Hermès Edition Owners Thread

[mhoutman]

Sorry don't understand what you mean about switching bands?

Or do you mean move the deployment buckle - and only the deployment buckle - and put it on another Hermes leather band? You cannot do this to my knowledge.

Yes, I mean you can switch bands on the deploymant buckle. With Series 3 deplymant and band were fixed.

 

[Boardiesboi]

Can someone please post detailed pictures of their 42mm (old generation) fauvre barenia band?
I'm looking to buy an opened box new band from a seller and I want to make sure I know how to determine if its genuine.

Here you go

 

[currrr]

Here you go

Thank you!

Are there particular markings such as "Made for Apple Watch" on the silver inserts?

 

[Boardiesboi]

Thank you!

Are there particular markings such as "Made for Apple Watch" on the silver inserts?

Yes.

This photo has two genuine Hermès single tours (top and bottom). Middle one is a replica.

 

[anthonymoody]

Yes, I mean you can switch bands on the deploymant buckle. With Series 3 deplymant and band were fixed.

Same with S4 as far as I can tell on mine.

 

[jbizzybeetle]

Cobalt Blue came today from eBay seller, very nice!

complements blue/white face much better in person than on camera.

 

[Luba]

I didn't know this, but if you have one of the Hermes face active and when you put the AW on to be re-charged, the re-charge icon is orange!

 

[Boardiesboi]

I didn't know this, but if you have one of the Hermes face active and when you put the AW on to be re-charged, the re-charge icon is orange!

Really? Mine is always green???

 

[Luba]

Really? Mine is always green???

Try it with one of the faces with orange numerals. When I put it on the charger another small icon popped up too.

 

[mhoutman]

Yes.

This photo has two genuine Hermès single tours (top and bottom). Middle one is a replica.
View attachment 791832

So that must be a damn good replica. Can you show them side-by-side for a close comparison ?

 

[profmjh]

People! Please post pics of your watch when you get them. Love seeing them! October 23rd-30th can’t come sooner

Your wish is my command. Indigo Swift and Hermès Sport bands.

 

[Ethan Coohill]

Your wish is my command. Indigo Swift and Hermès Sport bands.

Thanks Profmatt. Looks like you had a easier time deciding what watch to get this time around last year was a hoot!

 

[jbizzybeetle]

Single Tour Bordeaux/Rose etc arrived!

photo color bit off.

me likey.
[doublepost=1538671330][/doublepost]

Try it with one of the faces with orange numerals. When I put it on the charger another small icon popped up too.

mine is “green” with envy for l’orange.

 

[UrbanExtant]

I have a 44mm SS Milanese on order but have been considering cancelling and ordering a 44mm Hermes since most of the time I’ll be wearing it in a professional work environment and I love the look of the Hermes bands and watch faces. I’m leaning towards the Fauve Barenia or Bleu Indigo Swift Leather Single Tour, do you have any recommendations for which band might look the best most of the time with business casual attire?

For myself, I always base what type of Hermès leather I purchase on what that leather will encounter in its use, and then I look for a color I like being offered in that leather choice. Every Hermès leather has unique characteristics.

The Fauve Barenia, that is a standard offering for the Apple Watch, is the leather Hermès used originally for their saddles. Hermès was, after all, founded many moons ago as an equestrian company, making saddles. Barenia is a great leather, that is more forgiving than swift leather, and it develops a wonderful patina with prolonged use. It is also more resistant to water, sweat, and oils than swift leather is. Swift leather scratches fairly easily, but most, if not all scratches can be rubbed out gently with your fingers. Swift cannot get wet, though. Water is swift leather's nemesis. A water spot on swift will always be a water spot on swift. The leather often bubbles where it gets wet, and if it goes back to normal, leaves a water ring in the leather. My least favorite Hermès leather is "epsom" leather. Epsom is a stamped leather, which means its grain is man-made, evenly consistent, and stiff/hard. Epsom leather never really softens. It will not stretch much, it stays stiff, retains its shape/design over many years of use, shows the least amount of wear, and isn't the most pleasant for me, anyway, in something such as a watch band. A belt, I can tolerate, as it is not rubbing against my skin. I keep hoping Feu will be offered in swift leather. I really love the color, but won't buy it while it's made in epsom leather. My least favorite Constance Belt is the one I have made out of epsom leather. Since it is resistant to scratches, water, etc., I wear the epsom leather on a casual jeans type day with rain, as it won't be damaged.

