In addition to function, watches are fashion items. Apple offers a wide variety of watches - buy what you think looks good for you. I saw a gentleman yesterday wearing an Apple Watch Ultra with the light blue kilim band. No idea if the actual Ultra model was Hermes or not. But the combo looked great.
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Hermès Edition Owners Thread
- Thread starter btrach144
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Today’s selection is Hermes Black Scuba band!!!
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Looking great! Thanks for sharing
which one of your scubas is your favorite colour?
The Gris scuba is my favorite one. It’s different than the Gris En mer. The scuba has more of a deeper taupe tone to it!Looking great! Thanks for sharing
Hahahahahaah. You can never have too many!! My haul this year was 9 bands. An all time record!!!!!!!
Anyone else thinking of having like an extra orange and Blue en mer and the faubourg in case they get ruined???? Or is that just me…….,..
Still trying to find the blue hydra and the animal leather print one from this year’s release I knew I should’ve got it when I saw it now it’s disappeared!!!
Still trying to find the blue hydra and the animal leather print one from this year’s release I knew I should’ve got it when I saw it now it’s disappeared!!!
I've doubled up on Hermès straps I really like—planning to double up on orange En Mer and Faubourg. 🤭 😅 🤑
Me too. The 46m faubourg has been sold out on Hermes and Apple. So just waiting for restock.
For sure! Also the Kilim colours every season.. best one’s always disappear
I’m also really hoping for tricot bands again, love the comfy feeling and clean look
Can’t even wear some colours like orange because it’s only for the small watch and looks too narrow on the 46mm
I have noticed a difference in the fit of the en mer I got from Hermes and the one I got from Apple. Has anyone noticed this? The Hermes one was stiffer and less pliable. Anyone notice this?
Mine are the opposite—Apple Gris was stiffer, Apple Orange and Hermès BN weren’t as much. Figured there’s some variation with color and fabrication.
After wearing all 3 and rotating them every 2 days, all are more pliable, flexible and forms to the wrist better. Mine also have stretched a little—before I was on the last hole, now I’m on the 2nd to last.
I hadn’t even worn my new Kilim bands or any of my older ones at all!! Even though I just got the blue one and the Bordeaux even though I have rouge. I have just been wearing the scuba, en Mer, and the faubourg. The en mer and faubourg are my absolute favorites of all time and I didnt even think I would like them.
nice! that is a fun Hermes AW face with a current difficult to find in stock band
I am a longtime reader and now finally feel the need to comment about a frustrating issue that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere; hopefully this (the AW Hermes owner's thread) is the correct place vs starting a new AW thread in the AW Forum.
I have owned Apple Watch Hermes editions in the distant past and jumped back on board with the current offerings.
I started off with an Hermes Ultra 3 with the Scuba strap, which is "one size fits most" specified for wrist size (circumference) down to 155mm. I'm right @ 159-160mm and disappointingly found the last punched hole still too big and so had to return it. I was also disappointed that the Hermes Ultra 3 did not include the Orange Hermes Sport loop band or even all the Hermes AW faces- esp no Faubourg!)
There were no AW Hermes edition variants to try on in-store, so I then ordered a
Hermes AW Series 11 46mm case size with the beautiful (and $$ !) Grand H bracelet;
similar problem with the MEDIUM size (specified for 160-175mm)- with both removable links removed, it was still too large(!). I also saw that the nice Hermes Orange Sport band included with the 46mm case is M/L (no S/M included like I have seen with Sport loops purchased in the past), which is much too long for anyone with a slender wrist that wants the larger case size, so would be a wasted extra premium band (and risk messing up if willing to try and cut shorter)
I returned that and reordered the same Hermes AW Series 11 46mm but with the SMALL size Grand H bracelet
(specified for 145-160mm); after removing 1 (of the 2) removable links,I was finally! able to achieve a good fit.
