In the every-expanding world of the Apple Watch (and, who am I kidding, all Apple products), Apple and French fashion house Hermes have taken their continuing collaboration one step further. Beginning April 19, Hermes will offer their luxury leather Watch bands as standalone accessories for the first time. Additionally, they will add new shades to the existing color palette.
Customers Excited For New Standalone Band Option from Hermes
After launching the original collaborative line in October of last year, the companies are excited to announce this customer-requested update.
When originally launched, the Apple Watch Hermes collection was available in a total of 10 different style and size combinations, but it forced previous Apple Watch owners to buy a whole new piece if they wished to incorporate high-fashion with the functionality of the smart watch. Prices started at $1,100 and the Watches were available in-store only, at select locations.
The original Apple Watch Hermes collection features special clock faces that contain the famous Hermes branding, as well as the Hermes name etched into the back of the hardware. This option will continue to be available past the new launch.
For Apple Watch fans seeking a high-end, refined and comfortable band, this news comes as a welcome announcement and will give buyers the option to add an upscale feel to a product they already own.
As before, the band options include the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff styles. Prices starts at $500 for the Hermes Single Tour band, $750 for the Hermes Double Tour band and $1070 for the Hermes Cuff.
New Apple Watch Band Colors Also Available
Included in the announcement is an updated and expanded color spectrum, which will now include Fauve (deer brown), Feu (red), Bleu Paon (blue green), Bleu Saphir (sapphire) and Blanc (white). Some style and design options are only available in particular sizes and colors.
The Single Tour standard buckle design is available in all colors when paired with the 38-millimeter Watch face model, while the 42-millimeter face is available with Fauve, Feu and Bleu Saphir leather bands only.
Apple and Hermes are also offering bands in their Double Tour design that can wrap around the wrist twice. It only comes in the 38-millimeter size, and is available with all five leather bands color options.
The Cuff model, which features a much larger leather band, continues to only be available in the Fauve color and 42-millimeter face size.
Established in 1837, Hermes is one of the original, iconic fashion houses. Specializing in leather goods, lifestyle accessories and luxury goods, Hermes made a name for itself because of it expert craftsmenship which demonstrated the fine talents of a small number of artisans on a consistent basis. Their collaboration with Apple was seen as a huge step in the right direction, after initial reviews of the Apple Watch fell short of their anticipated feedback, mostly due to the clunky feel and lack of aesthetics in the original band.
Apple and Hermes broke the news of these new updates through various fashion outlets, such as Elle magazine. The Watches and bands will be available through the Apple and Hermes websites, as well as select Apple and Hermes locations.