So, pick the leather that suits the environment you'll expose it to most, and then go for a color in it you like. Either of the options you pose would work well in a business environment.
[doublepost=1538679314][/doublepost]

It’s literally been on sale for just over a week.

They probably just ran out of the initial stock and are replenishing as fast as they can be made? They are hand cut and stitched in France.

This is very true. I am curious to see how this plays out. Hermès, typically, makes only a certain number of each item for each market, and then it's done, gone, only to be found second hand. Good example is the indigo/rouge rallye band from last season. It sold out in the USA in lightening speed, and never came back. If you randomly check Hermès Australia, it pops up as available still, because they are still making them for that market, as they have not sold their allotment. First lesson with Hermès, you see it, you like it, you buy it, no hesitations, because most likely, when you decide to go back to get it, it'll be gone and not available. I've been burned more than once. One time I saw an indigo ostrich wallet in the Boston Hermès store I LOVED, but I was late for a lunch date, so I said I'd go back after. I went back, it was gone, and there were no others in the US to buy. My personal assistant at the store checked every store and location in the US, but it was gonzo. Lesson well learned, don't wait, make your friends wait LOL!!

 

[Dstopsie]

Really? Mine is always green???

Mine is green too.

 

[northofthesouth]

For myself, I always base what type of Hermès leather I purchase on what that leather will encounter in its use, and then I look for a color I like being offered in that leather choice. Every Hermès leather has unique characteristics.

The Fauve Barenia, that is a standard offering for the Apple Watch, is the leather Hermès used originally for their saddles. Hermès was, after all, founded many moons ago as an equestrian company, making saddles. Barenia is a great leather, that is more forgiving than swift leather, and it develops a wonderful patina with prolonged use. It is also more resistant to water, sweat, and oils than swift leather is. Swift leather scratches fairly easily, but most, if not all scratches can be rubbed out gently with your fingers. Swift cannot get wet, though. Water is swift leather's nemesis. A water spot on swift will always be a water spot on swift. The leather often bubbles where it gets wet, and if it goes back to normal, leaves a water ring in the leather. My least favorite Hermès leather is "epsom" leather. Epsom is a stamped leather, which means its grain is man-made, evenly consistent, and stiff/hard. Epsom leather never really softens. It will not stretch much, it stays stiff, retains its shape/design over many years of use, shows the least amount of wear, and isn't the most pleasant for me, anyway, in something such as a watch band. A belt, I can tolerate, as it is not rubbing against my skin. I keep hoping Feu will be offered in swift leather. I really love the color, but won't buy it while it's made in epsom leather. My least favorite Constance Belt is the one I have made out of epsom leather. Since it is resistant to scratches, water, etc., I wear the epsom leather on a casual jeans type day with rain, as it won't be damaged.

So, pick the leather that suits the environment you'll expose it to most, and then go for a color in it you like. Either of the options you pose would work well in a business environment.
[doublepost=1538679314][/doublepost]

This is very true. I am curious to see how this plays out. Hermès, typically, makes only a certain number of each item for each market, and then it's done, gone, only to be found second hand. Good example is the indigo/rouge rallye band from last season. It sold out in the USA in lightening speed, and never came back. If you randomly check Hermès Australia, it pops up as available still, because they are still making them for that market, as they have not sold their allotment. First lesson with Hermès, you see it, you like it, you buy it, no hesitations, because most likely, when you decide to go back to get it, it'll be gone and not available. I've been burned more than once. One time I saw an indigo ostrich wallet in the Boston Hermès store I LOVED, but I was late for a lunch date, so I said I'd go back after. I went back, it was gone, and there were no others in the US to buy. My personal assistant at the store checked every store and location in the US, but it was gonzo. Lesson well learned, don't wait, make your friends wait LOL!!

Thank you for the thorough feedback! This is extremely helpful.

I’m new to Hermès products and assumed the Indigo Swift might be more durable to water since it is, for lack of a better term, slick finish in nature. But if I’m hearing you correctly the Fauve Barenia is more resistant to liquids although it patinas...is that correct? I don’t envision exposing this watch band to water regularly, but I do not want to be worried when I’m washing my hands that splashing will hurt it. In that case, is the Fauve Barenia your recommendation?

