New Hermes Apple Watch straps
Some of Hermès’ new bands follow Apple’s lead in ditching leather and come in several new styles to complement the Apple Watch.
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Apple continues to focus on eco-friendly products, including releasing certain Apple Watch configurations that are completely carbon neutral.
Part of this effort included eliminating leather from the product portfolio. Gone are Apple’s leather iPhone cases, AirTag leather cases, and MagSafe wallets.
There’s some… debate… about whether Apple’s leather-free cases are as good as previous models. Hermès has had more success with several new bands that don’t rely on animal skins.
However, Hermès does not abandon leather like Apple. There are several leather straps that can be purchased directly from the seller. But we wanted to look at four new bands that are sold directly through Apple.
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Box for Hermes bracelet
Where possible, we chose all 45mm models, which fit both the larger Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra. Thanks to the lug system, all previous versions of Apple Watch are also compatible.
All bands come in an orange Hermes box with a microfiber pouch inside to hold the bands and printed with the Apple Watch and Hermes logos.
Hermes Apple Watch strap review: twill Jump Band
The $349 Twill Jump strap is only available in the smaller 41mm size. There are several color combinations available, although we looked at a combination of noir and gold.
The strap is made of woven nylon, the middle of the strap is black, and the edges and two loops are gold, although in reality they appear more brown.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Hermes Twill Jump Strap
One of the two loops secures next to the polished stainless steel buckle, while the other slides to attach an additional strap that dangles when placed on the wrist.
This strap is smooth and comfortable, although the nylon is a little stiff compared to a couple of other straps we’ve tried.
Other than the Hermes name on the metal buckle, this strap isn’t all that interesting and isn’t our favorite, but it does look clean and simple.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Kilim Band
With the Hermes Kilim group, things get even more interesting. It’s also priced at $349 and comes in Rouge H, Navy, Kaki, Noir, and the iconic Hermès orange in 41mm and 45mm sizes.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Orange Hermes Kilim Strap
It is a water-resistant fluoroelastomer rubber molded into individual woven parts. The top and bottom moldings are combined into a 3D design.
Apple claims this is Hermes’ most durable strap yet. Essentially, this is an improved fashion version of a sports bracelet.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Kilim Strap Folding Buckle
What we like about this strap, besides the design, is the clasp. This clasp, called a folding buckle, looks like a traditional buckle but is actually a spring-loaded clasp hidden underneath.
You size the strap once by clasping it into the buckle, but then you simply squeeze the sides and it comes undone. Very easy to take off and put on.
The buckle is made of polished stainless steel, giving this rubber strap an even more premium look.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Toile H Band
The Toile H strap is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes for $349. It is available in three colorways: our chosen gold/beige checkered pattern, as well as velvet/noir and denim/noir.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Toile H Strap
This group uses another material – Hermès signature canvas. It’s been touted as the brand’s signature item for almost 100 years now, and we definitely spot it on a variety of bags.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Toile H Strap Clasp
Compared to woven nylon, this strap feels very soft and comfortable, even a little stretchy. It fits perfectly on the wrist, especially for those who don’t need stiff watch bands.
It uses the same clasp as the first Kilim strap, but the pliers inside the clasp lock into place, making it a little more secure.
Hermes Apple Watch strap review: Bridon Single Tour Band
Of all the new bands, our favorite was the Bridon Single Tour. For production, exclusively soft polyamide yarn is used, woven by hand into a stylish pattern.
Hermes Apple Watch Band Review: Bridon Single Tour Band
The continuous knit features a three-dimensional chevron pattern running down both sides of the strap. Each chevron is folded at an angle and sewn in the center.
Hermes logo on the bottom of the Bridon Single Tour strap.
A nice touch: a small cotton Hermès patch is sewn onto the underside. It gives a handmade feel and you don’t feel it when wearing it.
Hermes Apple Watch Band Review: Bridon Single Tour Band
This strap has the most unique look of the new ones and is also very comfortable to wear. It even looks good on the Apple Watch Ultra, although for a larger watch it’s not as wide as I’d like.
Our stripe was the kaki, which has a forest green stripe and overlapping gray and crimson chevrons, but there are also black/blue/gray, crimson/red/brown and blue/crimson/gray versions.
This type of strap can be easily worn or worn depending on the situation, and the color combination seems very versatile.
Should you buy the new Hermes Apple Watch straps without leather?
Look, Hermes is a longtime fashion icon that charges a premium for its products. Whether you buy bags or Apple Watch bands, you’re paying for the name, the design, and the product itself.
All of these new bands look great and work great with our new Apple Watch Series 9, but the average person won’t shell out nearly $400 for a band.
But these groups are not for the average person. If they were an ordinary person, they would not have that distinctive and exclusive aura.
We’re not here to judge whether it’s stupid to pay big bucks for brand recognition—if you can afford it, do it.
There’s little to dislike in terms of build quality, and otherwise we’re very pleased with the look of these new leather-free offerings.
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Pros
High quality materials Fashionable design Developed with Apple as an alternative to leather Available in a variety of colors Leather bands are still available directly from Hermes
Hermes Apple Watch Strap Review: Cons
As always, prohibitively expensive for regular users. The value mainly lies in the signature Hermes watch faces, which are still exclusive to the Hermes versions of the Apple Watch.