HERMÈS Cape Cod Automatic — Three Vintage Pieces, Three Distinct Expressions

Three automatic HERMÈS Cape Cod watches have just arrived at OLIM VINTAGE.

Introduced in 1991 and designed by Henri d’Origny, the Cape Cod has become one of HERMÈS’ most distinctive timepieces.

Its characteristic case was inspired by the links of the iconic Chaîne d’Ancre. Conceived around the idea of “a square within a rectangle,” its design embodies the subtle sense of playfulness that is so characteristic of HERMÈS.

While fundamentally geometric, the elongated lines of the case lend it an almost jewelry-like lightness, complemented by the distinctive, elongated Arabic numerals of the dial.

Immediately recognizable as a Cape Cod, yet never overly decorative.

Neither purely a watch nor a piece of jewelry, its distinctive presence still feels remarkably modern more than three decades after its creation.

Another name inseparable from the story of the Cape Cod is Martin Margiela.

In 1998, while serving as Artistic Director of HERMÈS women’s ready-to-wear, Margiela introduced the Double Tour strap to the Cape Cod, wrapping twice around the wrist.

The Double Tour, now one of the most recognizable expressions of the Cape Cod, was born during this period.

Each of the three watches in this arrival is paired with an HERMÈS strap bearing a date stamp from the Margiela era.

Black leather, warm reddish-brown leather, and brown suede — three different colors and textures that highlight the unique relationship between the Cape Cod and its strap.

The first pairs a grey dial with a black leather strap, creating a restrained and sophisticated look.

Against the deep grey dial, the white-outlined Arabic numerals stand out beautifully, while the contrast with the silver-tone case further emphasizes the graphic character of the Cape Cod.

The second features a white dial paired with a warm, reddish-brown leather strap.

The contrast between the bright dial and richly toned leather creates a look that feels both classic and effortless. The clean geometry of the case is particularly striking in this combination, giving this piece a light and refined presence.

The third combines a grey dial with a brown suede strap.

Unlike smooth leather, the softly textured suede brings warmth to the clean lines of the stainless steel case, giving the watch a distinctive and understated character.

This piece also comes with an additional strap in a vivid HERMÈS orange.

Changing from the understated brown suede to orange completely transforms the character of the watch, offering another way to enjoy the beautiful use of color for which HERMÈS is known.

Seeing all three together reveals just how differently the same Cape Cod can express itself through variations in dial color, strap material, and tone.

Just as we choose shoes or a bag to complement what we are wearing, a watch can be chosen through its dial and strap as part of the way we dress.

Perhaps this is what makes the Cape Cod one of the HERMÈS watches most closely connected to fashion.

All three pieces in this arrival are also automatic.

Beyond their jewelry-like design, they offer the pleasure of a mechanical watch, brought to life by the movement of the wrist.

With vintage pieces, even the same model can be encountered with different dials, straps, and combinations, each giving the watch its own character.

This time, we are pleased to have three Cape Cod Automatic watches together, each with a distinctly different expression.

It is a rare opportunity to compare three examples side by side and choose the one that feels most naturally at home with your own style.

We hope you enjoy discovering the subtle differences between them and finding the Cape Cod that feels uniquely yours.

[Cape Cod Collection]