 

[Boardiesboi]

So that must be a damn good replica. Can you show them side-by-side for a close comparison ?

Here you go.

Fauve Barenia and Indigo Swift are real and genuine. Feu Epsom in the middle is the replica.

[doublepost=1538683712][/doublepost]

For myself, I always base what type of Hermès leather I purchase on what that leather will encounter in its use, and then I look for a color I like being offered in that leather choice. Every Hermès leather has unique characteristics.

The Fauve Barenia, that is a standard offering for the Apple Watch, is the leather Hermès used originally for their saddles. Hermès was, after all, founded many moons ago as an equestrian company, making saddles. Barenia is a great leather, that is more forgiving than swift leather, and it develops a wonderful patina with prolonged use. It is also more resistant to water, sweat, and oils than swift leather is. Swift leather scratches fairly easily, but most, if not all scratches can be rubbed out gently with your fingers. Swift cannot get wet, though. Water is swift leather's nemesis. A water spot on swift will always be a water spot on swift. The leather often bubbles where it gets wet, and if it goes back to normal, leaves a water ring in the leather. My least favorite Hermès leather is "epsom" leather. Epsom is a stamped leather, which means its grain is man-made, evenly consistent, and stiff/hard. Epsom leather never really softens. It will not stretch much, it stays stiff, retains its shape/design over many years of use, shows the least amount of wear, and isn't the most pleasant for me, anyway, in something such as a watch band. A belt, I can tolerate, as it is not rubbing against my skin. I keep hoping Feu will be offered in swift leather. I really love the color, but won't buy it while it's made in epsom leather. My least favorite Constance Belt is the one I have made out of epsom leather. Since it is resistant to scratches, water, etc., I wear the epsom leather on a casual jeans type day with rain, as it won't be damaged.

So, pick the leather that suits the environment you'll expose it to most, and then go for a color in it you like. Either of the options you pose would work well in a business environment.
[doublepost=1538679314][/doublepost]

This is very true. I am curious to see how this plays out. Hermès, typically, makes only a certain number of each item for each market, and then it's done, gone, only to be found second hand. Good example is the indigo/rouge rallye band from last season. It sold out in the USA in lightening speed, and never came back. If you randomly check Hermès Australia, it pops up as available still, because they are still making them for that market, as they have not sold their allotment. First lesson with Hermès, you see it, you like it, you buy it, no hesitations, because most likely, when you decide to go back to get it, it'll be gone and not available. I've been burned more than once. One time I saw an indigo ostrich wallet in the Boston Hermès store I LOVED, but I was late for a lunch date, so I said I'd go back after. I went back, it was gone, and there were no others in the US to buy. My personal assistant at the store checked every store and location in the US, but it was gonzo. Lesson well learned, don't wait, make your friends wait LOL!!

Thanks for the detailed write up!

I’m intrigued that the barenia is more water resistant. I’ve had water drops stain my fauve barenia strap that would not disappear. And the only way was to wait for the whole band to darken to match the water stain.

With swift I can easily wipe off any water drops with little to no residue after.

Do you think the single tours are made or coated differently from the handbag equivalents?

 

[UrbanExtant]

HE

Here you go.

Fauve Barenia and Indigo Swift are real and genuine. Feu Epsom in the middle is the replica.

View attachment 792099 View attachment 792100 View attachment 792101 View attachment 792102 View attachment 792103 View attachment 792104
[doublepost=1538683712][/doublepost]

Thanks for the detailed write up!

I’m intrigued that the barenia is more water resistant. I’ve had water drops stain my fauve barenia strap that would not disappear. And the only way was to wait for the whole band to darken to match the water stain.

With swift I can easily wipe off any water drops with little to no residue after.

Do you think the single tours are made or coated differently from the handbag equivalents?

Here are descriptions given to customers of each leather:

Barenia-

"This leather was originally used for Hermès saddles and is without a doubt one of the finest leathers available. The high grade calf leather features a wonderfully smooth exterior with a hint of gloss which allows it to dazzle. It is usually mixed with a white top stitch and is completely scratch resistant due to the oil absorbing material, also making it water resistant and ideal for the rainy season. The only tiny drawback to this leather is that it develops patina over time."

