everywhere these days and I think social media puts pressure on some people to appear wealthier than they are.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

I’m stupid. What can I say? I’m so sorry, Phil. It was such a long day of client meetings I think I lost my marbles. SO SORRY! Thank you all for your kind replies and not telling me to sodd off.

I re-reading it, I comprehend it in a different light.

It’s also true that luxury could have a negative impact. I never bring a designer bag to a meeting. I’ll do it occasionally when I take clients to a social (not business) dinner. I wear my Hermes watch but for all intents and purposes one wouldn’t know it was Hermes unless the band prompted them to ask.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

Lots of the parents at my daughters school are dressed head to toe in designer gear and driving £50k+ cars on finance but live in the rougher parts of town. It’s the same everywhere these days and I think social media puts pressure on some people to appear wealthier than they are.

It absolutely does. I watch tons of designer handbag YouTube videos and it makes me want them more than I already do. But, the one thing those videos don’t show and people on social media don’t show is their debt. I’m not saying everything who buys tons of luxury have debt, but I’m sure many do. No one is going to write on Facebook “I’m really struggling to pay off the $90,000 I have on my credit card.”

It absolutely puts pressure on us - social media - in so many ways but keeping up with the Jones’s is one of them.

I want a crap ton of designer bags, but I only have 4. All under $2k. The ones I want range from $5,800 to $14,000+ (Hermes Birkin 40) but I just can’t bring myself to spend that much money. Maybe someday, but not today.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

its quite simple,

Hermès = HerPès

If you constantly have a want for "luxury" and "status" then you have a mental virus (HerPès) that is eating away at your thoughts. So when you're in constant want of luxury, you've got the mental HERP virus. Good luck trying to get rid of that.

In its pure functionality, its the same. In its "difference" its luxury, Nice bands, watch faces, build materials, warranty, etc.

Very similar to luxury cars as well. (aside from maintenance costs).

In every "class" of society there's a pissing contest. But when you're in the upper class, it gets a lot more costly and judgmental.

I have HerPès. For sure. I love luxury items for their quality, build, craftsmanship and materials. The Hermès leather bands are by far the most comfortable bands I have ever used on any watch. They are so soft and buttery. The quality and craftsmanship is amazing. So much so that I just can’t wear any of my other bands anymore. Sadly, I can’t justify spending the money on all the luxury items I want (I would have to deplete my savings then go into debt, and no one wants that) but they are fun to look at and dream about. The Hermès watch was a splurge and I’m so glad I did it. I love it.

 

[Clix Pix]

For the past several years I've thought about going with an Apple/Hermes watch but have always put it off.....and this year I again toyed with the idea, but the reality is that since I am retired and spend more time at home these days thanks to COVID-19, I don't wear my watch on a daily basis, don't depend on it throughout my day.....so I'm still trucking along with my Series 3 Stainless Steel Space Black Apple Watch and matching SS Space Black link "bracelet." Love the combo, never bothered buying any other straps, and that has been the case since my first Series 0 Watch and that same beloved link bracelet.

Something Hermes which did catch my eye as being something I knew I'd use on a fairly regular basis, more than the watch, actually, was that wonderful orange keyring with the Apple AirTag..... Orange is my absolutely most favorite color and so this year's Christmas present to myself was one of those. Actually, I'm not interested in and don't need the AirTag for its intended purpose so tossed out the battery and never activated the device. My keys look just wonderful on their new classic Hermes leather orange keyring with the (empty) Hermes-engraved AirTag inside! Gives me great pleasure now and will for a long, long time..... Not out to impress anyone else, just happy to have something beautiful in wonderful leather which feels good to hold in a color that I love as a practical, everyday product that I'll use on nearly a daily basis.

 

[Itinj24]

Everyone gets so emotional over this Hermes Apple Watch. Especially those who never owned one.

 

[Clix Pix]

For me it's all about the color orange.....and about what is useful to me and what might not be quite as useful to me -- hence my choice to go with the AirTag because I love the orange leather keyring that Hermes offers. Maybe I'll eventually buy an Hermes Apple Watch, maybe not, but in the meantime I'm happy with my little touch of lovely orange leather!

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Everyone gets so emotional over this Hermes Apple Watch. Especially those who never owned one.

Seems a bizarre statement to make. Are you sure?
You are the guy who previously claimed in this thread that people judge ‘you’ based on your watch when doing business deals which i’ll be honest, I thought was far-fetched.

 

[44267547]

Social proof that you have money to burn?

Social proof? That sounds totally made up and nonsensical for a product/branding that you’re uneducated on and clearly not a target demographic of the partnership with Apple. Most consumers couldn’t differentiate the Hermès Apple Watch on your wrist apart from any other Apple Watch model, because of the amount of customizable bands.

The majority buying the Hermès brand, is very familiarized with the branding and the quality of materials they use associated with their watches and other products.

 

[adib]

Important Point - Just BE SURE to use the Hermes band ONLY with premium SS or Ti models. IF you try to attach the Hermes band to an Aluminum Apple Watch (particularly the Nike variant), it will self-destruct.

So, I guess Hermès bands would react with aluminum oxide and then rapidly deteriorate?

Sounds like it would belong with one of those banana-on-wall art installations and one of the required items to wear to 3rd tier rich people clubs.

