Timeless style – with Hermès timepieces
From the time-honored Cape Cod to the distinctive Galop d’Hermès, these are the most stylish watches to coil around your wrist
If you’re one of those people who is constantly rummaging in your handbag to check the time on your phone and then unintentionally succumb to a raft of digital distractions, perhaps it’s time to invest in a timepiece that’s only distraction will be its aesthetic beauty. Look to Hermès, the French luxury house synonymous with understated elegance, whose timepieces exude the same sense of distinctive style.
Take its cult Cape Cod timepiece, which was launched almost 30 years ago and yet remains one of the Parisian maison’s most coveted pieces. Created by Henri d’Origny, a designer at Hermès since the 1950s, its graphic shape was inspired by the house’s 1938 Chaîne d’Ancre – a link designed to resemble a ship’s anchor chain – hence its distinctive square-within-a-rectangle case.
The Cape Cod’s relaxed elegance immediately attracted attention, but when enigmatic Belgian designer Martin Margiela added a double-wrap strap (now known as the ‘Double Tour’) in 1998, during his tenure at the house, its status as an iconic piece soared and it has come to be considered a stylish finishing touch as well as a practical timepiece. The Cape Cod’s interchangeable, hand-crafted straps are super-versatile, coming in a range of vibrant colorways (some of which were added for its 25th anniversary) – we love the iconic Hermès orange, as well as the chic tan shade. The fine stone dials are another statement-making detail – the onyx version injects a luxe feel, perfect for day-to-night wear.
More recent to Hermès Timepieces’ repertoire is the Galop d’Hermès, which pays homage to the brand’s equine roots with its stirrup-shaped case. Designed by California-born designer Ini Archibong, its quirky touches and thoughtful details truly set it apart: its unique numeral dial that narrows to match the inimitable tapered shape of the case, for example. The name was also inspired by equestrian pursuits and, according to the brand, it draws upon the “serene strength” and “refined execution” of a horse’s gallop. Much like the Cape Cod, it has come to be considered an adorning as well as functional accessory. “More than a piece of jewellery and more than a timepiece, Galop d’Hermès is a style object devoid of any formalism,” says Philippe Delhotal, creation and style director of Hermès Horloger. “It is free-spirited, witty and passionate.”
When it comes to what to wear with these elegant pieces, take your cue from Hermès’ house codes and seek out well-cut, high-quality designs. Both the Cape Cod and Galop d’Hermès are the kind of timepieces that will instantly elevate your work attire with their sleekly unfussy designs, so wear them with neatly tailored blazers with the sleeves pushed up just so to the office. Their eye-catching designs – especially those set with shimmering diamonds – also make them the perfect finishing touch for dressier occasions. Wear these with simple slip dresses and a sweep of red lipstick for a look that will never go out of style.