Hands on with the luxury Hermes Apple Watch Series 7

Posted:
in Apple Watch edited November 2021
Most users will choose between the aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium Apple Watch Series 7 models, but the pricey Hermes edition sits atop the lineup as the most luxurious. Here's how the hardware differs and what you get for your money.

The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7
The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7


Despite becoming available to order at the same time as the standard Apple Watch Series 7 models, Apple has just recently started shipping the high-end Hermes models.

The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 comes exclusively in stainless steel. Users can opt for Silver or Space Black colorways. Like the remainder of the lineup, it's available in both 41mm and 45mm case sizes.

Here, we are looking at the 41mm silver Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 with the Gourmette Double Tour band



Hands on with the hardware

Standard models of Apple Watch come wrapped in white paper with two boxes on the inside for the band and watch, respectively. For the Hermes, it comes in a sturdy cardboard box in the signature Hermes orange color. The boxes slide out from the inside, one for the watch and the other for whichever Hermes band you chose to bundle it with.

The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 box
The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 box


Looking at the watch itself, there are nearly no physical differences from the standard stainless steel Apple Watch. You'll notice on the back it says "Hermes" etched into the steel, but it's otherwise identical. It has the same body, the same always-on display, and the same performance.

There is one small physical difference though, which is the Space Black color option. Apple used to offer Space Black to everyone. However, in the last two years Apple has moved away from the color and offered the normal stainless steel only in Silver and Graphite. Space Black has remained an Hermes exclusive ever since.

Graphite is more of a silver or gray color, while Space Black is darker. It's a bit of a bummer for the normal stainless steel owners as the graphite doesn't look too far off from the silver and Apple's own bands haven't been updated for the Graphite color.

Hermes logo on the back
Hermes etched into the back of the Apple Watch Series 7


As the Nike Apple Watch can only be bundled with Nike bands, the Hermes can only be bundled with Hermes bands. Any band will fit the watch, but only Hermes bands can come in the box.

All of the Hermes bands are leather, and probably aren't a good choice for extracurricular activities. Working out, swimming, sports, yard work -- with these kinds of activities, a more durable band choice will be a better fit.

Orange Hermes sport band
Orange Hermes sport band


That's why Apple bundles in a second bonus band for free. In each Hermes Apple Watch box, you get your leather band of choice, but you also get an Hermes orange sport band. This ensures you do have an alternate choice beyond the leather band for daily wear.

Hermes Double Tour band
Hermes new Gourmette Double Tour band


The band we chose to bundle with our Hermes Apple Watch was the Gourmette Double Tour band. Apple says this all-new band choice pays homage to the iconic Hermes dog collars that hail from the 1930s. It's made of ultra-soft Fauve Barenia leather.

Trying on the Hermes Apple Watch Series 7
Trying on the Hermes Apple Watch Series 7


It is made by stamping the leather into this shape so that it has an amazing look from the front. The back is all flat, which does make it very comfortable on your wrist. It's surely an elegant band option, and, as these bands can fetch hundreds of dollars on their own, a lot of the money you're spending on a Hermes Apple Watch goes toward the band.

Hermes watch faces

Aside from the bands, the other special feature you get with the Hermes model are a trio of exclusive watch faces. You can only get these by purchasing the Hermes edition, just like the Nike version's exclusive faces.

The Hermes Circuit H face
The Hermes Circuit H face


The first face is the Hermes Circuit H face. This face has two style options, with the hour straight up and down or angled from the side. Then you choose your color option.

Hermes face
The Hermes face


The second face is simply called the Hermes face. This face has a couple of style options, including being able to change the numbers around the outside to different fonts and setting the time to numbers or Roman numerals.

Hermes Circulaire face
Hermes Circulaire face


Then, there is the Hermes Circular face. It's similar to the Infograph face and has four rounded complications in the corners.

All of these faces have the Hermes logo emblazoned on them to make it clear what version of the Apple Watch you're sporting. Another little touch with the watch faces: as you scroll through all available faces, you'll notice that they all are pre-set with the signature Hermes orange color. You can go and change the colors, but they have the Hermes orange by default.

Is it worth it?

The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7
The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 and Double Tour band


That brings us to the obvious question -- is the Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 worth it? If you're questioning if you'll get enough value from the bonus sport band and the extra watch faces to justify the cost, the answer is a resounding no. Like any fashion item, you're not paying for extra features, you're paying for the logo and the clout that comes with it.

A Hermes Apple Watch is worth it if you want to be wearing Hermes on your wrist. You can buy a Hermes band even create your own watch face with the Hermes logo, but this is the only official way to get an Hermes-branded smartwatch. That, and it's the only way to get a Space Black stainless steel case.

If either of those things is important to you, the Hermes Apple Watch Series 7 has many little touches that certainly make a more luxe experience.

The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7
The Hermes Apple Watch Series 7

Where to buy

The Apple Watch Series 7 Hermes Edition starts at $1,229 and can be ordered from Hermes or Apple.

