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Trying to figure out what is Hermès and why Apple partnered with them

Luba

Luba

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Apr 22, 2009
1,807
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I've been on their site and also read about them on Wiki, but still don't have a sense of what Hermès is all about. How did they gain their prestige? Who are their competitors and where would they rank? And why did Apple partner with them versus another company that specializes in watch bands. Seems to me watches aren't really their thing. I do notice that Hermès has high end leather goods like purses, wallets, etc.
 
Luba said:
Seems to me watches aren't really their thing. I do notice that Hermès has high end leather goods like purses, wallets, etc.
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You are right that Hermes is not known for their watches. They make high quality leather goods, and are also known for their gorgeous silk scarves with distinctive prints. They started out making horse saddles and other riding equipment. I saw a saddle on display at their store in NYC, and it was the smoothest, softest leather I've ever felt. Made me want the saddle even though I don't have a horse to put it on. For that matter, most horses wouldn't have skin as soft as that saddle!

But anyway, if they were a company focused on making watches, it wouldn't make sense for them to collaborate with Apple, they'd want to make their own watches. But since they are a high class fashion brand, I think it does make sense for them to collaborate with Apple to provide a high end leather band option for the Apple Watch.
 
bunnicula said:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/what-hermes-means-to-watch-collectors-apple-watch-hermes
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Thanks! That article answered my questions. I also clicked on the link about the making of Hermès wristwatch straps which told of the craftsmanship and quality that goes into making of the straps. But the article also told of a Rolex being worth many times more simply because it was sold at an Hermès store and other objects being worth so much more just having the Hermès name on it. They didn't even design it or have anything to do with its production. Branding can be so interesting. I'm going to remember this day when the Hermès brand name meant almost nothing to me. In the future, I'll go into an Hermès store and explore, and wonder if the brand power of Hermès will affect me. I will especially look at the deployment clasp. There is another strap that another MR member mentioned that is not being offered this year. I think it's called the Cuff strap? What does that look like and how does that one function?
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Night Spring said:
You are right that Hermes is not known for their watches. They make high quality leather goods, and are also known for their gorgeous silk scarves with distinctive prints. They started out making horse saddles and other riding equipment. I saw a saddle on display at their store in NYC, and it was the smoothest, softest leather I've ever felt. Made me want the saddle even though I don't have a horse to put it on. For that matter, most horses wouldn't have skin as soft as that saddle!

But anyway, if they were a company focused on making watches, it wouldn't make sense for them to collaborate with Apple, they'd want to make their own watches. But since they are a high class fashion brand, I think it does make sense for them to collaborate with Apple to provide a high end leather band option for the Apple Watch.
Click to expand...
I'm going to check out their straps once they're available. Leather looks good for a watch strap, but leather is not waterproof so I don't see myself getting one.
 
Luba said:
Leather looks good for a watch strap, but leather is not waterproof so I don't see myself getting one.
Click to expand...

Leather is fairly water resistant, so unless you plan on going swimming with it, it should be okay. And one of the best features of Apple Watch is it's so easy to swap out bands. Do consider getting a leather strap for normal use, and swap to a sports strap for when you do stuff where it might get wet.
 
Night Spring said:
Leather is fairly water resistant, so unless you plan on going swimming with it, it should be okay. And one of the best features of Apple Watch is it's so easy to swap out bands. Do consider getting a leather strap for normal use, and swap to a sports strap for when you do stuff where it might get wet.
Click to expand...
The Hermès Apple Watch comes with an exclusive Sport band in the box so you are covered from day one. ;)

Screen Shot 2016-09-23 at 14.25.26.png
 
Search YouTube and you can find at least 2 great videos showing how they make their leather bands. The skill involved is pretty fantastic in my book.

Edit: here is one to get you started

 
i remember when a Paris Hermes store would not let Oprah in for a quick purchase and a clerk in a Swiss Hermes store wouldn't let her see a $38k Tom Ford bag, pointing her to the 'cheaper' bags, Oprah politely asked 3 times...and Oprah loves to shop.
I hated when Jonny Ive tried to join this high-end status market with the $15k Edition watch.
 
Fun fact - Hermes opened its first shop in Paris the same year Tiffany first opened in NY: 1837.

OP - I'll be interested to get your take when you visit a shop.
 
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