Apple Watch Hermès Collection: On Sale from October 5th

On September 10th, alongside the highly anticipated new models "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus," the "Apple Watch Hermès Collection," born from a collaboration with Hermès, was announced. This marks the first collaboration for Apple Watch with a premier fashion maison. Many who may not have previously been interested in Apple Watch are likely considering a purchase now. For watch enthusiasts, it goes without saying that Hermès is also a top-tier presence as a watchmaker.

While they have been crafting their own timepieces since the 1970s, their serious commitment over the past decade has been remarkable. Spearheaded by the "Dressage" collection featuring in-house movements, they have also developed innovative products filled with playful creativity, such as the"Arceau Le Temps Voyageur"(announced in 2011, winning the Men's Watch Prize at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix that same year), and more. In recent years, they have continuously unveiled complex watches like tourbillons and perpetual calendars, as well as exceptional watches that showcase the highest level of craftsmanship in their dials and other decorations. They have become an unmissable presence for watch aficionados.

The "Apple Watch Hermès Collection," launching on October 5th, is a timepiece that beautifully fuses the styles and functions of these Hermès watches with Apple Watch, offering a distinct charm and appeal different from the gold-case Apple Watch Edition.

Its greatest allure undoubtedly lies in the three types of straps, crafted from Hermès' finest leather materials such as Barenia and Swift. The "Double Tour," an iconic style of Hermès watches; the "Cuff," reminiscent of equestrian or military watches; and the classic, standard "Simple Tour." Each possesses a superb texture, elegantly dressing up the wrist. Another captivating feature is the faithful reproduction of Hermès' watch dials—Clipper, Cape Cod, and Espiègle—on the high-resolution display.

The design synergy with the stainless steel Apple Watch body is perfect, making one wonder if this collection wasn't the original design inspiration for the Apple Watch itself.

In fact, I interviewed Laurent Dordain, the new CEO of Hermès' watch division, "La Montre Hermès," at Baselworld in 2015 and asked, "Will Hermès venture into smartwatches?" At the time, Dordain did not specifically comment on smartwatches, only stating, "We will proceed with product development that aligns with the maison's philosophy."

The soon-to-be-released Apple Watch Hermès, in terms of design perfection, has indeed been crafted to be worthy of the maison's philosophy. With this collection, Apple Watch has presented us with a new dimension of smartwatches.

All photos show the Double Tour.

Apple Watch Hermès Collection
*Available in three types: Double Tour, Simple Tour, and Cuff.
Case: Stainless steel
Diameter: Two sizes, 38mm and 42mm
Movement: Quartz
Features: Heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope
Straps: Three types - Barenia, Swift, and Box calf
Water Resistance: IPX7
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Release Date: October 5th
Price: ¥138,000 - ¥188,000
*Available exclusively at Hermès Ginza, Hermès Shinsaibashi, Apple Store Ginza, Apple Store Omotesando, and Apple Store Shinsaibashi.