Embargoes are truly a watch writer’s worst enemy. After months of staring at a new watch and doing all we can not to share it with the community, it feels great to finally show you guys the new Hermès Cape Cod Shadow, a modern take on an iconic watch.
Designed in 1991 by Hermès’ artistic director Henri d’Origny, the Cape Cod’s unique “square in a rectangle case” has been an iconic piece for the maison. In not conforming to a certain case shape, the watch stands out when on the wrist. It’s also emblematic of the house’s ability to transcend gender. Thanks to its size and construction, the Cape Cod’s design has looked great both on men or women. This year, with the Cape Cod Shadow’s dark and mysterious colour combination of black and red, the brand has opted to keep the unisex appeal, leaving the watch at 29 by 29mm.
The matte black-DLC treated steel case, alongside a black calfskin leather strap with red-burnished edges make for an enticing pair – and one that suits the modern case of the Cape Cod. In other sportier watches, the black and red combination can sometimes come off as a tacky and cheap way to market “racing” but with the Cape Cod Shadow, we think it adds more panache than anything.
Powering the watch is a Swiss-made quartz movement and interestingly enough, Hermès has included an interchangeable double twirl leather strap (the one communicated in pictures) that we think might be suited for women a tad bit more. (Unless you’re Russell Brand, of course.) We had the chance to sit the watch on our wrist earlier in the year and we must say that even at its size, the Cape Cod Shadow never looked feminine in the least.
Stay tuned for updates on the story with actual wristshots once we’ve visited Hermès at the fair. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more pictures and daily updates of the latest novelties from Baselworld 2017.