Apple has announced some updates to the Apple Watch today, offering new bands and finishes, along with a partnership with fashion brand Hermès. The Hermès-branded watches, with exclusive wide and double-wrap straps, along with custom Hermès faces, will be available in select stores in October.
The Apple Watch Hermès starts at $1,100 for the 38mm version with the more traditional "Single Tour" band, the "Double Tour" band that wraps around your wrist twice comes in the 38mm model at $1,250, and the 42mm "Cuff" version will run $1,500. The Hermès collection will be available at select Hermès retailers and select Apple Stores starting October 5 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
The company also announced two new metal finishes for the Apple Watch Sport, as well as a number of sport bands. The Sport will now come in anodized yellow and rose gold colors, in both 38mm and 42mm. New sport bands will include options in dark blue, light gray, and pastel blue. There will also be a classic leather two-tone band with black and brown leather, and a Product (Red) sport band.
Be sure to follow along with iMore's event liveblog for the latest from Apple's event.
Press release:
Apple and Hermès Unveil the Apple Watch Hermès Collection
SAN FRANCISCO and PARIS — September 9, 2015 — Apple® and Hermès today introduced Apple Watch® Hermès, a new collection of Apple Watch in stainless steel with finely crafted leather bands in distinctive styles from Hermès, including the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff, while respecting the design and functionality of the Apple Watch. The collaboration merges Apple's unparalleled product innovation with the heritage, iconography and craftsmanship of Hermès, creating a unique expression of Apple Watch.
"Apple and Hermès make very different products, but they reflect the deep appreciation of quality design," said Jonathan Ive, Apple's chief design officer. "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."
"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; like horse and carriage, a perfect team."
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. 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.
Pricing & Availability
Apple Watch Hermès starts at $1,100 (US) for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, $1,150 (US) for the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, $1,250 (US) for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Double Tour and $1,500 (US) 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 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US. For more information on Apple Watch Hermès please visit www.apple.com/apple-watch-hermes or www.hermes.com/applewatchhermes.
The constant requirement for the finest quality has always been the quest of Hermès. Since its establishment in 1837, six generations of enterprising and passionate artisans have contributed to spreading its values: a savoir-faire built on the application of highly precise and skilled crafts to the finest materials, the love for beautiful objects created to last over time and the spirit of constant innovation. A family owned company, Hermès is managed by Chief Executive Officer, Axel Dumas, a member of the sixth generation of the Hermès family.
Source: Apple
