The Cape Cod watch places squarely on its dial its original inspiration, the anchor chain design.
In 1991, Henri d’Origny was given a simple instruction: To create a square watch for women. The legendary designer of Hermès took the anchor chain motif he found on a 1940s Hermès bracelet and reinterpreted it as a watch with a square case within a rectangular bezel. Dubbed Cape Cod, the watch would quickly capture the imagination of the Parisian fashion house’s devoted fans, becoming one of its great watch pillars.
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Throughout the years, the Cape Cod’s distinctive yet understated look has been given numerous interpretations from the luxurious enamelled dial created by master enameller Anita Porchet who has worked for Patek Philippe, Piaget and Chanel to the double-loop (or double tour) strap designed by Martin Margiela, a former Hermes’ creative director for womenswear. It has also harboured high complications such as the tourbillon in 2010 and the GMT in 2014.
Meanwhile, the anchor chain is one of Hermes’ most recognisable motifs since making its first appearance in a jewellery collection in 1938. In an unabashedly literal showcase of its original inspiration, the anchor chain is displayed front and centre on the new Cape Cod dial.
There are two versions to choose from – a black and a white dial. The former features the anchor chain in black spinels and aventurine, while the latter sparkles with diamonds on mother-of-pearl. Both feature a steel bezel adorned with 42 Top Wesselton diamonds. Powered by a Swiss quartz movement, the choice of straps includes the double tour style that feels more fun - and powerful - on the wrist.