As an aside comment, I noticed the Grand H bracelet is hallmarked (reassuringly) "Made in Switzerland" but only "Stainless Steel" (instead of 316L Stainless Steel) that I have seen with a AW SS Link bracelet I previously owned and could not find that specification marked on the bracelet or mentioned on apple.com anywhere, but on the
"Need help choosing a band" link when configuring, at the very end of specifications for all of the bands available,
there is a comment "Stainless Steel bands are not water resistant", which makes me wonder if though being a premium Hermes series (with premium price !), if the Grand H is a lower tier (not 316L) and therefore not as corrosion resistant ?
So now on to the main reason for this post-reply on this Hermes AW owner's thread-
I happily (and gently) wore the Hermes AW 46mm with Grand H bracelet (size S) for less than 2 days when while in the kitchen, I head something drop to the floor- the watch felt loose on my wrist and that is when I saw (with dismay!) that the R lower lug had fallen off(!!) causing the watch to almost fall off my wrist (and potentially damaged) !
I came to see that the attachment lug is 2 pieces that connect in the middle through the end link of the bracelet and are attached to the case connecting lug by the tiniest screw ever (with a proprietary head), which was fortunately still seated in place- it was coated with blu locktite which obviously did not do the job holding things together. I therefore had to return this watch as well (drive an hour to the nearest Apple Store), quite disappointed with a design with such a precarious point of potential failure. I still really wanted this watch but the Apple Store expectedly did not have one in stock for exchange, so with a bit of trepidation, I ordered another one from apple.com
Same story!!- wore it for about 2 days, heard (fortunately) something drop to the floor with the same problem !!
So now I have been through two (2) of this ($2000) configuration (46mm Hermes AW Series 11 Grand H bracelet-S) which failed within days of gentle use- hardly a premium product experience !
Has anybody else had this issue ?
I am a longtime reader and now finally feel the need to comment about a frustrating issue that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere; hopefully this (the AW Hermes owner's thread) is the correct place vs starting a new AW thread in the AW Forum.
I have owned Apple Watch Hermes editions in the distant past and jumped back on board with the current offerings.
I started off with an Hermes Ultra 3 with the Scuba strap, which is "one size fits most" specified for wrist size (circumference) down to 155mm. I'm right @ 159-160mm and disappointingly found the last punched hole still too big and so had to return it. I was also disappointed that the Hermes Ultra 3 did not include the Orange Hermes Sport loop band or even all the Hermes AW faces- esp no Faubourg!)
There were no AW Hermes edition variants to try on in-store, so I then ordered a
Hermes AW Series 11 46mm case size with the beautiful (and $$ !) Grand H bracelet;
similar problem with the MEDIUM size (specified for 160-175mm)- with both removable links removed, it was still too large(!). I also saw that the nice Hermes Orange Sport band included with the 46mm case is M/L (no S/M included like I have seen with Sport loops purchased in the past), which is much too long for anyone with a slender wrist that wants the larger case size, so would be a wasted extra premium band (and risk messing up if willing to try and cut shorter)
I returned that and reordered the same Hermes AW Series 11 46mm but with the SMALL size Grand H bracelet
(specified for 145-160mm); after removing 1 (of the 2) removable links,I was finally! able to achieve a good fit.
As an aside comment, I noticed the Grand H bracelet is hallmarked (reassuringly) "Made in Switzerland" but only "Stainless Steel" (instead of 316L Stainless Steel) that I have seen with a AW SS Link bracelet I previously owned and could not find that specification marked on the bracelet or mentioned on apple.com anywhere, but on the
"Need help choosing a band" link when configuring, at the very end of specifications for all of the bands available,
there is a comment "Stainless Steel bands are not water resistant", which makes me wonder if though being a premium Hermes series (with premium price !), if the Grand H is a lower tier (not 316L) and therefore not as corrosion resistant ?
So now on to the main reason for this post-reply on this Hermes AW owner's thread-
I happily (and gently) wore the Hermes AW 46mm with Grand H bracelet (size S) for less than 2 days when while in the kitchen, I head something drop to the floor- the watch felt loose on my wrist and that is when I saw (with dismay!) that the R lower lug had fallen off(!!) causing the watch to almost fall off my wrist (and potentially damaged) !
