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

[44267547]

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.

Although I won’t get in between that argument, but I will say I do agree that the aluminum model was rather disappointing for me. But for the average consumer, I do think the aluminum model is absolutely perfect in terms of pricing segment, it looks fashionable enough, and shares identical functionality, but there are some of us who don’t want cheaply made garbage with the likes of the Ion-X Glass that scratches, or chipping with the anodized aluminum casing.

As much as I like the stainless, that’s actually not even the main selling point for me, I really wanted the sapphire display, and Apple knows that there’s a target demographic that will pay a premium to have that added protection, and I’m glad they offer that. If they offered the sapphire on the aluminum model over the garbage Ion-X Glass, I probably would reconsider. [But I really do like the weight of the stainless, which is the perfect amount of ‘heft’ on your wrist without being too weighty.]

So if that means I have to pay additional for what I want for something that meets my expectations, that’s really all that matters, at least Apple doesn’t use the Ion-X glass on the more expensive models. For others, they don’t have a problem looking at scratches on the shoddy Ion-X Glass, and that’s fine too. We all have different expectations and preferences.

But I also think it’s a valid point you made about the Hermès branding, a lot of people just don’t understand it and ‘why would you want to pay that price’, when it’s not all about the branding, it is about the quality that follows the branding.

 

[Itinj24]

Although I won’t get in between that argument, but I will say I do agree that the aluminum model was rather disappointing for me. But for the average consumer, I do think the aluminum model is absolutely perfect in terms of pricing segment, it looks fashionable enough, and shares identical functionality, but there are some of us who don’t want cheaply made garbage with the likes of the Ion-X Glass that scratches, or chipping with the anodized aluminum casing.

As much as I like the stainless, that’s actually not even the main selling point for me, I really wanted the sapphire display, and Apple knows that there’s a target demographic that will pay a premium to have that added protection, and I’m glad they offer that. If they offered the sapphire on the aluminum model over the garbage Ion-X Glass, I probably would reconsider. [But I really do like the weight of the stainless, which is the perfect amount of ‘heft’ on your wrist without being too weighty.]

So if that means I have to pay additional for what I want for something that meets my expectations, that’s really all that matters, at least Apple doesn’t use the Ion-X glass on the more expensive models. For others, they don’t have a problem looking at scratches on the shoddy Ion-X Glass, and that’s fine too. We all have different expectations and preferences.

But I also think it’s a valid point you made about the Hermès branding, a lot of people just don’t understand it and ‘why would you want to pay that price’, when it’s not all about the branding, it is about the quality that follows the branding.

I kid you not, my IonX screen had blemishes from putting on and removing a TPU case that I used for working out. May have been the oleophobic coating but regardless, still blemishes that couldn’t be removed. Something I never had an issue with, with the sapphire models. I also agree that it is more about the glass than the case. I don’t have any issue with those that choose to buy the aluminum model. I have an issue with the aluminum model personally because it just isn’t durable enough for me.

I learned long ago that if you pay for quality early, you have to make less purchases in the future.

The Hermes leather is simply amazing and I miss the SBSS so much, I opted to pay a little more for that option.

 

[Night Spring]

But for the average consumer, I do think the aluminum model is absolutely perfect in terms of pricing segment, it looks fashionable enough, and shares identical functionality, but there are some of us who don’t want cheaply made garbage

Why use such a judgmental term like "garbage" to describe a product that you admit is perfectly acceptable to the "average consumer"? You think the ion-x glass scratches too easily, fine. But by calling it garbage, you are suggesting those of us with aluminum watches are walking around with garbage on our wrists. Someone asked why aluminum watch owners are often defensive. Well, being told we are wearing garbage would tend to provoke a defensive reaction in people.

 

[44267547]

But by calling it garbage, you are suggesting those of us with aluminum watches are walking around with garbage on our wrists.

You’re right, maybe garbage is a bit drastic, and I can see why others might share your interpretation, given that not everybody usually agrees with how we describe something over text on the Internet. But it doesn’t change my perception that’s truly how I feel it is manufactured.

