Chain reaction: the Hermès Cape Cod links back to the future
![Hermès’ Cape Cod](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X4vsG2AvXh7Z59T5Pc2QRU-415-80.jpg)
For the past 25 years, the Hermès’ Cape Cod has coiled around the wrists of style icons, had a luxe Margiela update and now, on the occasion of its birthday, is launched in a series of new incarnations.
Created by the house’s silk expert Henri d’Origny in 1991, the case and numerals of the Cape Cod were inspired by Hermès’ classic Chaîne d’Ancre (anchor chain) pattern – from where it got its nautical name. Its graphic form was born of Origny’s retro-style idea of placing a square dial inside a rectangular steel case, while its design credentials were defined by his decision to heighten the laid-back chic factor with a ribbon-like leather strap.
In 1998, Martin Margiela made his standout contribution to watch design, gracing the Cape Cod with a chic Double Tour strap and putting the timepiece on Hermès’ Paris runway. The Cape Cod became not just a design object in its own right but an emblematic horological house motif. Last year, it became the focus of the French maison’s surprise collaboration with Apple Watch.
In celebration of its anniversary year, it appears in a new suite of guises: diamonds have been added to its rectangular outer case, the dial has been updated in mother-of-pearl, while a new men’s model features a cuff-style wristband.
One of the first design watches to launch with the option of interchangeable straps, the new spectrum, from iris to ultraviolet and Veronese green, allows for as subtle or as glamorous a take as is preferred. ‘It’s still unconventional and free from any kind of formalism, while staying true to classic style,’ reflects Philippe Delhotal, La Montre Hermès’ artistic director. We couldn’t agree more.
Left: Cape Cod TGM with Veronese green alligator strap. Right: Cape Cod GM ’dropped setting’ with electric blue Double Tour strap
Left: Cape Cod PM with geranium alligator Double Tour strap. Right: Cape Cod PM with lime strap
The new men’s Cape Cod watch features a cuff-style wristband.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Hermès website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Kyoto exhibition collates Veronica Ditting’s influential printed matter for the world’s biggest brands
Creative director and designer Veronica Ditting has created printed matter for The Row, Hermès and Maison Margiela. Now, a new exhibition in Kyoto, ‘Folio Folio Folio: Print by Veronica Ditting’ celebrates her influential career so far
By Jack Moss Published
-
Hermès heads to New York for a one-off show capturing ‘the pace, energy and optimism’ of the city
Yesterday evening (7 June 2024) at New York’s Pier 36, Nadège Vanhee held ‘The Second Chapter’ of her A/W 2024 Hermès womenswear show with an energetic, colour-saturated collection inspired by her former home city
By Jack Moss Published
-
Hermès captures the sheer delight of summer with new menswear collection
Hermès’ diaphanous menswear for S/S 2024 is Véronique Nichanian’s ode to sultry summer days
By Jack Moss Published
-
Utilitarian men’s fashion that will elevate your everyday
From Prada to Margaret Howell, utilitarian and workwear-inspired men’s fashion gets an upgrade for S/S 2024
By Jack Moss Published
-
The best fashion moments at Milan Design Week 2024
Scarlett Conlon discovers the moments fashion met design at Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2024, as Loewe, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Prada and more staged intriguing presentations and launches across the city
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
Men’s Fashion Week S/S 2025: what to expect
Beginning this weekend, everything we know about Men‘s Fashion Week S/S 2025 so far, from Dries Van Noten’s final show in Paris to an intimate Craig Green presentation in London
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
A/W 2024 beauty moments from the runways, as selected by Wallpaper*
We recap stand-out A/W 2024 beauty moments from the runways, including JW Anderson, Chanel, Hermès, and more
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Extraordinary runway sets from the A/W 2024 shows
12 scene-stealing runway sets and show spaces from A/W 2024 fashion month, featuring Murano-glass cacti, rubber armchairs, flashing orbs and more
By Jack Moss Published