Hermès: The Cape Cod Makes Its Titanium Debut

According to the oft-repeated story, the Cape Cod collection was born in 1991 from a spontaneous sketch by Hermès designer Henri d’Origny. He had originally been asked to create a square watch, but instead came up with the now-iconic “square within a rectangle” design.

The Cape Cod’s signature lugs are inspired by the Chaîne d’Ancre (“anchor chain”), one of Hermès’ most recognisable design signatures. Created in 1938 by Robert Dumas, who later led the House of Hermès, the motif is said to have been inspired by the links of a ship’s anchor chain he observed while staying on the Normandy coast.

From this observation, Dumas designed a bracelet featuring oval links connected by a central bar – a stylised interpretation of an anchor chain. The Chaîne d’Ancre has since become one of Hermès’ defining design codes and, decades later, served as the inspiration for the Cape Cod.

Titanium Debut for the Cape Cod Collection

For the first time, Hermès has crafted the Cape Cod’s defining feature – its distinctive case – from titanium, a material renowned for being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic and hypoallergenic.

The Case

The titanium Cape Cod also grows in size. To mark the material’s debut within the collection, Hermès has increased the dimensions slightly. The watch measures 46.15 mm lug to lug, making it larger than previous Cape Cod models. A lively visual appearance is created by the interplay of satin-brushed and bead-blasted finishes. Complementing the robust properties of titanium is a water resistance of 10 bar.

The Manufacture Movement

Powering the watch is the self-winding H1912 calibre, displaying the hours, minutes, central seconds and date. The movement offers a 45-hour power reserve. Developed and manufactured by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, it is produced exclusively for Hermès, which has held a stake in the movement specialist since 2006. At the start of the year, this was increased from 25 per cent to 40 per cent. The H1912 can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.

The Dial

The black square dial showcases an interesting interplay of contrasting finishes. Its finely grained centre absorbs the light, while the satin-brushed outer section adds visual depth. Good legibility is ensured by Superluminova-coated Arabic numerals together with the hour and minute hands. An orange central seconds hand provides a striking splash of colour, while a square date aperture at 6 o’clock completes the display.

The Strap

The Cape Cod Titanium is fitted with an integrated rubber strap available in Naples Yellow, Orange, Deep Sea Blue or Black. Thanks to Hermès’ quick-change system, the strap can be replaced quickly and without tools.

hermes.com