If you're looking for the best Apple Watch deals, check out our Apple Watch Series 7 Price Guide to compare discounts across popular retailers.

Wireless provider AT&T is also offering an aggressive promotion at press time. Buy two Apple Watches, save $200. See AT&T for terms and conditions pertaining to the offer.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 18
    $1.229 seems quite reasonable for the most exclusive of the exclusives, as defined by Angela.
    Ohhh - I get so sentimental thinking of Angela Ahrendts, she was such a great person
    (when it comes to depleting family cash reserves)
    williamlondondoozydozenwatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 18
    bluefire1bluefire1 Posts: 1,301member
    I guess us peasants will have to settle for the standard AW7 Apple models.
    williamlondonDAalsethwatto_cobradarkvader
  • Reply 3 of 18
    Great review! In all seriousness I do wonder if these count towards the Hermes spend in order to get offered one of their classic/holy trinity bags.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 18
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    bluefire1 said:
    I guess us peasants will have to settle for the standard AW7 Apple models.
    Class envy much? If you had the disposable income of the people who can buy luxury items like this I think you could have a different opinion. Why would someone buy a $100K Porsche when a $12K Chevy Spark can get you where you want to go?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 18
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    I have never understood the double loop Hermes bands. IMO they look like they would chronically have one loop too tight and the other too loose, always uncomfortable. That’s not even mentioning that I think they look dumb. If that’s what you want to spend your cash on, fine, but for me the practical aspects make them a non starter at any price.
    edited November 2021 elijahgwatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 18
    If 1930s canine fashion is your thing, there’s a limited number of options available to you as a human, so they can charge whatever they want. 
    williamlondonelijahgwatto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 18
    XedXed Posts: 2,519member
    lkrupp said:
    bluefire1 said:
    I guess us peasants will have to settle for the standard AW7 Apple models.
    Class envy much? If you had the disposable income of the people who can buy luxury items like this I think you could have a different opinion. Why would someone buy a $100K Porsche when a $12K Chevy Spark can get you where you want to go?
    Yikes! I think you're overreacting to his comment.
    muthuk_vanalingamkkqd1337williamlondonretrogustoCloudTalkinelijahgwatto_cobrabonobobcuriousrun8
  • Reply 8 of 18
    XedXed Posts: 2,519member
    Not my thing, but I do like that they've coded watchOS so that even the color of the rarely used pairing screen matches the included watch band. for these higher-end models.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 18
    The problem with the Apple Watch is that it is super disposable. I know you can’t compare (but I will) but a beautiful mechanical watch is for life. 
    williamlondondewme
  • Reply 10 of 18
    cpsrocpsro Posts: 3,192member
    Not into bondage.
    williamlondonDAalsethwatto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 18
    lkrupp said:
    bluefire1 said:
    I guess us peasants will have to settle for the standard AW7 Apple models.
    Class envy much? If you had the disposable income of the people who can buy luxury items like this I think you could have a different opinion. Why would someone buy a $100K Porsche when a $12K Chevy Spark can get you where you want to go?

    I can honestly say the money would not be the first reason for me to pass on getting a Hermes edition. The bands just look both dumb and uncomfortable; "fashion" over function. I wouldn't wear it if someone gave me one. They seem to be different solely for their ability to stand out as a conspicuous consumption item.

    There definitely are differences between a Porsche and a Chevy's functions, though there are significantly diminishing returns on the extra comfort/function for the money. It is definitely a luxury but not only just for showing off while you get from point A to point B.

    williamlondonwatto_cobradewmebonobobdarkvader
  • Reply 12 of 18
    elijahgelijahg Posts: 2,753member
    lkrupp said:
    bluefire1 said:
    I guess us peasants will have to settle for the standard AW7 Apple models.
    Class envy much? If you had the disposable income of the people who can buy luxury items like this I think you could have a different opinion. Why would someone buy a $100K Porsche when a $12K Chevy Spark can get you where you want to go?
    Because a $100k Porsche has more sophisticated and refined engineering within, and is (apparently) assembled to a higher spec, and is faster/better handling than a Chevy Spark. It is better and performs better than a Chevy Spark. This is just a watch band. It does nothing more nor better nor is it more performant than a $49 sport band. And as Axcess99 above said, it looks stupid and uncomfortable. Those loops would press the digital crown if you bend your hand back, pretty dumb. But "dumb" is the definition of fashion.
    bonobobcuriousrun8
  • Reply 13 of 18
    I am still on my Series 3 Hermes 42mm, and will probably upgrade next time to Series 9 Hermes. I love their exclusive dials. Also, I heavily invested on their bands. They are extremely great quality no doubt about it. Don't like double-tour bands though  :smile:  


    edited November 2021 jace88AMcKinlay21
  • Reply 14 of 18
    aegean said:
    I am still on my Series 3 Hermes 42mm, and will probably upgrade next time to Series 9 Hermes. I love their exclusive dials. Also, I heavily invested on their bands. They are extremely great quality no doubt about it. Don't like double-tour bands though  :smile:  


    Very nice collection. Out of interest, where do you buy all your Hermes watch bands from? And assuming you're a fan of the brand, did it count towards your spend with your SA?
  • Reply 15 of 18
    sflocalsflocal Posts: 6,092member
    Waiting for those that will chime in and tell people how to spend their money.

