THE HISTORY OF THE
ICONIC HERMÈS CAPE COD
ICONIC HERMÈS CAPE COD
A story of creation, collaboration and colour
In the 1930s, whilst on the coast of Normandy and inspired by an anchor chain, Robert Dumas — fourth generation family member of Hermès — designed the Chaîne d'ancre link and bracelet as a contemporary accessory chracterised by clean and architectural lines.
But it wasn't until Jean-Louis Dumas (son of Robert Dumas) took over the reigns of Hermès, that the idea of a watch was born. In 1991, he charged Henri d'Origny — a legendary designer of the maison — to design a square timepiece.
However, Henri wasn't sure about creating a purely square watch. He sketched and brainstormed, poring over the archives of the house, until he chanced upon the Chaîne d'ancre. Eureka! How about a square inside a rectangle?
Henri sliced the Chaîne d'ancre link in half and placed the watch movement in-between; giving rise to the Cape Cod as distinguished by its Art Deco typography, rigorous design codes, and inherent lightness of touch.
Henri sliced the Chaîne d'ancre link in half and placed the watch movement in-between; giving rise to the Cape Cod as distinguished by its Art Deco typography, rigorous design codes, and inherent lightness of touch.
The Cape Cod was a success, but it was soon to undergo a metamorphosis. In 1998, designer Martin Margiela added a double-wrap around leather strap to the watch during his first runway show for Hermès. The result? A new style icon was born.
Fast forward to modern day, the iconic Cape Cod turns 25 this year. Large or small, plain or set with stones, the Cape Cod watch can sparkle with diamonds on its casing or its mother-of-pearl dial. In ultraviolet, capucine, red agate, blackcurrant, electric blue or raspberry, the interchangeable bands let you transform your Cape Cod to suit any mood!
A tribute to both the feminine and masculine universe of Hermès, the timeless Cape Cod continues to capture the heart of the playful non-conformist; offering a distinctive design that has become synonymous with whimsy, fun and humour.
A tribute to both the feminine and masculine universe of Hermès, the timeless Cape Cod continues to capture the heart of the playful non-conformist; offering a distinctive design that has become synonymous with whimsy, fun and humour.