However, here are other adjectives how I would describe the Ion-X glass on the aluminum model/quality standards:

1. Sub-par.
2. Inferior
3. Shoddy
4. Sub-standard
5. Junky (But not literal ‘Junk’.)

 

[PanAm-L1011]

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.

While I don’t agree with him/her on people being judged, I do agree with him/her on that statement. It seems that so many people that try and trash the Hermes watch have never had one. Personally, I’m not sure sure why they care. Usually, when I try to bash something or go on and on and on about why it’s not worth it, I want it and am jealous of those of have it.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

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.

Perhaps. There are also people in the middle. I’ve wanted the Hermes Apple Watch since the first time I saw one (I think it was Series 3 - my friend had one). At the time, I just couldn’t afford it. Then when I could afford it, I couldn’t justify it. Now, I can afford and justify it, so I bought it.

I wanted to SS watch for the first time. Stainless Steel is not only a higher quality build than aluminum (not fashion) but I think it looks better (ok, I’ll give you that, fashion). The Hermes leather bands are incredible in terms of quality and build (not fashion) and look stunning (fashion). A $10 knockoff may keep the watch on your wrist, but it’s quality is going to be garbage and it’s going to look like garage. The bands will no doubt outlive the technology but the bands will work on future watches, so we’ll be able to use them for years to come.

I’m attracted to the Hermes brand because of the quality and craftsmanship not the fashion. Yes their stuff is beautiful, but it’s beautiful because of the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship. I wish I could afford more Hermes than just the watch. It’s the same reason I’ll never buy a Louis Vuitton bag. Boy does that company have everyone fooled. Brands like Coach, Senreve and Aspinal of London (to name a few) have superior build and materials to LV and are at a much more affordable price. Hermes though - they are in a league of their own and there’s a reason for it. And that reason isn’t fashion.

 

[Night Spring]

The Hermes leather bands are incredible in terms of quality and build (not fashion)

I really do appreciate the quality of Hermes leather bands. And if I could afford them, and had somewhere to wear them to, I'd totally buy one. And I've owned Coach bags and loved them. But to me, it's still fashion. Like I said, the function of a watch band is to keep the watch on your wrist. Anything else is fashion. There was a time when leather provided durability, sturdiness, and functionality not possible to replicate with other available materials. But that time is long past. Now, the use of leather is for the looks and feel, which I consider fashion, not utility. There may be some niche uses where it still has to be leather and nothing else will do. But I can't think of any everyday item in my life that just has to be leather.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

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.

It’s not a fact stainless steel is a more expensive material than aluminium, especially the grade Apple use at all. Another false statement you’ve made. I work with both types of material and the costs are monitored daily due to fluctuating costs. Stainless costs more to machine due to time and added tooling cost, but as a material both are pretty much identical and this has been the case since before supply chain issues with the pandemic.

I haven’t gotten emotional at any point, that’s just you trying to troll for my reaction by using a condescending term. I’ve contributed as I have seen fit and not taken anything personally or invested any emotion whatsoever.

Anyway, let’s never communicate on here again. I don’t think it’s worth it and I don’t like your style of posting at all. I wish you well.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

While I don’t agree with him/her on people being judged, I do agree with him/her on that statement. It seems that so many people that try and trash the Hermes watch have never had one. Personally, I’m not sure sure why they care. Usually, when I try to bash something or go on and on and on about why it’s not worth it, I want it and am jealous of those of have it.

I can wholeheartedly tell you I am not jealous of people like yourself who have the Hermes AW. If I was interested in it then I’d buy it, no need for jealousy. This thread was asking a question about it, and I don’t think you need to have personally owned it to give an opinion on it. I’ve never driven a formula one car, but still discuss my opinions on the sport with others online.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Why use such a judgmental term like "garbage" to describe a product that you admit is perfectly acceptable to the "average consumer"? You think the ion-x glass scratches too easily, fine. But by calling it garbage, you are suggesting those of us with aluminum watches are walking around with garbage on our wrists. Someone asked why aluminum watch owners are often defensive. Well, being told we are wearing garbage would tend to provoke a defensive reaction in people.

