Hermes is releasing a second watch in the “In the Pocket” series. The first was released in 2012. There’s a unique story about the origin of the pocket watch in the Hermes line. In 1912, Jaqueline Hermes, just a child at the time, received a port-oignon–a pocket watch which was made to be secured to the wrist–as a gift from her father. At the time, this was monumental; It meant that she could tell time while riding her horse, without keeping her watch hidden in a pocket or clipped precariously to her clothing. In line with her equestrian soft spot, the watch was designed with a saddle and harness-inspired leather strap.
In 2012, 100 years later, the watch was reinvented under the name “In The Pocket.” Hermes has now issued a second piece in the series featuring a rose gold case and an alligator wrist strap. Inside the case, there is a silver dial and a smaller subdial for seconds. As far as design, the numerals are clear and large, and the Hermes logo is small, but prominently centered in the middle of the dial. The strap itself is constructed for durability and consists of layers of calfskin, cow leather, and an alligator exterior.
Each accessory is handcrafted in Hermes’ leather making studio in Switzerland where every strap is composed of three layers of leather and polished, by hand, in bee’s wax.
The watch is powered by automatic movement called “H1837” and holds 50-hour power reserve.
Hermes Pocket Watch 2015 is available in a 178-piece limited edition. Price is CHF35,000 or about US$38,200.