Hermès Edition Owners Thread

[JulesK]

What do you think about the Apple Watch Hermes band Color fauve compared to apples Classic buckle colour saddle brown.

What is the Design and quality difference?

In my opinion the design difference is only in details but i like Hermes band mutch more.
Quality can i not compare.

I'm going to get flamed for saying this, but if you buying the Hermes watch, accept that you are paying a HUGE premium for the Hermes name/orange box/orange sports strap, the Hermes watch faces, and the knowledge that you have a genuine, handmade Hermes leather strap. If that's enough to make you enjoy the watch that much more, then it's probably worth the premium, but I think anyone is kidding themselves if they think that they are getting 2X the quality/goodness by getting the Hermes strap over the Apple CB strap. It's a luxury item, and pricing is not reflective of usefulness (or, I'd argue, even quality).

I've compared that Hermes strap with the CB Saddle Brown strap, and there is no question that the Hermes strap is a wonderfully made and beautiful leather strap. Initial color is quite similar, but I suspect how they age over time will differ. If you want contrasting stitching, the Hermes strap is the only option. It's also a very fine and very thin strap despite its casual appearance, with two keepers, compared to the CB SB strap, which is noticeably thicker and has only one keeper. I can see it showing wear/patina and creases more quickly than the CB strap (particularly because of the two keepers), but that's part of its charm.

But to say that the CB strap is less than 50% of the Hermes strap in terms of quality/utility would be wrong. I've owned at least two dozen very high-end watch straps that are easily the equal or more of the Hermes strap, and many more straps that range from middling to cheap. The CB strap is a good strap; it has a different design and look compared to the Hermes trap, but, in my view, probably 80% (or more) of the quality for less than 50% of the price. I'm sure most of it is machine made, so it's cheaper, and I'll stipulate that the leather is not as fine as the Hermes strap, but to say it's junk in comparison is ridiculous. It's also quite expensive as far as basic leather straps go. It's priced like a luxury watch strap.

I'm sure, in theory, that the handmade construction of the Hermes strap will last longer than that of the CB strap. But by the time it matters, you'd have replaced either (or the AW will have moved on to a different connection system). Or you can just get a second, brand-spanking new CB strap.

 

[KillaMac]

So, I am so tempted to buy the Apple Watch HermèsStainless Steel Case with Fauve Barenia Leather Single Tour.

If I am spending $700 for a SS watch, might as well double it to get a nice one. But then, part of me says just get the SS with the leather bandfor $700. Why spend so much extra on a Hermes.....:/

What made you guys go with Hermes?

 

[lax28]

Does anyone that has the Hermès series 2 happen to have the old orange sport band? I am curious as the how different the shades of orange are if they are different at all?

 

[bandrews]

Does anyone that has the Hermès series 2 happen to have the old orange sport band? I am curious as the how different the shades of orange are if they are different at all?

They're completely different - the Apple orange sport band is a much stronger, redder orange.
[doublepost=1476418739][/doublepost]

So, I am so tempted to buy the Apple Watch HermèsStainless Steel Case with Fauve Barenia Leather Single Tour.

If I am spending $700 for a SS watch, might as well double it to get a nice one. But then, part of me says just get the SS with the leather bandfor $700. Why spend so much extra on a Hermes.....:/

What made you guys go with Hermes?

I don't think you can rationalise it - you either want it or you don't - you just have to decide if your level of "want" is as much as the premium over the standard SS AW.
[doublepost=1476419673][/doublepost]

I'm going to get flamed for saying this, but if you buying the Hermes watch, accept that you are paying a HUGE premium for the Hermes name/orange box/orange sports strap, the Hermes watch faces, and the knowledge that you have a genuine, handmade Hermes leather strap. If that's enough to make you enjoy the watch that much more, then it's probably worth the premium, but I think anyone is kidding themselves if they think that they are getting 2X the quality/goodness by getting the Hermes strap over the Apple CB strap. It's a luxury item, and pricing is not reflective of usefulness (or, I'd argue, even quality).

I've compared that Hermes strap with the CB Saddle Brown strap, and there is no question that the Hermes strap is a wonderfully made and beautiful leather strap. Initial color is quite similar, but I suspect how they age over time will differ. If you want contrasting stitching, the Hermes strap is the only option. It's also a very fine and very thin strap despite its casual appearance, with two keepers, compared to the CB SB strap, which is noticeably thicker and has only one keeper. I can see it showing wear/patina and creases more quickly than the CB strap (particularly because of the two keepers), but that's part of its charm.

