To Hermès owners: how much better are their leather bands, would you buy again?

[Luba]

At one time I was able to touch and examine an Hermès watch band and compare it with Apple's. Hermès was softer and their buckle nicer, but I don't know how it would hold up over time. So how does it hold up over time? I don't why Apple is not selling their version of the leather band with buckle, but it wasn't bad for $150.

I am intrigued with the Hermès band with the deployant buckle, but that one is an extra $200 compared to their standard buckle. If you used the deployant, what do you think of it? It seems you have to have almost exactly the right size wrist for it to lie on the underside of your wrist, and be comfortable.

The Rallye band is interesting looking and would probably be better to wear during the summer, but you pay more for less leather. Probably cost more because of the extra labor it takes to punch out the round holes in the band.

Finally, looks like there are 6 Hermès watch faces. Do you any of the Hermès faces have complications on them, besides the new 2018 face that changes color indicating, I guess, daylight vs night? For example, under "Paris" it looks like there is a small moon phase complication?? And above the "6" it looks like there's complication. Right above the "6" there's a square with a "9" inside it. If it is a complication, I can't even guess the function.

 

[philipc121]

I was wondering the same — thinking of getting an Hermès Series 4 (probably Rallye, possibly Indigo/Craie/Orange single tour).

Right above the "6" there's a square with a "9" inside it. If it is a complication, I can't even guess the function.

I believe the 9 is the date.

 

[Luba]

I was wondering the same — thinking of getting an Hermès Series 4 (probably Rallye, possibly Indigo/Craie/Orange single tour).



I believe the 9 is the date.

Ah, that makes sense, probably it’s a date complication.

What’s your thinking on the bands? To me, Rallye is unique looking and good for the summer. But then again it’s not a dressy look (or maybe it is??) which is what I’m looking for in a leather band. Got lots of sport bands for the everyday look.

The deployment buckle would make the band lasts longer and it’s a cool device, but I remember your wrist has to be just the correct size for the deployment to center and sit on underside of your arm, otherwise the deployment is on the side. My wrist is a bit too big for Hermès rather short leather bands. Max wrist size for their bands is 195mm. My wrist is 191mm. Anyway, sounds like you’re going for single tour bands.

 

[anthonymoody]

I purchased a single tour Hermes band and it really is beautiful, the kind of thing that feels great in the hand with obvious quality as you said.

Afraid I can't tell you how they age as I hardly ever wear mine. Not because I don't like it, more because I have a pretty casual lifestyle so don't feel a need to dress up (my watch) very often.