Swift-

"Formerly known as Gulliver leather until it was discontinued in 1999, this wonderful leather was reintroduced to the market in 2005 under the new name Swift. The leather features a fine grain which is incredibly soft to touch and has the ability to reflect light while absorbing dye like few other leathers on the market. The only drawback is that it is prone to scratches, however, small scratches are easily removed by a gentle swipe of your fingers. However, the leather is undoubtedly seasonal and caution is advised when handling it in rainy weather as water marks will stain."

Epsom-

"Unlike other leathers which maintain the pattern from the skin they are taken from Epsom leather is an embossed leather. This means the pattern pressed into the leather isn’t the actual grain. However, this has some major benefits such as allowing the leather to hold its true shape in all circumstances and also means it is completely resistant to scratching. The material is also lightweight and cleans with a simple wipe using a damp cloth."

My leather choices for my bands, belts, etc. are all divided fairly equally amongst my products. I just keep in mind what each can handle when deciding on which to choose to wear on which particular day.

As for stains on Barenia. they can happen, but for me, they have almost always vanished after several days. If they do not....my secret is "leather masters strong cleaner." While not recommended by Hermès, it will remove stains from their products. You didn't hear it from me. The product comes in a rectangular bottle, with a variegated orange table. It can easily be found on an online shopping site, you know, the one beginning with an A.... Don't use this on colored leathers without spot testing first.

The better option for Barenia is the actual Hermès product found at the attached link.

https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/saddle-balm-H800327Ev00/

 

[onethinline]

Wow, all this information about the different Hermès leathers on offer is very useful; thank you. I ended up with the 44mm fauve barenia for my Series 4, which I'm loving, but now that I see how it patinas, I'm even more pleased with the choice. Sadly, switching to the bigger watch means I'm not using my 38mm Single Tour Éperon d’Or in Marine Gala leather from last year's Series 3 -- that was the band with the scarf pattern printed on it. I still LOVE that band, though I probably could have kept it even further away from little splashes, as small bits on the side have worn slightly. In any case, that band alone almost convinced me to stick with the smaller size watch for Series 4.

 

[Luba]

Mine is green too.

Well, must of been a "bug" because when I put the AW on the charger it was all green like usual. I don't know why I got the recharge ring was orange that one time.

 

[Boardiesboi]

Wow, all this information about the different Hermès leathers on offer is very useful; thank you. I ended up with the 44mm fauve barenia for my Series 4, which I'm loving, but now that I see how it patinas, I'm even more pleased with the choice. Sadly, switching to the bigger watch means I'm not using my 38mm Single Tour Éperon d’Or in Marine Gala leather from last year's Series 3 -- that was the band with the scarf pattern printed on it. I still LOVE that band, though I probably could have kept it even further away from little splashes, as small bits on the side have worn slightly. In any case, that band alone almost convinced me to stick with the smaller size watch for Series 4.

I regret so much for not getting the marine gala last year. Now it’s discontinued and we can’t buy it separately anymore.

 

[justywusty]

I found this Etsy leather-smith in Tokyo that buys the same leathers from the Haas tannery.

This is like the feu epsom, but in navy...I’m considering it. I would probably get a navy stitch though rather than white.

https://etsy.me/2H28hP9

 

[anthonymoody]

I definitely prefer the Epsom, especially with the deployment. It’s incredibly durable.

 

[profmjh]

Well, I made a tricky decision yesterday.

I’ve no regrets about trading up to a Series 4 — love the bigger screen, especially with my old eyes — and no regrets about going for the Hermès (again) — love the two-tone watchface.

But it’s a lot of money, and I had promised myself I was not going to buy any more Apple products for two years, starting at the beginning of this year. I’ve already swapped my iPhone 8 for an 8+ a few weeks ago, though that means I got some money back for my 8, as well as for my AWH3.

So I decided to return the Link strap. It does look great but, even at the new lower price point, it’s still very expensive and I was finding it quite sweaty to wear. Also the links were lopsided (ten on one side, eleven on the other) in order to give a comfortable fit.

It also occurred to me that people buy the AWH for the strap as much as anything and I should just appreciate the fact that I have that strap and use it and enjoy it. (I’ve always loved the Hermès Sports strap.)

Which is why the pictures I posted earlier were of my Indigo Swift!

 

[Ethan Coohill]

Most of the Hermès series 4 models are selling for $2000+ on eBay. Nuts.