 

[Itinj24]

Seems a bizarre statement to make. Are you sure?
You are the guy who previously claimed in this thread that people judge ‘you’ based on your watch when doing business deals which i’ll be honest, I thought was far-fetched.

Umm, no. My statement was generalized and not particular to any Watch whether it be Apple, aluminum or Hermes. I was pointing out the difference between showing up to a business venue looking like a shlub vs looking successful. I made that clear in a previous post.

How bizarre is this? The OP asked specifically about Hermes, yet you have everyone with an aluminum Apple Watch coming out of the woodwork telling everyone with an Hermes Apple Watch that they aren’t financially responsible. I don’t know, perhaps those that actually own an Hermes watch would be better suited to answer the OP’s question? For some odd reason though, aluminum owners always have to defend their purchase decisions in every thread. You responding alone verifies my statement. You’ve said a few times Hermes is not your cup of tea and nobody in your neck of the woods really knows what it is, but yet, here you are.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Umm, no. My statement was generalized and not particular to any Watch whether it be Apple, aluminum or Hermes. I was pointing out the difference between showing up to a business venue looking like a shlub vs looking successful. I made that clear in a previous post.

How bizarre is this? The OP asked specifically about Hermes, yet you have everyone with an aluminum Apple Watch coming out of the woodwork telling everyone with an Hermes Apple Watch that they aren’t financially responsible. I don’t know, perhaps those that actually own an Hermes watch would be better suited to answer the OP’s question? For some odd reason though, aluminum owners always have to defend their purchase decisions in every thread. You responding alone verifies my statement. You’ve said a few times Hermes is not your cup of tea and nobody in your neck of the woods really knows what it is, but yet, here you are.

Again, sweeping generalisations using terms like ‘everyone’ is just downright untruthful on your part and you know it. Aluminium Watch users as a collective have never suggested in this thread that those with Hermes AW’s are not financially responsible. That sounds more like you assuming the type of Watch people go for somehow reflects their income, it doesn’t btw. The Hermes watch is only £1500 too, not a small mortgage or significantly expensive for adults with monthly outgoings. This thread is not solely for those who own specific products either, it’s a general thread open to all people. Feel free to complain if you think otherwise.

If you think aluminium AW users are continually defending their purchase decision on ‘every thread’ (another untruth) then maybe look at the snobbery across this board where the product is continually put down and ridiculed, much like any entry level device on this forum. Sometimes the truth hurts for some people

Not sure how I have ‘proved your point’ either just by questioning your ridiculous previous post?

 

[Night Spring]

If you think aluminium AW users are continually defending their purchase decision on ‘every thread’ (another untruth) then maybe look at the snobbery across this board where the product is continually put down and ridiculed, much like any entry level device on this forum.

The interesting thing about aluminum watch in comparison to other entry-level devices, such as the lowest priced Macs, iPads, iPhones, etc, is that functionally they are identical with the more expensive SS, Hermes, ceramic, etc. models. The only difference is the appearance. Oh, and the screen being ion glass not crystal.

In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, the entry models are the S3 and SE watches. The latest generation aluminum models are mid-tier models. But again, the difference between the aluminum and the high-end models are appearance, not functionality. Which is a very unusual thing for a tech product. But it's a watch, so it's also fashion as well as technology.

So to go back to the OP's question, my answer would be that the benefits of the Hermes watch are all in the realm of fashion. The exclusive Hermes faces -- fashion. The band -- beautiful, comfortable leather that would outlast the useful technological lifespan of the watch, but in terms of functionality, any $10 knockoff band would keep the watch on your wrist. Steel casing and sapphire crystal display, could increase the durability of the watch a bit over aluminum/ion glass. And many people think steel looks nicer, again fashion.

So people who value fashion would find the Hermes Watch worth the extra price. People who think of the watch as a technology gadget will wonder why on earth people would pay extra for same functionality but with better looks. I'm afraid this is a divide that can't be overcome by rational discussion.

 

[Itinj24]

Again, sweeping generalisations using terms like ‘everyone’ is just downright untruthful on your part and you know it. Aluminium Watch users as a collective have never suggested in this thread that those with Hermes AW’s are not financially responsible. That sounds more like you assuming the type of Watch people go for somehow reflects their income, it doesn’t btw. The Hermes watch is only £1500 too, not a small mortgage or significantly expensive for adults with monthly outgoings. This thread is not solely for those who own specific products either, it’s a general thread open to all people. Feel free to complain if you think otherwise.

If you think aluminium AW users are continually defending their purchase decision on ‘every thread’ (another untruth) then maybe look at the snobbery across this board where the product is continually put down and ridiculed, much like any entry level device on this forum. Sometimes the truth hurts for some people

Not sure how I have ‘proved your point’ either just by questioning your ridiculous previous post?

I almost typed, “everyone and their mother.” Good thing I didn’t since you’re not familiar with the word exaggeration.

I suggest you go back and read the whole thread again.

You call it snobbery, I call it factual. It is a fact that aluminum is a cheaper metal than SS and the IonX glass is cheaper than sapphire. Don’t be mad that it’s pointed out with your generalizations of snobbery. You know what you paid for. I started with the aluminum model. It’s terrible. I’ve owned them all so I can have a meaningful opinion unlike others in this thread that want to imply that Hermes owners are wasting their money. Glad this thread is filled with financial advisors. Apparently, I need one.

Look how emotional this thread got you. You claim that Hermes is not for you and you’re still getting all worked up over it.