Apple has teamed up with the French manufacturer Hermès, which specializes in perfumes, leathers, lifestyle accessories, apparel, and luxury goods, to develop Apple Watch Hermès, the tech giant's first standalone smartwatch product line. The partnership will add the European company's high-end leather products to the wrist wearables' bands.
Apple announced its partnership with the French business on September 16, Wednesday, according to Mashable. The goal is to attract more fashion shoppers.
Unlike the Apple Watch Edition, the Apple Watch Hermès is not officially available in 18K. However, with customized versions such as the $115,000 diamond-studded Lux Watch Omni on the market, it is likely that certain super-rich consumers will have one custom-made.
The Hermès smartwatch is a basic $500 Apple Watch model. It includes the company's Single Tour, Double Tour, or Cuff leather watch bands.
Hermès' logo is engraved on the buckle and back of the smartwatch case. The luxury wearables are also bundled with watch faces that feature the company's custom font, according to The Verge.
One potential logistical issue was related to the intricate Double Tour. That is because Apple Watch's sensors are designed to lie against the wearer's wrist.
Apple's design chief Jony Ive explained to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that early tests caused the wearable's second loop to slide under the timepiece's sensor. That prevented exact readings.
Hermès added additional padding to that section of the smart watch's band, so the device had the same look, and kept the heart rate monitor and fitness tracking functions. The problem was solved.
WSJ's interview also reveals that Apple and Hermès started their business relationship before the Apple Watch was initially released. That would explain the ad campaigns in top fashion magazines such as Vogue.
The price range of the Apple Watch Hermès is from $1,100 to $1,500. It is available for pre-order in 17 Apple and Hermès stores, and will be shipped in October.
Hermès of Paris was founded in 1837. Founder Thierry Hermès established his company as a harness workshop that supplied European noblemen.