A timeless icon, Cape Cod took things to a whole new level in 2007 by becoming the first Hermès watch to house a Fine Watchmaking caliber.
Hermès. Hermès. Hermès. Hermès. Hermès. Hermès
Cape Cod. Cape Cod. Cape Cod. Cape Cod. Cape Cod
Launch Year
1991
Functions
hours and minutes
Movement
quartz
Distinctive features
rectangular case with square dial and half “Anchor Chain” lugs, single or double tour strap
Born from a sketch by designer Henri d’Origny, the Cape Cod watch has been asserting its distinctive outline as a stellar example of Hermès watchmaking since 1991. At the time, Hermès had asked its artistic director to create a square watch, but instead of this perfectly geometrical figure, he opted for a rectangle. The fusion between these two shapes resulted in the Cape Cod case: a square nested in rectangle with rounded angles and a distinctively Art Deco style. The most immediately striking characteristic of this graphically designed watch is the manner in which saddle-stitched Hermès strap is connected to the case via lugs inspired by an iconic piece of jewelry from the Parisian Maison: the “Anchor Chain” bracelet. The model proved an immediate success, a status further heightened in 1998 when it was once again in the spotlight on the watchmaking scene. Having been appointed artistic director for Hermès prêt-à-porter collections, Martin Margiela treated Cape Cod to a stunning new outfit by featuring it in the runway show fitted with a Barénia calfskin double tour strap.
Cape Cod ©Hermès
A timeless icon, Cape Cod took things to a whole new level in 2007 by becoming the first Hermès watch to house a Fine Watchmaking caliber. Enriching the collection with this moon-phase movement developed by Vaucher Manufacture paved the way for other technical developments. A year later, the atypical lines of the Cape Cod welcomed an equally singular vision of time. The very first in-house Hermès movement featured a “Grandes Heures” module serving to relativize time by speeding up or slowing down the hours hand according to the time of day.
Aesthetically speaking, the Cape Cod has proved capable of continuous renewal without ever losing its modern spirit. In 2009, it appeared in the Cape Cod tonneau version featuring more rounded curves and available in three sizes. Nantucket then took the opposite approach with a slimmer and elongated design, once again demonstrating the collection’s ability to preserve its distinctive character while undergoing various transformations. From very large to small models, from single to double tour straps to cuff straps, along with a Milanese mesh bracelet offering a chance from traditional Hermès leather, the Cape Cod appears in various guises while remaining true to itself. The dials also feature a wealth of executions in step with alternating masculine or feminine styles and shades. Technical sophistication is also regularly featured, since the case of the Cape Cod is perfectly suited to technically sophisticated interpretations such as the GMT, chronograph or tourbillon.
Key Characteristics
• Rectangular-shaped quartz watch designed by Henri d’Origny
• First watch with double tour strap
