Hermès Cape Cod CC1.172

18ct Rose Gold, Hermes Cape Cod Diamond Wristwatch, circa 2010

The Hermès Cape Cod watch was born in 1991 from a simple idea by designer Henri d'Origny. When asked to create a square watch, d'Origny resisted the conventional approach. Instead, he found inspiration in the Chaîne d'Ancre (anchor chain) link, a signature Hermès motif since the 1930s. He fused two anchor chain links together at their centres, creating the Cape Cod's rectangular shape with rounded corners and characteristic cut-out lugs. The result was neither square nor rectangular, but something unique to Hermès. The name "Cape Cod" evokes the New England peninsula, a favourite retreat of the Hermès family.