But to say that the CB strap is less than 50% of the Hermes strap in terms of quality/utility would be wrong. I've owned at least two dozen very high-end watch straps that are easily the equal or more of the Hermes strap, and many more straps that range from middling to cheap. The CB strap is a good strap; it has a different design and look compared to the Hermes trap, but, in my view, probably 80% (or more) of the quality for less than 50% of the price. I'm sure most of it is machine made, so it's cheaper, and I'll stipulate that the leather is not as fine as the Hermes strap, but to say it's junk in comparison is ridiculous. It's also quite expensive as far as basic leather straps go. It's priced like a luxury watch strap.

I'm sure, in theory, that the handmade construction of the Hermes strap will last longer than that of the CB strap. But by the time it matters, you'd have replaced either (or the AW will have moved on to a different connection system). Or you can just get a second, brand-spanking new CB strap.

I won't disagree with you. It's definitely an emotional rather than a rational purchase.

 

[JanoschR]

My Apple Watch Hermès 42mm Deployment Buckle arrived today. Let me share some pictures:

 

[JanoschR]

Some more..

 

[bunnicula]

I have the SS link bracelet when I want to be very dressy. That band is overpriced but very nice. The original classic leather is what came with my watch and it was ok. The second version seemed the cheapest while the third version adding sticking that made is slightly more classy. I tried the knock offs and never really cared for those at all.

I bought a link for myself last year, but really didn't think I'd wear it much because it's too large for my wrist and overwhelms it a bit for dressy wear (though it would work for casual). My husband has a link for his watch and wears it daily, though. It's a really nice band.

I have a Milanese, some of the leather loop bands, a classsic (brown) from the second iteration (yes, it does feel cheap), some nylon bands, and a handful of the sport bands. I don't really have any knockoff bands that I wear, though I have tried them a few times and never found them to be particularly interesting. I have been testing out a cuff from Pad & Quill that is nice. Since I opted to go for the Hermes this time, I might return the cuff, but it's made very well and overall a nice band and the first 3rd party once I have tried that didn't feel cheap. But, it's 249 dollars, so maybe that's why.
[doublepost=1476428260][/doublepost]

My Apple Watch Hermès 42mm Deployment Buckle arrived today. Let me share some pictures:

The Deployment is a really nice band. Looks good!

 

[drew0020]

My Apple Watch Hermès 42mm Deployment Buckle arrived today. Let me share some pictures:

Beautiful. Where did you get the deployment buckle?

 

[bunnicula]

Beautiful. Where did you get the deployment buckle?

The whole watch sold with the buckle. Hermes isn't selling it separately.

 

[vince730]

Still waiting for my Deployment buckle to arrive (has been in Processing for a while now), but in the meantime, I'm wondering how to go about exchanging the M/L sport band for the S/M one when it arrives? It's quite crummy that Apple isn't providing both on a luxury-priced product when the <$400 S0 sport watch of 2015 does. My wrist is on the very low end of the sizes that the leather band fits (almost exactly 170 mm), and I know from experience that the M/L sports band is too big and feels awkward to me.

 

[drew0020]

The whole watch sold with the buckle. Hermes isn't selling it separately.

I know. I meant where did the poster order the entire Watch from. I can't order from Apple or Hermes.

 

[bunnicula]

I know. I meant where did the poster order the entire Watch from. I can't order from Apple or Hermes.

I know Hermes had some recently. They must be out of stock again. You might have to keep checking both sites, but Hermes is probably more likely to have one and be able to ship it right away.
[doublepost=1476451093][/doublepost]

Still waiting for my Deployment buckle to arrive (has been in Processing for a while now), but in the meantime, I'm wondering how to go about exchanging the M/L sport band for the S/M one when it arrives? It's quite crummy that Apple isn't providing both on a luxury-priced product when the <$400 S0 sport watch of 2015 does. My wrist is on the very low end of the sizes that the leather band fits (almost exactly 170 mm), and I know from experience that the M/L sports band is too big and feels awkward to me.

We can exchange those? I didn't realize that. Mine is due to arrive today. I can wear the M/L sport band on the VERY last hole, but it's a little loose. Fortunately, I like that in summer, but I've never worn the M/L sport band in winter and I wonder if it'll feel too loose.

 

[JanoschR]

I know. I meant where did the poster order the entire Watch from. I can't order from Apple or Hermes.

I ordered it from Hermès (online) directly. I checked their website from time to time and got lucky on Wednesday. It was shipped with FedEx Express directly from Paris to me (in Germany) and arrived on Thursday.

 

[BlueMoon63]

I bought a link for myself last year, but really didn't think I'd wear it much because it's too large for my wrist and overwhelms it a bit for dressy wear (though it would work for casual). My husband has a link for his watch and wears it daily, though. It's a really nice band.