    I myself would not buy it, but as someone that appreciates quality work, I do admire what they make.  There was a video I saw not too long ago about Hermes making a handmade wallet by Herme's craftsmen and I was not only mesmerized by the attention to detail, but was blown away by the quality, construction, and passion that went into making it.  The employees making them were well-paid so kudos to Hermes.
    williamlondon
  • Reply 16 of 18
    jace88 said:
    Great review! In all seriousness I do wonder if these count towards the Hermes spend in order to get offered one of their classic/holy trinity bags.
    I would suspect yes, but only if you purchase them at the Hermes store with your established account executive.

    I visited the Hermes store in Aventura Mall and it was beautifully done.  Pity the wallet was just a hair under $2,000.  I bought a similar looking Tory Burch wallet for $250 and it looks just as good to me, although I’m sure I would have loved the Hermes wallet if it was within my budget.

    The Hermes people told me they did not have the Apple Watches yet.  This was in late June.
  • Reply 17 of 18
    kkqd1337 said:
    The problem with the Apple Watch is that it is super disposable. I know you can’t compare (but I will) but a beautiful mechanical watch is for life. 

    A mechanical watch is absolutely not comparable to an Apple watch or any modern watch.  The mechanical watch will NEVER be anywhere close to as accurate, which means that it is nothing but a fancy bracelet, not a timepiece.  Sure, they were once the pinnacle of portable timekeeping, but that era ended in 1969 when the first quartz watch was introduced.  That's right, for over half a century a mechanical watch has been utterly obsolete.  Today the most expensive mechanical watch on the market is worse at performing its only actual function than a $20 Timex.

    (I do like my vintage LCD watches, and they're certainly far better than any mechanical watch, but I'm not going to pretend that they're somehow more accurate than a NTP synced smartwatch.)
  • Reply 18 of 18
    EthanwEthanw Posts: 2unconfirmed, member
    Reality is you aren’t paying much of a surcharge for the HERMES models….

    YOU must keep everything equal to see this

    configure a 7 45mm with the sport band now add a deployment Hermes band and the Apple care so you have 2 years of warranty.

    Now the HERMES 7 45mm with limited Hermes sport band and same leather deployment band it’s about 135 more for the Hermes boxes and the boxes watch faces.. 

    BUT the Hermes model you can add Apple care BUT then you get 3 years of coverage. MORE importantly Apple and others have stated they that’s roughly when the battery will drop below 80% getting a FREE replacement under Apple care which means you now lowered the cost of Apple care.

    WANT the under 5 buck fix to more people wanting the HERMES edition?

    change the CROWN to one with a Raised HERMES styled H.. Now visually it’s easy for others to know YOU have something special!

    SO many people question the cost and value of the HERMES band. Well the same leather and construction is used to make bands for watches that cost thousands  including the 200;000 plus Bugatti type 370 Watch…

    is the Apple Watch luxury watch. Not in the lower range.. but add the stainless case and Hermes bands exactly what material is different from high end watches.. It amazes me how people will get 30 bands and use on the watch which if your counting activity/steps. Sleep tracking and find comfort in fall detection calling when you can’t that basically other than an hour of so you are wearing all day every day.. BUT that same person says I need quality jeans that are 100+  because cheap ones aren’t comfortable and you get 5 pairs Smdh:

    Until I got my HERMES I wondered too but truth is YES the band is worth it.. it’s very comfortable and soft leather I have to the deployment leather band..

    last simple improvement Apple needs to make. Who designed the sharing watch faces talk about complicated.. SIMPLE 3 quick pushes on the crown displays a QR code on watch face. Your friend uses there iPhone camera to capture and viola watch face shared.. HOWEVER if you are sharing on a forum or in a room etc..while the QR code is displayed a picture of your watch face next to QR code is being saved to watch/phone.  At an athletic event and Sharing a face print a hundred pictures and hand them out. People see and like the face scan the code it’s setup.:

    EVEN bigger for the HERMES bands why? Because most of the HERMES faces are based on actual watches. Sometimes multiple.. card in band box shows the different watch faces that match those bands and the QR code.. because messing around with all the different faces and colors only to realize when screen goes into low power mode does something different:.  THINK about it You have the same band from the company who created the watch which is about 80% of the area you are touching the rest being watch case.. BUT the face or faces that went with that land are reproduced on the watch premium display.. giving you the look and feel of the classic mechanical but the features and functionality of a proven Smart watch




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