by Sabine Zwettler

La Montre Hermès presents two additions to its Cape Cod line: one with a decidedly new take on the Chaîne d’Ancre (“anchor chain”) motif as the hallmark transfers to the dial for the first time and one with an alluring mirror-polished face. Both of these two-handed timepieces are available with single-wrap and double-wrap straps or mesh bracelets. The latter is also available in a small size.

When we think of Cape Cod – the small peninsula stretching wide into the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Massachusetts – endless dune beaches, quaint fishing villages, and imposing lighthouses spring to mind.

Hermès Cape Cod GM Cadran Maillon Chaîne d’Ancre blue with double wrap (left) and single wrap straps

Particularly popular as a weekend getaway among Bostonians and New Yorkers looking to breathe in the clean salty air and feel warm sun on their skin, Cape Cod offers miles of unspoiled nature, romantic sunsets, and all kinds of outdoor activities that facilitate escape from busy daily schedules.

This sometimes rough but always beautiful place has lent its name to one of the most successful design watches of the last 25 years: the Cape Cod by Hermès (see 25 Years Of The Hermès Cape Cod). For more than a quarter century, it has been synonymous with unique, bold elegance by putting an archetypal motif of this historic maison squarely in the spotlight: the Chaîne d’Ancre dates all the way back to 1938 in the brand’s jewelry collections.

Hermès Cape Cod Milanese S Double Wrap (left) and Cape Cod Milanese GM Single Wrap

This watch design was born in 1991 from Henri d’Origny’s vision of creating a chic, standout style capturing the free spirit of the eponymous peninsula. The brand’s legendary artistic director accomplished this task by combining a squared, slightly curved case and dial with bold elongated lugs. With its unusual yet very eye-catching appeal, the watch was an instant success and has been a staple in Hermès’s collection ever since, available for both for style-conscious men and women.

This success was further amplified by Martin Margiela’s ingenious idea for his very first Hermès runway show in 1998: the Belgian fashion designer and artistic director for Hermès’s women’s ready-to-wear as of 1997 added a double-wrap strap that would later be known simply as the “Double Tour.”

This stroke of genius was even more significant as it once again referred to the firm’s unique expertise in the finest leather goods, harking back to its very beginnings as a harness workshop in Paris in 1837. And it brought the strap from its shadowy role as a mere accessory further into the spotlight. After all, the strap is crucial to the overall impression of a timepiece.

Hermès Cape Cod GM Cadran Maillon Chaîne d’Ancre Double Tour in blue

In 2018, the Cape Cod embarks upon a new journey, pulling the anchor and setting sail with a fresh breeze. The brand enriches the lineup with two completely new versions that are firmly connected in core aesthetics but once again prove the versatility of the design.

And here, too, the Double Tour strap takes center stage, even transposing the idea to a filigree Milanese mesh bracelet crafted in stainless steel that perfectly complements the understated, pure appearance of the extremely polished, rhodium-plated dial that is coated with a blue-tinted translucent lacquer to create a mirror-like surface.

Hermès Cape Cod GM Cadran Maillon Chaîne d’Ancre Double Tour in brown tow calfskin

In order to further amplify its charm, the watch dispenses with minute indices and displays only the typical Arabic numerals that are characteristic of the line. This version will be available in large and small sizes, each available with single-tour and double-tour straps.

Although I really find this a stunning take on the classic Cape Cod aesthetics, I personally prefer the second debutant. Available in a large size only – a fact that I also appreciate – it features a blue lacquered or black gold-treated and polished dial, also coated with a translucent lacquer, but boasting four “Anchor Chain” hour markers at the cardinal points.

Hermès Cape Cod GM Milanese Double Tour

Foregoing numerals creates an even more daring but very calm and decidedly chic look. The two versions are fitted with matching single or double-wrap straps in Malta blue grained or étoupe-colored smooth calfskin referring to the colors of waves on quiet and stormy days.

For more information, please visit www.hermes.com.

Quick Facts Hermès Cape Cod Mesh Bracelet Large Model – Single Tour
Case: 29 x 29 mm, stainless steel
Dial: rhodium plated and mirror polished
Movement: quartz
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: €3,100

Quick Facts Hermès Cape Cod Mesh Bracelet Large Model – Double Tour
Case: 29 x 29 mm, stainless steel
Dial: rhodium plated and mirror polished
Movement: quartz
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: €3,250

Quick Facts Hermès Cape Cod Mesh Bracelet Small Model – Single Tour
Case: 23 x 23 mm, stainless steel
Dial: rhodium plated and mirror polished
Movement: quartz
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: €3,000

Quick Facts Hermès Cape Cod Mesh Bracelet Small Model – Double Tour
Case: 23 x 23 mm, stainless steel
Dial: rhodium plated and mirror polished
Movement: quartz
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: €3,150

Quick Facts Hermès Cape Cod Cadran Maillon Chaîne d’Ancre Large Model – Single Tour
Case: 29 x 29 mm, stainless steel
Dial: blue lacquered or black gold treated, 4 applied “Anchor Chain” hour markers
Movement: quartz
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: €3,350

Quick Facts Hermès Cape Cod Cadran Maillon Chaîne d’Ancre Large Model – Double Tour
Case: 29 x 29 mm, stainless steel
Dial: blue lacquered or black gold treated, 4 applied “Anchor Chain” hour markers
Movement: quartz
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: €3,450