Unfortunately this is a side to the forum I dislike. Grossly exaggerated terminology which is only designed to provoke reactions and put down other buying choices. Whatever section you go into whether it’s the iPad, Apple Watch or iPhone section, I see a form of snobbery aimed at the mid tier devices. It must be a techy thing. It does often make threads intolerable. I appreciate people have their own experiences with the aluminium and have migrated onto the more expensive models, but that doesn’t mean the aluminium models are sub-par and garbage. If people have scratched or damaged their watches, it’s their fault, not the watch at the end of the day.

 

[Itinj24]

It’s not a fact stainless steel is a more expensive material than aluminium, especially the grade Apple use at all. Another false statement you’ve made. I work with both types of material and the costs are monitored daily due to fluctuating costs. Stainless costs more to machine due to time and added tooling cost, but as a material both are pretty much identical and this has been the case since before supply chain issues with the pandemic.

I haven’t gotten emotional at any point, that’s just you trying to troll for my reaction by using a condescending term. I’ve contributed as I have seen fit and not taken anything personally or invested any emotion whatsoever.

Anyway, let’s never communicate on here again. I don’t think it’s worth it and I don’t like your style of posting at all. I wish you well.

Ok, pal lol. You replied to my post first and almost every one thereafter. You replied to a generalized post I made and I’m the troll looking for a reaction? That wasn’t even directed at you but apparently you were affected by it. My words have been twisted so much in the thread, I was beginning to believe I meant something else lol. Since when is the word “emotional” a condescending term anyway? If you don’t like my style of posting, then why did you reply to so many of mine? Did you think I was just going to ignore them? I always engage in conversation. Anyways, safe, happy and healthy to you and yours.

 

[geekiemac]

There are also people in the middle. I’ve wanted the Hermes Apple Watch since the first time I saw one (I think it was Series 3 - my friend had one). At the time, I just couldn’t afford it. Then when I could afford it, I couldn’t justify it. Now, I can afford and justify it, so I bought it.

Amazing, I went through the same thought / decision process. I've always owned aluminium Apple Watches because back then it was all I could afford, but also justify. My first AW replaced a Jawbone UP tracker and I thought of it only as a sports and fitness/health device. But then one of my friends got a S3 Hermès and I knew I wanted one too from the moment I saw it. But once I could afford it I couldn't justify it either. I'm not sure I can justify it now but I started by getting a second-hand Hermès S6. I guess the next one will be a new one.

Funny thing though: my friend went the opposite way. Once her S3 got really outdated, she sold it (but kept the band). Then she said, "never again, Hermes is too expensive". She now owns a couple of aluminum ones in different colors.

 

[GrandeLatte]

Amazing, I went through the same thought / decision process. I've always owned aluminium Apple Watches because back then it was all I could afford, but also justify. My first AW replaced a Jawbone UP tracker and I thought of it only as a sports and fitness/health device. But then of my friends got a S3 Hermès and I knew I wanted one too from the moment I saw it. But then when I could afford it I couldn't justify it either. I'm not sure I can justify it now but I started by getting a second-hand Hermès S6. I guess the next one will be a new one.

Funny thing though: my friend went the opposite way. Once her S3 got really outdated, she sold it (but kept the band). Then she said, "never again, Hermes is too expensive". She now owns a couple of aluminum ones in different colors.

Wow. I remember Jawbone UP. I wore mine for a few years, mainly as a pedometer/ activity tracker.

I got the clip on version and hid it under my clothes because I didn’t feel it was fashionable. Then one day the company just sort of disappeared. Whatever happened to Jawbone???

 

[geekiemac]

Wow. I remember Jawbone UP. I wore mine for a few years, mainly as a pedometer/ activity tracker.

I got the clip on version and hid it under my clothes because I didn’t feel it was fashionable. Then one day the company just sort of disappeared. Whatever happened to Jawbone???View attachment 1937771

They don't exist any more. The company liquidated its assets in 2017. I don't know about the clip-ons, but the bracelets were extremely unreliable. I guess this, plus the competition from the Apple Watch (despite its different niche) as well as other fitness trackers, got the better of them.

