Apple launches Hermès Watch

At its flagship event in San Francisco yesterday, among launches for a new (and huge) iPad Pro as well as updates of the iPhone, Apple also saw fit to extend its offering of luxury versions of the Apple Watch.
Alongside new gold and rose gold aluminium versions of the Apple Watch Sport models, a smart and distinguished collaboration with Hermès has resulted in a new selection of Apple Watches in stainless steel with hand-stitched leather bands in distinctive styles, comprising the Single Tour, Double Tour and manly Cuff.
The Single Tour for the 38mm stainless steel case is a classic Hermès design with a buckle that “recalls those on the straps of a horse's girth” – a nod to the equestrian heritage of Hermès. It will be available in a selection of fauve Barenia, noir box and capucine Swift leather. The larger 42mm version of the Single Tour straps will have just the fauve Barenia leather and noir box leather options.
The extra long Swift leather band of the Double Tour wraps elegantly twice around the wrist, creating a completely different and beguiling aesthetic for a smartwatch. Available for the 38mm stainless steel


Apple Watch case in four colours: fauve, étain, capucine, and bleu jean.
The Cuff, however, pairs only with the 42mm case and is available in Hermès’ signature fauve Barenia leather. Inspired again by equestrian fittings, the finely worked strap is cleverly adapted to allow the heart rate sensor to stay in contact with the wrist.
Each Apple Watch Hermès will feature an exclusive customisable watch face with three typefaces, three numeral displays, and three complications – stopwatch, date, and world clock – inspired by Clipper, Cape Cod and Espace Hermès watches. This of course lets one personalise their Apple Watch Hermès (to a degree) to suit style or mood.
After the launch of numerous functional and utilitarian smartwatches at IFA in Berlin earlier this month, this welcome nod towards the importance of craftsmanship and artisan techniques is yet another way Apple has separated its wearable offering from the pack. And although these pieces may not be considered beautiful by all horological devotees, it is surely a considerable step in the right direction.
Apple Watch Hermès, available from 5 October, starts at £1,000 for the 38mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour; £1,050 for the 42mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour; £1,150 for the 38mm stainless steel case with the Double Tour; and £1,350 for the 42mm stainless steel case with the Cuff