Hermès Extends Apple Watch Partnership With New Leather Strap Collection

The same day Apple released its third version of the Apple Watch Hermès unveiled a collection of five leather straps for the newest smart watch.

The new Apple Watch Hermès collection for the Apple Watch Series 3 models expands upon the three leather straps that were first introduced in 2015. The new additions are the Single Tour Rallye and the Single Tour Éperon d’Or.

In addition, traditional French brand known for its old-world craftsmanship also released a new Hermès watch face, inspired by the Carrick Hermès watch, designed by Hermès legendary designer Henri d’Origny in 1993. This completes the selection of Hermès watch faces for Apple smart watches.

Apple Watch Hermès Series 3 consists of the following:

* The Single Tour Rallye – The perforated Gala calfskin is inspired by classic Hermès driving gloves. It’s designed to be paired with the 42mm stainless steel case.

* Single Tour Éperon d’Or in printed calfskin, inspired by the equestrian scarf pattern created by d’Origny in 1974. It is available in Marine leather with 38mm and 42mm stainless steel cases.

* Double Tour  - The extra-long band wraps twice around the wrist. Available in Fauve (natural tan) Barenia leather (Hermès top quality leather) and Indigo Swift leather, each paired with a 38mm stainless steel case.

* Single Tour - The buckle is inspired by the straps of a horse’s girth, a nod to the equestrian heritage of Hermès. Available in Fauve Barenia leather paired with 38mm and 42mm stainless steel cases, and in Indigo Swift leather for the 42mm stainless steel case.

* Single Tour Deployment Buckle - Available in Fauve Barenia leather and ebony Barenia leather, each paired with a 42mm stainless steel case.

Apple Watch Hermès Series 3 will be available to order online in France beginning Friday, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the UK and the US. Prices range from $1,149 to $1,399.

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Hermès Adds Elegance to the Apple Watch

Apple Watch with the Hermès Double Tour strap

Apple on Wednesday unveiled a new version of the Apple Watch with leathers straps designed and crafted by Hermès. 

It’s a small but important touch as Apple has been selling its smartwatch as a luxury item, competing against Swiss timepieces. I think the only people the Silicon Valley giant convinced of this were some of the leaders of Swiss watch companies. What Hermès provides is a touch of elegance for this consumer electronics product. 

Apple Watch with Hermès Single Tour strap

The Apple Watch Hermès collection consists of the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff leather straps designed by the Parisian luxury brand. There are several color and style options. 

The Single Tour with the 38 mm stainless steel case comes in fauve Barenia leather, noir box leather and capucine Swift leather, while the Single Tour with 42 mm stainless steel case comes in fauve Barenia leather and noir box leather. The Double Tour pairs with the 38 mm stainless steel case and is available in fauve Barenia leather and bleu jean, capucine and etain Swift leather. The Cuff pairs with the 42 mm stainless steel case and is available in fauve Barenia leather only.

Apple Watch with Hermès Cuff strap

“Apple and Hermès make very different products, but they reflect the deep appreciation of quality design,” Jonathan Ive, Apple’s chief design officer, said in a statement. “Both companies are motivated by a sincere pursuit of excellence and the desire to create something that is not compromised. Apple Watch Hermès is a true testament to that belief.”

Across the collection, each stainless steel case features an etching of the Hermès signature and includes a customizable face with three exclusive dial designs inspired by Clipper, Cape Cod and Espace Hermès watches.

Hermès strap with four color options for the Apple Watch

“At Hermès, we strive to provide our clients with elegant, creative and functional objects for their everyday lives,” said Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermès’ executive vice president in charge of artistic direction. “What more contemporary and relevant expression of this principle could there be than this collaboration with Apple. We are strongly united by the same deeply held ideas and principles. I see it as the establishment of an alliance in excellence.” 

Apple Watch Hermès starts at $1,100 for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, $1,150 for the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, $1,250 for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Double Tour and $1,500 for the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Cuff. The collection will be available at select Apple retail stores, select Hermès stores, specialty stores and department stores beginning October 5.

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