I came to see that the attachment lug is 2 pieces that connect in the middle through the end link of the bracelet and are attached to the case connecting lug by the tiniest screw ever (with a proprietary head), which was fortunately still seated in place- it was coated with blu locktite which obviously did not do the job holding things together. I therefore had to return this watch as well (drive an hour to the nearest Apple Store), quite disappointed with a design with such a precarious point of potential failure. I still really wanted this watch but the Apple Store expectedly did not have one in stock for exchange, so with a bit of trepidation, I ordered another one from apple.com
Same story!!- wore it for about 2 days, heard (fortunately) something drop to the floor with the same problem !!
So now I have been through two (2) of this ($2000) configuration (46mm Hermes AW Series 11 Grand H bracelet-S) which failed within days of gentle use- hardly a premium product experience !
Has anybody else had this issue ?
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Hi All,
A have a question for the Grand H band owners. Have you experienced any quality issues? I am on my 3rd 46mm Grand H Size Medium band. It turns out the first was fine, but a bit loose between the links/it didn’t feel like it was assembled all very tightly/properly? The medium was the perfect size for my wrist - I had to remove no links, but it wasn’t tight on my wrist either (so it’s not like I strained the link connections by buying a size too small). It just felt too bendy/flexy from side to side when not wearing it (and a bit when wearing it as well). And it squeaked a little, though that’s forgivable; Rolex/Omega/Tag stainless steel sport model bands can do the same.
Anyway, it just didn’t feel right, but I didn’t make up my mind within 14 days (wasn’t sure they’d even be able to exchange it - Grand H’s were scarce for most of 1st year) so I gave it to a grateful cousin who loves it/he still has had no actual issues.
When the Hermes Series 11 came out I figured I’d try again & order a Grand H as the accompanying band thinking that, maybe when they put out a new batch a year after intro, that they’ll have made some improvements at least in the assembly…
It looked perfect, felt tighter, (didn’t squeak), and 5 days later it simply fell off my wrist – see picture. One of the connectors between band & watch failed spectacularly. And it’s not like I was playing tennis with it or something, I stood up to walk to the kitchen and it just broke right off & dropped to the floor. It was within 14 days, so Apple exchanged it for a brand-new replacement, no questions. The new one also looks perfect, feels tight (slight squeak, but whatever) but, now I’m paranoid.
It seems obvious, from a design perspective, that the connection between the (very heavy) band & the watch itself is the weakest point - and that’s certainly where it broke, under no strain whatsoever. I feel like they have marketed this band to be Apple/Hermes’ answer to the aforementioned luxury Swiss watch brands’ stainless steel sport models that you can play tennis with, dive to 50m with, etc. - they want you to treat your luxury Apple Watch as if it were indeed a Swiss sport watch (it’s why the french Hermes is making all their sport bands in Switzerland, one assumes). Well, now I’m afraid to do so. I took Grand H band#1 out jet skiing this summer, which I suppose would have put it under a bit more strain than just walking to the kitchen, but if it had broken off out there I’d have lost the band and the watch.
So, I’ve worn band#3 only twice in 2 weeks. I’m afraid of it. I guess I’m wondering if anyone has any inside info via Hermes/Apple or personal experiences that will discourage (or assure) my paranoia! Either way… it’s just the search for the truth!
A have a question for the Grand H band owners. Have you experienced any quality issues? I am on my 3rd 46mm Grand H Size Medium band. It turns out the first was fine, but a bit loose between the links/it didn’t feel like it was assembled all very tightly/properly? The medium was the perfect size for my wrist - I had to remove no links, but it wasn’t tight on my wrist either (so it’s not like I strained the link connections by buying a size too small). It just felt too bendy/flexy from side to side when not wearing it (and a bit when wearing it as well). And it squeaked a little, though that’s forgivable; Rolex/Omega/Tag stainless steel sport model bands can do the same.
Anyway, it just didn’t feel right, but I didn’t make up my mind within 14 days (wasn’t sure they’d even be able to exchange it - Grand H’s were scarce for most of 1st year) so I gave it to a grateful cousin who loves it/he still has had no actual issues.