 

[Night Spring]

If people have scratched or damaged their watches, it’s their fault, not the watch at the end of the day.

I don't know if I'd say it's their "fault." But watches scratch. Every single watch I've had, I've managed to scratch. If you read this forum, you see reports of people getting scratches on their stainless steel and sapphire crystal watches. It's just a function of where they are worn on the body.

 

[Night Spring]

Since when is the word “emotional” a condescending term anyway?

When you accuse someone of "getting emotional" like you did in post #200, then it does come across as being condescending. No, the term itself isn't condescending -- it's how you use it that makes a difference.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

I can wholeheartedly tell you I am not jealous of people like yourself who have the Hermes AW. If I was interested in it then I’d buy it, no need for jealousy. This thread was asking a question about it, and I don’t think you need to have personally owned it to give an opinion on it. I’ve never driven a formula one car, but still discuss my opinions on the sport with others online.

I never said you’re jealous. I said some people are. I definitely was very jealous of my friend who had it. People, like you, who want information on it is one thing, people criticizing others for buying it are likely jealous. I scoured this thread before I decided to take the plunge.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

Amazing, I went through the same thought / decision process. I've always owned aluminium Apple Watches because back then it was all I could afford, but also justify. My first AW replaced a Jawbone UP tracker and I thought of it only as a sports and fitness/health device. But then one of my friends got a S3 Hermès and I knew I wanted one too from the moment I saw it. But once I could afford it I couldn't justify it either. I'm not sure I can justify it now but I started by getting a second-hand Hermès S6. I guess the next one will be a new one.

Funny thing though: my friend went the opposite way. Once her S3 got really outdated, she sold it (but kept the band). Then she said, "never again, Hermes is too expensive". She now owns a couple of aluminum ones in different colors.

That’s funny. Honestly, even when I hit that order button I wasn’t sure I could justify it. Then it arrived, with the orange and beige Nylon band. After seeing the quality of that band I toss my cheap Amazon leather band and order the Hermes gold leather band (which isn’t gold, btw, which I knew before I purchased). After getting that, I had to get the orange one because orange is my favorite color.

It‘s elevated my usage of the watch for certain. Before I never wore it when I was home, now I do all the time because it is just so beautiful. I can’t say I’ll always get the Hermes Edition, but I can absolutely say I will never buy aluminum again. It will be silver stainless steel from here On out.

 

[Itinj24]

When you accuse someone of "getting emotional" like you did in post #200, then it does come across as being condescending. No, the term itself isn't condescending -- it's how you use it that makes a difference.

Please look up the definitions of the words “emotion” and “emotional” instead of speculating the manner in which I’m using a word. Thanks.

My original generic, generalized post using the word “emotional” and directed at absolutely nobody in particular received a reply from someone in particular. I’d say that induced some sort emotion. Nothing condescending about that. I’m emotional too, which is why I’m still replying to this thread. I included myself in that post.

 

[Night Spring]

Please look up the definitions of the words “emotion” and “emotional” instead of speculating the manner in which I’m using a word. Thanks.

My original generic, generalized post using the word “emotional” and directed at absolutely nobody in particular received a reply from someone in particular. I’d say that induced some sort emotion. Nothing condescending about that. I’m emotional too, which is why I’m still replying to this thread. I included myself in that post.

I'm not speculating about anything. I pointed to a specific use of the word in a specific post, and pointed out how that came across. How is that speculating?

I don't know which post you mean when you say you used the word in a general way not directed at anybody. In the post I'm thinking of, you clearly accused a specific poster of getting emotional.

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

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...

forums.macrumors.com

And yes, we all care about the topic, or else we wouldn't be posting. But there's a difference between caring about a topic and getting emotional about a topic isn't there? Or else we won't ever be able to discuss anything without being emotional, and I hope that's not what you mean.

 

[Itinj24]

I'm not speculating about anything. I pointed to a specific use of the word in a specific post, and pointed out how that came across. How is that speculating?

I don't know which post you mean when you say you used the word in a general way not directed at anybody. In the post I'm thinking of, you clearly accused a specific poster of getting emotional.

