The Apple Watch is getting a much-needed facelift.
During the Apple Keynote event earlier today, the company announced it has teamed up with Parisian fashion house Hermès to deliver an extremely luxe iteration of the Apple Watch. The newly revealed design will feature a custom Hermès interface with three leather band options, all of which were handcrafted in France.
“Apple and Hermès make very different products, but they reflect the deep appreciation of quality design,” Apple’s chief design officer Jonathan Ive said in a press release. “Both companies are motivated by a sincere pursuit of excellence and the desire to create something that is not compromised. Apple Watch Hermès is a true testament to that belief.”
The news comes shortly after luxury group LVMH revealed it had enlisted Tag Heuer to create an Apple Watch competitor, one that was supposed to be much more upscale and aeshtetically pleasing. But, as expected, Apple wasn’t going down without a fight.
While the Tag Heuer smart watch will cost you $1,500, the Apple Watch Hermès collection offers wearable tech starting at lower price points: The Hermès Single Tour comes with either a 38mm or 42mm stainless steel case and will run $1,100 and $1,150, respectively; the Double Tour option comes with a 38mm stainless steel case and will sell for $1,250; while the Cuff, which features a 42mm stainless steel case, will cost you $1,500.
The collection is clearly a smart move for the Apple Watch, which has been criticized for its unappealing and boring look. Yes, the technology features were pretty impressive, but its appearance was just a flat out fail, which is why we're so excited to see options for those who don't want to sacrifice style for functionality.
Available in a range of sleek colorways, the Apple Watch Hermès maintains the label’s commitment to timeless design. Quartz even pointed out that the Cuff version looks a lot like the Hermès Cape Cod watch, which retails for $2,900.
Take a look at the Apple Watch Hermès collection in the images above. The watches will roll out in select stores starting on Oct. 5.