I have a Milanese, some of the leather loop bands, a classsic (brown) from the second iteration (yes, it does feel cheap), some nylon bands, and a handful of the sport bands. I don't really have any knockoff bands that I wear, though I have tried them a few times and never found them to be particularly interesting. I have been testing out a cuff from Pad & Quill that is nice. Since I opted to go for the Hermes this time, I might return the cuff, but it's made very well and overall a nice band and the first 3rd party once I have tried that didn't feel cheap. But, it's 249 dollars, so maybe that's why.
[doublepost=1476428260][/doublepost]

The Deployment is a really nice band. Looks good!

You are making me feel better about the number of bands that I own. I have four classic leather and five sport bands along with the link - all from apple. After that, I have four knockoff leather ones that I don't wear that will go to my son and one leather loop.

Apple took a step forward on their leather bands with version three. Version 1 that came with my watch was fine but a year plus later it looks battered and cheap. I have one version 2 saddle brown that just looks plastic and no stitching really adds to the plastic look. The two version 3 - gray and midnight blue look much better but this is not fine leather at all.

 

[bunnicula]

You are making me feel better about the number of bands that I own. I have four classic leather and five sport bands along with the link - all from apple. After that, I have four knockoff leather ones that I don't wear that will go to my son and one leather loop.

Apple took a step forward on their leather bands with version three. Version 1 that came with my watch was fine but a year plus later it looks battered and cheap. I have one version 2 saddle brown that just looks plastic and no stitching really adds to the plastic look. The two version 3 - gray and midnight blue look much better but this is not fine leather at all.

Oh, please.... feel fine about it, I have wayyyy more bands than I need.

I wish I could like that classic buckle more, but it feels cheap. I even had a Modern Buckle (my first AW (gen one) was a 38MM until I swapped for a 42MM right after launch) and I didn't like that leather, either.

My Hermes just got dropped off by FedEx, but it's going to have to wait to be opened because I have to finish out some work stuff first.

 

[mhoutman]

I'm going to get flamed for saying this, but if you buying the Hermes watch, accept that you are paying a HUGE premium for the Hermes name/orange box/orange sports strap, the Hermes watch faces, and the knowledge that you have a genuine, handmade Hermes leather strap. If that's enough to make you enjoy the watch that much more, then it's probably worth the premium, but I think anyone is kidding themselves if they think that they are getting 2X the quality/goodness by getting the Hermes strap over the Apple CB strap. It's a luxury item, and pricing is not reflective of usefulness (or, I'd argue, even quality).

I've compared that Hermes strap with the CB Saddle Brown strap, and there is no question that the Hermes strap is a wonderfully made and beautiful leather strap. Initial color is quite similar, but I suspect how they age over time will differ. If you want contrasting stitching, the Hermes strap is the only option. It's also a very fine and very thin strap despite its casual appearance, with two keepers, compared to the CB SB strap, which is noticeably thicker and has only one keeper. I can see it showing wear/patina and creases more quickly than the CB strap (particularly because of the two keepers), but that's part of its charm.

But to say that the CB strap is less than 50% of the Hermes strap in terms of quality/utility would be wrong. I've owned at least two dozen very high-end watch straps that are easily the equal or more of the Hermes strap, and many more straps that range from middling to cheap. The CB strap is a good strap; it has a different design and look compared to the Hermes trap, but, in my view, probably 80% (or more) of the quality for less than 50% of the price. I'm sure most of it is machine made, so it's cheaper, and I'll stipulate that the leather is not as fine as the Hermes strap, but to say it's junk in comparison is ridiculous. It's also quite expensive as far as basic leather straps go. It's priced like a luxury watch strap.

I'm sure, in theory, that the handmade construction of the Hermes strap will last longer than that of the CB strap. But by the time it matters, you'd have replaced either (or the AW will have moved on to a different connection system). Or you can just get a second, brand-spanking new CB strap.

I can agree on most points here. Despite the CB being in gen 3 (read here https://superphen.co/2016/10/02/comparing-the-three-generations-of-apples-classic-buckle-watch-band/ about the differences)it is absolutely not in par with the Hermès band.

The 3rd Gen CB added stitching which is IMHO a big improvement over earlier versions but it lacks ... any sense of "real" leather. The CB 3Gen is my favourite Apple band (I have 4 of them) but compared to the Hermès it almost seems unnatural as due to some chemical treatment, it lost any smell of leather.