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

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...

forums.macrumors.com

And yes, we all care about the topic, or else we wouldn't be posting. But there's a difference between caring about a topic and getting emotional about a topic isn't there? Or else we won't ever be able to discuss anything without being emotional, and I hope that's not what you mean.

No, go back some more. It started before that.

Umm, caring is a form of emotion. So you do agree with me then ?. Appreciate you admitting it.

 

[sonstar]

Ok, pal lol. You replied to my post first and almost every one thereafter. You replied to a generalized post I made and I’m the troll looking for a reaction? That wasn’t even directed at you but apparently you were affected by it. My words have been twisted so much in the thread, I was beginning to believe I meant something else lol. Since when is the word “emotional” a condescending term anyway? If you don’t like my style of posting, then why did you reply to so many of mine? Did you think I was just going to ignore them? I always engage in conversation. Anyways, safe, happy and healthy to you and yours.

I wouldn’t bother they chime in on every thread about every apple product that people spend their money on that is the better more expensive model, iPhone pro, iPad Pro, now this model watch.
Probably to justify they buy the cheapest, not that there is anything wrong with that. Although they will tell you they could afford it if they wanted to lol, or comparisons about the Jones next door or parents on the dol picking up their school kids in debt up to their ears talking on their 13 pro max ?‍♂️

But on the subject I wouldn’t buy a Hermès’s watch as I only use mine for walking my dog listening to radio and tracking distance we go, and message/calls at home/office for work, when I go out I wear my Seiko watch and for surfing have a ripcurl tide watch. So not worth it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Looking back, this thread went south when a couple of posters decided to start commenting on people ‘not being in business’ (whatever that means) and suggesting an aluminium AW makes you look cheap, apparently. Not particularly constructive I think we mostly agree.

What’s wrong with just discussing the actual product rather than immature presumptuous digs about what people do for a living and assuming unless you wear an expensive watch, you can’t be successful. Christ on a bike lol.

The Hermes AW is a really nice watch. It’s not to everybody’s taste and some will fail to justify its cost whereas others will be more invested personally in the brand. You get some nice straps with it which can also be bought separately if you’re not bothered about the particular watch. It has some product exclusive watch faces that may appeal to you or may not. It costs between £1149 to £1709 depending on what strap you choose which is perhaps the defining aspect of this product. All subjectively valid points to purchase or not. Nobody is judging you if you buy it as nine out of ten people likely won’t have a clue what it it anyway. If you like it, but it and enjoy it for yourself.

 

[maflynn]

[MOD NOTE]
A number of posts were removed, as they were derailing this thread. Please be civil and remain on topic

 

[KUKitch]

No, go back some more. It started before that.

Umm, caring is a form of emotion. So you do agree with me then ?. Appreciate you admitting it.

Your first post is so generically typical that it’s relatively amusing… I love the comparison that the aluminum vs SS and up is like somebody showing up in shoddy clothes, a beat up car and a Casio watch vs somebody showing up with designer everything. As if any of the watches are somehow a barebones type purchase… $399 isn’t super expensive (particularly probably for those on this forum), but it’s absolutely not the same as this childlike description.

Also love ‘showing up to make a deal with a top corporation’ - what does that even mean? Hurr durr it’s me Tom here from mom and pop shop, gonna do a big old deal with Google and they're gonna bite because I got my fancy duds on and my titanium Apple Watch… also I drive a BMW so they
know I’m good for it. Yeah, ok buddy.

And I’ve committed the sin of continuing the derailing… whoops - just couldn’t help myself. It’s so irritating constantly reading these ‘if you’re going into a business deal’ posts which sound like they’re written by somebody whose idea of business comes from the movies or something. They make no sense and sound incredibly dumb - and then the defense is usually ‘lol you’re triggered’ - no, you’re just not capable of making a coherent argument.

To actually contribute, I’ve only ever gotten aluminum myself - mainly because I’ve bought them every year so it’s been a bit disposable and I’m not quite flush enough to do that with the SS! I do have an SSBS band that I use on occasion, which I love, but it’s been aluminum to this point for me. Perhaps if the 8 is in fact a significant redesign, it’ll be time to make the switch.