When the Hermes Series 11 came out I figured I’d try again & order a Grand H as the accompanying band thinking that, maybe when they put out a new batch a year after intro, that they’ll have made some improvements at least in the assembly…
It looked perfect, felt tighter, (didn’t squeak), and 5 days later it simply fell off my wrist – see picture. One of the connectors between band & watch failed spectacularly. And it’s not like I was playing tennis with it or something, I stood up to walk to the kitchen and it just broke right off & dropped to the floor. It was within 14 days, so Apple exchanged it for a brand-new replacement, no questions. The new one also looks perfect, feels tight (slight squeak, but whatever) but, now I’m paranoid.
It seems obvious, from a design perspective, that the connection between the (very heavy) band & the watch itself is the weakest point - and that’s certainly where it broke, under no strain whatsoever. I feel like they have marketed this band to be Apple/Hermes’ answer to the aforementioned luxury Swiss watch brands’ stainless steel sport models that you can play tennis with, dive to 50m with, etc. - they want you to treat your luxury Apple Watch as if it were indeed a Swiss sport watch (it’s why the french Hermes is making all their sport bands in Switzerland, one assumes). Well, now I’m afraid to do so. I took Grand H band#1 out jet skiing this summer, which I suppose would have put it under a bit more strain than just walking to the kitchen, but if it had broken off out there I’d have lost the band and the watch.
So, I’ve worn band#3 only twice in 2 weeks. I’m afraid of it. I guess I’m wondering if anyone has any inside info via Hermes/Apple or personal experiences that will discourage (or assure) my paranoia! Either way… it’s just the search for the truth!
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Unbelievable, we posted about the same issue within a couple minutes of each other!
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That’s wild. I have had my Grand H since its debut a year ago and wear it daily without issue. Maybe a batch issue?
In my downtime waiting for the 2nd Hermes AW Series 11 46mm case-Grand H-Small bracelet, I found that the screw is called a "pentalobe" head (vs the more common "Torx" type) - on amazon.com, I ordered an iFIXIT micro tool kit, which includes a "P-2" 0.9mm pentalobe screwdriver that works, but really, at this price point, and so soon after purchase, the user should not be expected to be vigilant for this!
However, like you (eeyore7), I am hesitant to wear this bracelet with any level of active use because the pieces are so small and would most likely be forever lost (aside from the watch falling off and being damaged-lost as well).
I presume AppleCare would cover the bracelet in such a scenario ?
However, like you (eeyore7), I am hesitant to wear this bracelet with any level of active use because the pieces are so small and would most likely be forever lost (aside from the watch falling off and being damaged-lost as well).
I presume AppleCare would cover the bracelet in such a scenario ?
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It's a really good question: Will AppleCare cover major damage or outright loss, due to this kind of flaw? I haven't had time to research it (just time to complain about it, apparently). I never felt like I needed AppleCare on apple watches beyond whatever the Hermes 'edition coverage' entails, until now. I think I have 40 more days to add AppleCare (which, I assume, covers both watch & GrandH band, since they were bought together). But, should I have to? We're already paying a wild premium over other Apple gear for these luxury products... You having to spend more money on screws & screwdrivers for the personal maintenance (& safety) of your watch feels antithetical to Apple's ethos.
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I think it would depend if you bought the grand H with the watch or if bought separately. (things like AppleCare+ theft only cover the orange sport band and not the leather/metal/textile bands if stolen for example)
I agree with others that this could likely be a bad batch of Grand H, which is disappointing given the costs. It's hard to ignore 3 reports of grand h bands breaking though.
If it were me, might return it and wait 6 months until a new batch is guaranteed to have flushed out the broken batch.
Hermes makes excellent bands has new faces seasonally Things you will not find in Applestore normally more $$$ but worth it
Ultra doesn’t get the faces the series 11 gets. That’s why I’m not interested in ultra. Can’t give up those unique Hermes faces.
I have both models (S7 & HU3). Love the ultra, but as @Dstopsie said you you miss out on 2 faces on the Ultra. You gain the Maritime though.