For daily use I wear my CB's but only with special occasions the Hermès. That keeps it away from too much sweat, dirt etc. because it is more vulnerable. If you get an Hermès, try getting it with the deployment buckle as it will be more long lasting

Being an vintage IWC and Rolex collector in a way the Hermès Apple Watch feel completely ridiculous. A fully electronic "watch", made in China and a some watch faces and beautiful band. I love my watch but now I never wear my oldies anymore....

 

[BlueMoon63]

Oh, please.... feel fine about it, I have wayyyy more bands than I need.

I wish I could like that classic buckle more, but it feels cheap. I even had a Modern Buckle (my first AW (gen one) was a 38MM until I swapped for a 42MM right after launch) and I didn't like that leather, either.

My Hermes just got dropped off by FedEx, but it's going to have to wait to be opened because I have to finish out some work stuff first.

Nice! I did the same thing so mine is out for delivery. I was going to do 2nd day air but it was only $5 more for overnight and I wouldn't be around to sign tomorrow.

 

[mhoutman]

Might be teasing a cuff which suits my Hermès very well :

 

[consultant_on_journey]

I'm going to get flamed for saying this, but if you buying the Hermes watch, accept that you are paying a HUGE premium for the Hermes name/orange box/orange sports strap, the Hermes watch faces, and the knowledge that you have a genuine, handmade Hermes leather strap. If that's enough to make you enjoy the watch that much more, then it's probably worth the premium, but I think anyone is kidding themselves if they think that they are getting 2X the quality/goodness by getting the Hermes strap over the Apple CB strap. It's a luxury item, and pricing is not reflective of usefulness (or, I'd argue, even quality).

I've compared that Hermes strap with the CB Saddle Brown strap, and there is no question that the Hermes strap is a wonderfully made and beautiful leather strap. Initial color is quite similar, but I suspect how they age over time will differ. If you want contrasting stitching, the Hermes strap is the only option. It's also a very fine and very thin strap despite its casual appearance, with two keepers, compared to the CB SB strap, which is noticeably thicker and has only one keeper. I can see it showing wear/patina and creases more quickly than the CB strap (particularly because of the two keepers), but that's part of its charm.

But to say that the CB strap is less than 50% of the Hermes strap in terms of quality/utility would be wrong. I've owned at least two dozen very high-end watch straps that are easily the equal or more of the Hermes strap, and many more straps that range from middling to cheap. The CB strap is a good strap; it has a different design and look compared to the Hermes trap, but, in my view, probably 80% (or more) of the quality for less than 50% of the price. I'm sure most of it is machine made, so it's cheaper, and I'll stipulate that the leather is not as fine as the Hermes strap, but to say it's junk in comparison is ridiculous. It's also quite expensive as far as basic leather straps go. It's priced like a luxury watch strap.

I'm sure, in theory, that the handmade construction of the Hermes strap will last longer than that of the CB strap. But by the time it matters, you'd have replaced either (or the AW will have moved on to a different connection system). Or you can just get a second, brand-spanking new CB strap.

Many thanks to your very useful answer.
Great review!

 

[bunnicula]

Might be teasing a cuff which suits my Hermès very well :

Is that the Pad and Quill cuff? Looks similar. I have a couple of them here that I'm trying out. I might keep the one that's closer to the color you're wearing. Matches my favorite bag.

 

[mhoutman]

Is that the Pad and Quill cuff? Looks similar. I have a couple of them here that I'm trying out. I might keep the one that's closer to the color you're wearing. Matches my favorite bag.

It is the Vintage Lowry Cuff. Really wonderful product. Very soft and comfy, in fact much better than the P&Q Classic band I had. Also the length is now okay

@bunnicula See my posting here https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ple-watch-thread.1955400/page-8#post-23723037 , and I am also interest in your Cuff photos

 

[BlueMoon63]

My new Hermes Apple Watch is here and being setup. The color of the band is similar to the saddle brown apple band but that is where the similarities end.

 

[anthonymoody]

Some more..

Ooh. You snuck in a pic of your SB SS paired with the Hermes sport band. I couldn't wear that full time I don't think, but it's super cool, especially for Halloween!

 

[Newtons Apple]

Anyone having trouble with the leather band? My friends Hermes leather band is already starting to come apart. Stitches are letting go.

 

[bunnicula]

It is the Vintage Lowry Cuff. Really wonderful product. Very soft and comfy, in fact much better than the P&Q Classic band I had. Also the length is now okay

@bunnicula See my posting here https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ple-watch-thread.1955400/page-8#post-23723037 , and I am also interest in your Cuff photos

We have the exact same cuff! I love it. It's the 60-year leather. Your pics are great. How long have you had it? Mine is new and hasn't been treated yet, so it's still a bit lighter than yours.